Senate Bill S8680

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8680A

SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the civil rights law, in relation to requiring all muni-
cipalities to update all applicable forms and data systems to include a
gender "x" option

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To expand civil rights Gender X provisions to include all municipalities

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1(1) adds a new section 79-r to the civil rights law, which
provides for municipalities that collect demographic information to
include an option gender "x" for gender or sex.

Section 1(2) provides that municipalities shall update physical and
online forms and data systems in the regular course of business to
include a gender "x" option.
              

Section 2 establishes the effective date.

 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):

The amended version of this bill deletes the deadline for municipalities
to comply with this bill and removes the requirement for municipalities
which do not comply to post a written progress report.  The amended bill
also describes how municipalities shall update their forms.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

New York driver's licenses and U.S.  passports now offer an 'X' gender
marker alongside 'F' and 'M,' and this bill extends this inclusivity to
local municipal governments. In recent years, there has been a growing
recognition of the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity in
official documents and forms. A key aspect of this movement is the
inclusion of a non-binary or 'X' gender marker option alongside the
traditional 'F' for female and 'M' for male markers.

Section 79-q of the civil rights law requires state agencies to provide
gender options F, M and X on physical forms, online forms and data
systems. This bill extends such requirements to municipalities with
compliance by January 1, 2026.

New York, through the passaae of a bill passed by this legislative body,
has made it possible for residents to select a gender marker on their
drivers licenses that represents their gender identity, reducing
discrimination and discomfort faced by those whose gender identity
doesn't conform to the binary 'F' or 'M' options.  Additionally, the
U.S. Department of State, responsible for issuing passports, has made it
possible to choose an 'X' gender marker on passport applications. Having
the "X" gender marker option at the municipal level reduces the poten-
tial for errors and discrepancies in government records. Allowing indi-
viduals to choose a gender marker that aligns with their identity
promotes accurate record-keeping and minimizes the need for costly and

time-consuming corrections or updates, benefiting both individuals and
government agencies.

The inclusion of an 'X' gender marker option on forms is a significant
step towards promoting inclusivity, respect, and accurate record-keeping
and creates a more welcoming and equitable society for all.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:

None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.