Come January 1 how California houses transgender inmates and treats LGBTQ youth sex offenders will change due to the enactment of two controversial bills lawmakers adopted in 2020. The impacts of the legislation, however, will not be felt immediately.
As of Friday incarcerated transgender individuals will be able to ask for a transfer to a state prison or detention center that matches with their gender identity. Thus, a trans woman will be able to petition state prison officials to be housed in a female prison.
It is due to Governor Gavin Newsom signing Senate Bill 132, authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). Wiener, public safety officials, and LGBTQ advocates spent several years trying to pass what was dubbed the Transgender Respect, Agency and Dignity Act.