Revises provisions relating to health care. (BDR 40-116)
AN ACT relating to health care; prohibiting a governmental entity from substantially burdening certain activity relating to reproductive health services under certain circumstances; authorizing a person whose engagement in such activity has been so burdened to assert the violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding; authorizing a court to award damages against a governmental entity that substantially burdens such activity in certain circumstances; expanding required coverage of contraception under the State Plan for Medicaid; making appropriations to and authorizing expenditures by the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy of the Department of Health and Human Services; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.
This bill, AB383A, aims to update health care policies by preventing government bodies from imposing significant restrictions on reproductive health services under specific conditions. It allows individuals affected by such restrictions to use this as a defense or claim in court and allows courts to award damages against government entities that impose such burdens. The bill also expands the coverage of contraception under Medicaid, allocates funds for the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy, and includes other related provisions.
The bill would primarily affect individuals seeking reproductive health services and those who provide these services. By allowing legal action against government entities that impose substantial burdens, it aims to protect access to these services. The expanded Medicaid coverage ensures that more individuals can access contraceptive services without financial barriers.
The bill was last reviewed on June 3, 2025, and did not progress further. It was read in the Assembly, placed on the Chief Clerk's desk, and was scheduled for a special order of business on February 6, 2025, but no further action was taken. The legislative process has reached a standstill at this time.
