Agreement reached on Massachusetts Transgender Rights Bill
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts House and Senate negotiators have reached agreement on a bill that would expand anti-discrimination protections for the state's transgender residents.
The compromise announced on Wednesday could get final votes in both chambers and be sent by Thursday to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who's expected to sign it.
The measure would allow people to use restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identities, among other things.
A six-member conference committee resolved differences between versions of the bill approved first in the Senate and later in the House.
The compromise includes a provision from the original House version that calls for sanctions against anyone who makes an "improper" claim of gender identity.
Another compromise would make the proposal effective on Oct. 1.
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