Legislation to Watch
Choice-related legislation for the 2009-2010 legislative session.
Last updated: August 17, 2009
Pro-Choice Legislation
| Bill Number: |
AB 499 [ view bill ] |
| Status: |
Senate Committee Sen Appropriations |
| Sponsor(s): |
Atkins |
Under current law, minors in California can consent to some confidential medical services including prevention or treatment of pregnancy, and diagnosis or treatment of STIs. AB 499 expands current law to allow for minors (aged 12+) to confidentially access STI preventive care that has only recently become available. If this bill is passed, minors will be able to confidentially obtain hepatitis B Vaccinations, HPV vaccinations, and HIV prophylaxis.
| Bill Number: |
SB 299 [ view bill ] |
| Status: |
Assembly Committee Asm Appropriations |
| Sponsor(s): |
Evans |
Under current law, women are entitled to up to four months of unpaid leave for a pregnancy-related condition. However, employers are not required to continue to provide health insurance during this leave. SB 299 amends current law to guarantee the continuation of employer-provided health insurance coverage for women on pregnancy disability leave.
| Bill Number: |
SB 155 [ view bill ] |
| Status: |
Assembly Committee Asm Appropriations |
| Sponsor(s): |
Evans |
Current law requires HMO and group insurers toinclude maternity services, but individually marketed plans are not subject tothat requirement. As a result, cheaper "maternity-free" policies haveincreased. The percentage of policies containing maternity coverage has droppedfrom 82% in 2004 to only 19% in 2009, leaving a growing number of women pricedout of the insurance market. SB 155 requires that health insurers in the individual market include coverage for maternity care.
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