LINCOLN- In July, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that Nebraska would be the 26th state to join a state-funded travel ban for having a law on the books that he says discriminates 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," Bonta said at the time.

However, Nebraska, which was set to be added to California's list on October 1st, when LB574, a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors, becomes law, will no longer join the 25 states already on it. California's Senate President pro-Tempore Toni Atkins recently sponsored a measure to repeal the 2016 law restricting state-funded travel, saying that the bill would actually further isolate LGBTQ people in the affected states. Atkins' measure was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday.

"At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and protections are being rescinded, and the very words we use are being weaponized, putting understanding and kindness at the forefront is more important than ever," said Atkins, "The goal here is to speak to people's hearts and open minds." Next year, the University of California, Los Angeles is set to join the Big Ten Conference alongside Nebraska and three other states on California's list. With the recent change in California law, UCLA faculty, staff, and students will now be able to travel to Nebraska using state funding.

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