New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09996

Introduced
4/21/26  

Caption

Requires all municipalities that collect demographic information about a person's gender or sex to update all applicable forms and data systems to include a gender "x" option.

Impact

If enacted, S09996 will require local governments across New York State to revise existing demographic data collection practices. Municipalities must update both physical forms and online services to accommodate this new gender designation. This change could have wide-reaching implications for how demographics are recorded and processed, creating a uniform standard for gender identification across various governmental entities.

Summary

Bill S09996 seeks to amend New York's civil rights law by requiring all municipalities to update their forms and data systems to include a gender 'x' option. This bill reflects a growing recognition of non-binary and gender non-conforming identities, allowing individuals to select a designation that more accurately reflects their gender identity. By mandating this change, the bill aims to enhance inclusivity and ensure that all citizens feel represented in governmental documentation.

Conclusion

Overall, S09996 represents a meaningful step towards greater acknowledgment of gender diversity within state law. The bill emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and the need for governmental practices to evolve alongside societal understandings of gender. As it undergoes further discussions and legislative processes, the bill may highlight the varying perspectives on gender identities and the rights of individuals to self-identify.

Contention

Though the bill is poised to advance civil rights for many individuals, it may encounter resistance from certain groups. Potential points of contention include concerns over logistical challenges and costs associated with updating systems and forms. Additionally, some individuals may argue against the necessity of introducing a non-binary gender option, which could lead to debates on the appropriateness of altering existing systems.

Companion Bills

NY A00032

Same As Requires all municipalities that collect demographic information about a person's gender or sex to update all applicable forms and data systems to include a gender "x" option.

Previously Filed As

NY A00032

Requires all municipalities that collect demographic information about a person's gender or sex to update all applicable forms and data systems to include a gender "x" option.

NY S06909

Requires all municipalities that collect demographic information about a person's gender or sex to update all applicable forms and data systems to include a gender "x" option.

NY A1362

Requires modernization of all State blanks, forms, documents, and applications to incorporate new standards for collection of information about sex, gender, and sexual orientation.

NY S1633

Requires State blanks, forms, documents, and applications to incorporate new standards for collection of information about sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

NY S07664

Requires the collection of certain demographic information by state agencies, boards, departments and commissions.

NY S07466

Requires any entity doing business in this state and engaged in the business of mass-transportation of the general public on an airplane, railroad train, bus or cruise ship to update its reservation, ticketing and check-in website applications to include an additional gender marker option to allow travelers to select their gender based on self-attestation, regardless of the sex assigned at birth; provides exceptions.

NY SB1387

State agencies: collection and reporting of demographic data: Jewish identity.

NY A08101

Establishes the New York Data Protection Act; requires government entities and contractors to disclose certain personal information collected about individuals.

NY HB06847

An Act Concerning An Evaluation Of The Updating Of State Forms And Applications To Include A Nonbinary Gender Option.

NY SB1114

Data collection: sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status: disclosure.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.