LINCOLN- On Friday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that California will no longer offer state-funded travel to Nebraska this year, adding the Cornhusker State to a list of around 26 other states. Once LB574, a law that will ban gender-affirming care for Nebraska youth, takes effect, which will be around October 1st, Nebraska will be officially added to the list, said Bonta. California's Attorney General claimed such a move was required under the state's AB1887, a law passed in 2016 that states that "California must take action to avoid supporting or financing discrimination" against LGBTQ people.

"These laws pose significant risks for deepening the stigmatization and alienation of LGBTQ+ youth who are already subject to pervasive discrimination, bullying, and hate crimes," said Bonta in a statement detailing the new travel ban. Under California law, states that strike down or repeal such laws can be removed from the list. Currently, LB574 is being actively challenged in court by Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, which may lead to it being struck down. Gov. Jim Pillen's Office chose not to comment on the new travel ban.

The California law includes all state employees, which could lead to complications as the University of California, Los Angeles enters the Big Ten Conference next year. UCLA faculty, staff, and students would not be allowed to use state funding to travel to Nebraska. However, an interim report from the University of California Board of Regents indicated that most of UCLA's athletics are self-funded.

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