This resolution urges the Governor and California Legislature to ensure that residents changing their name or gender marker can do so privately, with their petitions and court orders sealed from public access. It also allows individuals the choice to opt-out of these privacy protections if they prefer to proceed publicly.
Resolution urging Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature to extend privacy and safety measures to guarantee that all residents petitioning the California Superior Court for an order changing their name or gender marker for the purpose of reflecting their authentic gender identity, can proceed under seal, and that both the petition and the final court order would be sealed from public viewing, with an option for the petitioner to elect to opt-out of these protections and proceed publicly.
How it got here
This legislation originated from the need to enhance privacy protections for transgender and non-binary individuals seeking name and gender changes in California courts.
The California Legislature passed SB 179, which eliminated the requirement for transgender individuals to disclose personal medical information when petitioning for name and gender changes.
Supervisor Ronen introduced a resolution urging the Governor and California Legislature to extend privacy measures for residents petitioning for name and gender changes.
The Board of Supervisors adopted the resolution, which calls for sealing petitions and court orders related to name and gender changes to protect the privacy of individuals.
The Mayor returned the resolution unsigned, but it became effective without her approval due to the time limit set by the Charter.
The Clerk of the Board transmitted copies of the adopted resolution to Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature, urging action on the proposed privacy measures.
Reconstructed from attached documents & the official record
