Currently, at least 24 bills in nine states focus on transgender patients, and four states in 2023 have legalized restrictions on gender-affirming care.

A coalition of 22 states argues that the vaccine mandate has intensified workforce shortages at health care facilities and limited patient access to care.

At least 20 states are pursuing legislation to limit access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, while some states have proposed legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

An analysis finds just 17 governors discussed COVID-19 in their state-of-the-state addresses, with key themes including opposition to vaccine mandates, workforce shortages, and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Active public health emergencies remain in 22 states.

The highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant has been found in all 50 states and experts warn unvaccinated individuals and younger populations are highly susceptible. This variant presents a significant threat in states with low vaccination rates, including Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada, and Utah.

At least 29 bills in 17 states involve health services for patients who are transgender, and many of these efforts specifically focus on youth populations. Several states proposed restricting access to transgender health care, by prohibiting or criminalizing gender-affirming care.

Three new National Governors Association task forces will focus on pandemic and disaster response, economic recovery and revitalization, and community renewal.

States are exploring a variety of COVID-19 recovery plans to meet their local economic and health care needs. While some states opt to follow guidance from the Trump administration and national groups, others are taking individualized approaches focused on testing and social distancing.