Issue
Many surveys and other data collection tools administered by state agencies in Nevada currently collect information about respondents’ demographic characteristics, such as sex and race, but do not uniformly include measures of sexual orientation or gender identity. Senate Bill 109 would require that these measures are included in state data collection instruments wherever other demographic data are collected.
Impact
Adding questions about sexual orientation and gender identity to state government surveys and other data collection instruments tools in Nevada would provide vital information about LGBT people in the state. The data would enable state agencies to monitor the health and well-being of LGBT Nevadans and ensure that services and programs are available to LGBT residents.
Summary
The testimony explains that sexual orientation and gender identity questions have been asked on government surveys for decades, including on Nevada’s youth and adult health surveys, and produce accurate and reliable information about LGBT people. The testimony also presents data showing that LGBT people were more likely to experience poverty, economic insecurity, and job instability compared to non-LGBT people, even before the COVID-19 pandemic began.