California has broadened its state-funded travel restrictions to include Missouri, Nebraska, and Wyoming. This action follows recently enacted legislation in these states that prevents transgender students from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity. Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the expansion on Friday, citing California Assembly Bill 1887, which mandates these travel restrictions for states with discriminatory laws.

Bonta criticized the legislation as part of a troubling national trend targeting the transgender community and eroding established protections. He specifically pointed to the detrimental impact on transgender youth, who are barred from sports and face limitations in accessing gender-affirming healthcare. Bonta characterized these laws as discriminatory and an instance of government overreach.

In Missouri, Governor Mike Parson recently signed bills prohibiting transgender surgeries and puberty blockers for minors, while also restricting sports participation based on biological sex. Parson defended his actions as supporting fairness for female athletes. The Missouri law, effective August 28th, restricts healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming care to minors, impacting Medicaid coverage for such treatments. Adults will still generally have access, though Medicaid will not cover the procedures.

With this addition, nineteen states have now implemented restrictions or bans on gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Legal challenges have emerged, with federal judges blocking enforcement in Alabama and Arkansas, and Oklahoma temporarily halting its ban amidst legal opposition.