California Bill Aims to Block Federal Subpoenas for Abortion and Trans Care Data
California is advancing Assembly Bill 1930, legislation designed to protect patient privacy by restricting compliance with federal subpoenas seeking records related to abortion and gender-affirming care. The bill responds to recent actions by the Trump administration, including subpoenas issued to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and other providers investigating youth transgender care. Under the proposed law, medical providers and businesses must notify the state attorney general, patients, and other involved parties before releasing any protected health information. They are prohibited from complying with federal demands unless the requesting entity provides an affidavit stating the investigation is not intended to punish providers for legally protected services. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $15,000. While supporters argue the measure safeguards citizens from federal overreach, legal experts warn it may face constitutional challenges by placing providers in conflict between state and federal laws. The bill, co-sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta, has passed initial legislative hurdles on a party-line vote and is scheduled for further committee review. This move highlights escalating tensions between California’s progressive healthcare policies and conservative federal efforts to restrict reproductive and transgender rights.
Wire timeline
California Bill Aims to Block Federal Subpoenas for Abortion and Trans Care Data
California is advancing Assembly Bill 1930, legislation designed to protect patient privacy by restricting compliance with federal subpoenas seeking records related to abortion and gender-affirming care. The bill responds to recent actions by the Trump administration, including subpoenas issued to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and other providers investigating youth transgender care. Under the proposed law, medical providers and businesses must notify the state attorney general, patients, and other involved parties before releasing any protected health information. They are prohibited from complying with federal demands unless the requesting entity provides an affidavit stating the investigation is not intended to punish providers for legally protected services. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $15,000. While supporters argue the measure safeguards citizens from federal overreach, legal experts warn it may face constitutional challenges by placing providers in conflict between state and federal laws. The bill, co-sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta, has passed initial legislative hurdles on a party-line vote and is scheduled for further committee review. This move highlights escalating tensions between California’s progressive healthcare policies and conservative federal efforts to restrict reproductive and transgender rights.
AP News