BOSTON (AP) — State Senate President Stan Rosenberg says the most significant difference between two versions of a transgender rights bill under consideration by lawmakers is the timing of when the proposed law would take effect.
The House has passed a version with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2017. A version approved by the Senate would take effect immediately upon being signed by Republican Gov. Charlie Baker.
Both versions would prohibit discrimination against transgender people in public accommodations.
The House added language to the bill that targets “improper” claims of gender identity. Rosenberg indicated Monday that he doesn’t expect this to be a sticking point in negotiations between the two chambers.
The Amherst Democrat said lawmakers are committed to completing work on the bill. The legislative session ends July 31.
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