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 July 6 could get final votes in both chambers and be sent by July 7 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.
