Assemblymember Ward’s Bill to Give Transgender Families the Tools to Obtain Accurate Identification Moves to the Senate

(SACRAMENTO, CA) – This week, the Assembly passed Assemblymember Chris Ward’s (D-San Diego) Assembly Bill (AB) 218, which aligns the process for updating transgender marriage certificates and the birth certificates of their children with the current process to update birth certificates.

“Obtaining accurate and consistent identifying documents is essential for individuals to participate in the basic social and economic functioning of our nation,” said Assemblymember Ward.  “Unfortunately, with only 11% of transgender individuals in the U.S. reporting that their identify documents matched their preferred name and gender identity, this is clearly not the case.  This bill resolves this issue by aligning the process for updating transgender marriage certificates and the birth certificated of their children with the process already in place for updating birth certificates.”

Current law allows transgender Californians to petition courts to change their name and gender to conform to their gender identity.  However, there is no provision in law as to the treatment of transgender marriage certificates and the birth certificates of their children.  In the event of a name or gender change on these documents, under current law, the old certificate is attached to the new certificate and the incorrect legal name is listed next to the current legal name.

AB 218 will help to protect the privacy of transgender individuals and prevent discrimination when a transgender person enrolls their child in school, applies for a loan, or seeks to make medical decisions on behalf of an incapacitated spouse.

For questions on AB 218, or to schedule an interview with Assemblymember Ward, contact Ansermio Estrada.