Bill to limit public disclosure of past gender‑marker records draws emotional testimony

The committee heard testimony on substitute Senate Bill 60 81, which would restrict public disclosure of information related to changes in a person's *** designation in Department of Licensing and Department of Health records. Staff said the bill would expand exemptions under the Public Records Act, prohibit displaying indicators of a previous designation on credentials issued after a change, and require supporting documentation for vital‑record changes to be sealed.

Proponents—legal advocates, civil‑rights and LGBTQ groups, and individuals with lived experience—testified that public disclosure of such information has led to doxxing, harassment, threats and forced relocation. Dana Savage (assistant attorney general) and several community speakers said the bill preserves lawful government access for courts and law enforcement while drawing necessary lines between public inspection and government use.

Opponents, including at least one committee member who testified remotely, argued the bill would make official records less reliable for medical, institutional and legal uses and said existing laws already address harassment. The committee pressed staff for detail on parental access and possible effects on minor records; staff said the bill did not directly change parental access rights, but Department of Health authority to deny access for cause could come into play in limited circumstances.

Several organizational speakers asked for clarification and safeguards in the bill language to preserve necessary access by courts and agencies. Committee members closed public testimony and scheduled the bill for executive session next week.