Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the transgender and gender non-binary wellness and equity program and associated funds.

Highlights:

• Amends existing public health and state finance law to enact the Lorena Borjas transgender and gender non-binary wellness and equity fund (Sec. 1).

• Requires the department to establish through the AIDS Institute a transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) wellness and equity program within 60 days of the effective date of this provision, with the following specifications (Sec. 2):

• That “gender expansive” means a transgender, gender non-binary, gender non-conforming, or intersex individual having a gender identity or expression that is different than the one said individual was assigned at birth;

• That “intersex” means a biological variation in which an individual is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that does not fit the typcial definitions of female or male;

• That the program increases the capacity of local organizations and ensures that the New York state invests in organizations serving gender expansive individuals;

• That the program promotes cultural competency programs or curriculum designed by or in consultation with gender expansive individuals to increase cultural competency about said individuals;

• That the program addresses current inequities in funding distribution for organizations serving gender expansive individuals;

• That the program provides job training and placement services for unemployed gender expansive residents of New York state;

• That the program decreases homelessness and increases access to social services for gender expansive individuals by investing in organizations that provide housing solutions for said individuals; and

• That the program provides support for leadership building capacity in those organizations.

• Authorizes the use of TGNB wellness and equity fund appropriations for all of the following (Sec. 2):

• For identifying the above mentioned organizations;

• For providing grants to the above mentioned organizations for assisting in providing supportive housing solutions to gender expansive individuals;

• For creating and funding existing programs that primarily coordinate inclusive health care for gender expansive individuals;

• For providing grants to increase the capacity of health care professionals to provide gender-affirming care, including funding educational materials and training programs;

• For providing grants for behavioral health, mental health, and substance use services designed by or in consultation with gender expansive individuals for gender expansive individuals and families;

• For providing grants for educational and vocational training programs to increase employment status and educational attainment level of gender expansive individuals; and

• For providing funds for data collection on gender identity and expression in New York state.

• Establishes and appropriates the transgender and gender non-binary wellness and equity program fund for the purpose of funding the TGNB wellness and equity program (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text