Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 727 into law on October 10, 2025, requiring student ID cards in California’s public middle schools, high schools, and colleges to include the phone number for The Trevor Project, a leading crisis and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ youth.
Local mental health activist Bridget McCarthy of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention was on hand for the signing. “I was the lead witness [advocating for the bill] since last March, and I’ve been back to Sacramento to testify twice. When the Governor signed it, I said ‘This is for Riley!”” McCarthy’s son, who she lost to suicide several years ago, has inspired her advocacy work. “Both of them [the Governor and his partner, Jenifer Siebel Newsom] were wearing Riley buttons at the event! “
The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Mark González (D-Los Angeles), comes as the federal Republican administration is removing LGBTQ suicide prevention programs and funding. AB 727 builds on California’s 2018 suicide prevention ID card law by adding a targeted, affirming resource for LGBTQ students – many of whom face elevated risk for mental health challenges due to verbal, physical, and online harassment.
According to the Trevor Project, 35% of LGBTQ youth in California seriously considered suicide in the past year, and half who wanted mental health care did not receive it. AB 727 ensures these students don’t just have support in theory – they have it in hand, every day.
González stated “With the signing of AB 727, we’re sending a clear message: our LGBTQ+ youth are seen, valued, and never alone. AB 727 is not just a piece of legislation; it is a lifeline for our queer youth. Thank you, Governor Newsom, for standing with us to protect and affirm every young person in California.”
From the governor’s statement on the bill, “AB 727 aligns with California’s broader work and commitment to preventive mental health care under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, an effort to build a more coordinated, equitable mental health system for youth statewide.
In California, there are 11 centers that have trained crisis counselors to respond to 988 calls/chats/texts from help seekers needing support during behavioral health crises. Additionally, California offers digital mental health support for youth, young adults, and families via CalHOPE for non-crisis moments. The CalHOPE warm line connects callers to peer counselors who listen with compassion, provide non-judgmental support, and guide callers to additional mental health resources.”
The AFSP will hold their annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” this coming October 18, 2025 on the Santa Monica Pier. For more information, go to afspwalks.donordrive.com
Judith Martin-Straw
Photo L to R – Bridget McCarthy, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly member Mark Gonzalez, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
