Y'all! We have a bill introduced in the CA Legislature! SB 372 was introduced on February 9, 2023, by CA State Senator Menjivar (D)!
The issue of transgender and non-binary CA Psychologists being deadnamed was raised to the Board of Psychology (BOP) administrative staffers & board members with zero remedy or appropriate BOP administrative action. In response to transgender & non-binary clinician inquiries regarding the removal of deadnames, the BOP alluded to consumer protection as a reason for not accommodating the requests but failed to address the Information Practices Act. The Board of Psychology falls under the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and DCA stated that they would not take action on this issue unless there was legislation mandating them. We continued to build support for this issue amongst its members as well as formed a coalition of allied health professionals and other professionals whose licensing is handled by DCA and we along with the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association continued to raise the significance for this issue to be a legislative priority to the parent organization, California Psychological Association, and eventually, the CPA Board of Directors voted to approve CPA taking action. CPA's Director of Government Affairs formed a coalition of other lobbyists (NASW-CA & CAMFT, etc.) that were able to secure an author for the bill, Senator Caroline Menjivar. What was the Deadnaming Issue is now SB 372 the Respect for Names Act and it is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee on Monday, March 27, at 12 pm.
There are a few ways you can get involved: first, email me at drtrishawallis@gmail.com if you want to get involved in a way other than listed below:
1) If you are a California Psychological Association member, come to the Lobby Day on Tuesday, March 21st to lobby for SB 372!
2) Support SB 372 by attending virtually or in person the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee on Monday, March 27th @ 12 pm at the Sacramento State Capitol Building.
3) Reach out to your legislator to encourage them to support SB 372
4) Spread the word to other organizations to encourage them to sign on for official support of SB 372!
5) email drtrishawallis@gmail.com to get a copy of the SB 372 Bill fact sheet to distribute to other supporters.