In the News

Bay Area Reporter: SoCal Senator Introduces Bill to Ban Insurance Discrimination

February 12, 2020

State Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) has introduced legislation to ban discrimination in insurance policies based on HIV status.

Gonzalez discussed her bill, the Equal Insurance HIV Act, at a news conference February 11 at the midtown Sacramento location of One Community Health, formerly known as the Center for AIDS Research, Education and Services, or CARES, located in that city's LGBT Lavender Heights neighborhood. (The bill has not yet been assigned a number.)

HIV Plus Mag: Senator Gonzalez Principal Co-Author of Legislation to Authorize Rapid STI Testing

February 06, 2020

Today, California state Sen. Scott Wiener is introducing a bill that will authorize HIV counselors to perform rapid syphilis tests (or any combination HIV/hep C/STI test) in addition to routine tests they are already permitted to do.

Furthermore, Senate Bill 932 will require testers and navigators to undergo HIV-specific counseling training that has been certified by the state's Office of AIDS.

California Globe: California’s Newest State Senator Lena Gonzalez Has Big Plans

June 26, 2019

California’s newest State Senator Lena Gonzalez, just won her seat for District 33 in a special election. California Globe garnered an interview with Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) after running into her on her first day in the Capitol, prior to being sworn in.