AB 588

This bill establishes that a person has a statutory right to obtain contraceptives and to engage in contraception and, further, that a health care provider has a corresponding right to provide contraceptives, contraception, and contraception-related information. Under the bill, these rights may not be limited or otherwise infringed through any limitation or requirement that 1) expressly, effectively, implicitly, or as implemented singles out the provision of contraceptives, contraception, or contraception-related information; health care providers who provide contraceptives, contraception, or contraception-related information; or facilities in which contraceptives, contraception, or contraception-related information is provided; and 2) impedes access to contraceptives, contraception, or contraception-related information. The bill provides that a party may defend against a claim that a limitation or requirement violates the rights established under the bill by establishing, by clear and convincing evidence, both that the limitation or requirement significantly advances the safety of contraceptives, contraception, and contraception-related information and that the safety of contraceptives, contraception, and contraception-related information or the health of patients cannot be advanced by a less restrictive alternative measure or action.

The bill specifically provides that neither the state nor any political subdivision of the state may administer, implement, or enforce any law, rule, regulation, standard, or other provision having the force and effect of law in a manner that 1) prohibits or restricts the sale, provision, or use of any contraceptives that have been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for contraceptive purposes; 2) prohibits or restricts any person from aiding another person in obtaining any contraceptives approved by the FDA or contraceptive methods; or 3) exempts any contraceptives approved by the FDA from any other generally applicable law in a way that would make it more difficult to sell, provide, obtain, or use those contraceptives or contraceptive methods. The bill allows the attorney general on behalf of the state or any individual or entity, including any health care provider or patient, to bring a cause of action for a violation of the provisions of the bill.