Sponsor · State Senator, District 47 · Democratic
Senate bill · S9996 (2025-26)
Requires all municipalities to update all applicable forms and data systems to include a gender "x" option
Summary
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.
Your position on this bill
Not chosen yet
Where it stands
Out of committee and scheduled for a vote by the full chamber.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
New York State Senate
Same as A32, the matching bill in the Assembly.
Amends the Civil Rights Law.
Committee
Codes · New York State Assembly
Also referred to Codes · New York State Senate, Governmental Operations · New York State Assembly, Ways and Means · New York State Assembly.
Purpose, from the sponsor's memo
To expand civil rights Gender X provisions to include all municipalities
Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)
Cosponsors
The sponsor's argument
Why Erik Bottcher says this is needed
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.
This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.
Full history
- Apr 21, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO CODES
NY Senate
- Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
- Feb 25, 2025
Reported out of committee
REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
- Jan 8, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
NY Assembly
About this record
- Summary
The summary comes from NY Open Legislation, the New York State Senate's public record. For more, see How we handle summaries.
- Cosponsors
The list shows the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.
- Party colors
Parties are shown in the same neutral colors.
- Source
From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Oct 28, 2026. About our data
Read the record
- Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.