LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, on World Mental Health Day, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 727, legislation authored by Assemblymember Mark González (D–Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, to ensure that California students have access to life-saving mental health resources.
The bill comes in direct response to President Donald Trump's recent termination of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program – a move that stripped vulnerable youth of critical, affirming support during times of crisis.
Since 2022, 988—the nation's official hotline for suicide prevention and crisis management—has collaborated with several non-profit organizations that offer specialized services designed to prevent LGBTQ+ youth suicide. Under the order of the President, the hotline had no dedicated means of connecting LGBTQ+ youth with specialized providers.
The signing of AB 727 sends a clear message to this federal administration: in California, we prioritize lives over political gambits.
"When Donald Trump and the federal government turn their backs on LGBTQ+ youth, California steps up," said Assemblymember González. "With the signing of AB 727, we're sending a clear message: our LGBTQ+ youth are seen, valued, and never alone. AB 727 is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our queer youth. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for standing with us to protect and affirm every young person in California."
"Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen for who they are. While some in Washington turn their backs on LGBTQ youth, California is choosing compassion over cruelty," said Governor Newsom. "AB 727 makes it clear: your identity doesn't disqualify you from care and community – it's exactly why we are fighting to make it easier to reach."
"As the Trump Administration continues to abandon LGBTQ+ youth in crisis, California is once again leading with compassion and common sense," said Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis. "I'm proud to have co-sponsored Assemblymember González's AB 727, which ensures that students have immediate access to life-saving resources from The Trevor Project right on their school ID card. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for signing this bill into law and making it clear that protecting LGBTQ+ youth is not up for debate in our state. California will never waver in defending everyone's right to live authentically, safely, and with dignity—no matter what happens in Washington."
AB 727, authored by Assemblymember González, will require student ID cards for grades 7–12 and at institutions of higher education to include the Trevor Project's LGBTQ+ Crisis Support Line, providing immediate access to life-saving resources and crisis intervention.
Further, the state is investing a historic $4.7 billion into the Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health—including partnerships with organizations that are working to address suicide prevention, such as the Trevor Project.
The issue of LGBTQ+ youth suicide is not getting better:
In the United States, schools should be a safe place to learn. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), schools were the third most common location for hate crimes to be reported against LGBTQ+ youth in the United States. These incidents more than doubled between 2018 and 2022.
Studies have consistently shown the need for increased specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. The Centers for Disease Control, for example, have highlighted the horrific statistics. In a report, they found that 20% of surveyed students who identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual reported having attempted suicide, compared to 6% of their heterosexual peers. This reality jumps to nearly 26% for transgender high school students.
Though modest in scope, AB 727 represents a meaningful step toward creating safer, more affirming school environments across California.
Assemblymember Mark González is the Assembly Majority Whip. He represents the 54th Assembly District, composed of the cities of Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, and Vernon.
CONTACT: Jaspreet Johl; Jaspreet.Johl@asm.ca.gov; (916) 335-8871
Kyle Johnson; Kyle.Johnson@asm.ca.gov; (925) 549-2030
