Health care: legally protected health care activity.

Assembly Member Ward's legislation expands California's health care privacy and protection framework to include gender-affirming care alongside existing reproductive health care safeguards. The bill modifies multiple code sections to establish comprehensive confidentiality measures and enforcement mechanisms for providers, staff, and patients involved in these services.

The legislation enhances the state's Address Confidentiality Program, allowing individuals affiliated with gender-affirming or reproductive health care facilities who face threats or harassment to shield their personal information from public disclosure. Participants must document their facility association and demonstrate safety concerns through official statements or restraining orders. The program provides four-year certifications for most participants, with modified six-month terms for volunteers.

The bill prohibits posting personal information or images of covered health care providers and patients online with intent to cause harm, establishing civil remedies including injunctive relief and damages. It restricts state and local law enforcement from assisting out-of-state investigations targeting legally protected health care activities conducted lawfully in California. The legislation mandates zero-dollar bail for arrests related to these activities.

New provisions exclude testosterone and mifepristone prescriptions from California's controlled substance monitoring system (CURES), with records predating 2026 to be removed by January 2027. The Department of Justice may add other medications used in legally protected health care to this exemption list after consulting relevant stakeholders.

The bill creates enforcement mechanisms including civil penalties up to $15,000 for submitting false affidavits related to out-of-state legal proceedings. It maintains existing protections for interactive computer services unless they intentionally enable harm to covered individuals. Local agencies implementing these changes may seek state reimbursement for mandated costs beyond criminal justice modifications.