New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Democrat Massachusetts Senator Karen Spilka is presenting legislation to allow Massachusetts residents to identify as “X” instead of male or female on their driver’s licenses. Earlier this month, Oregon became the first state to start issuing gender-neutral driver’s licenses and state ID cards.
Senator Karen Spilka’s proposed legislation Massachusetts reads:
“Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, an applicant shall be permitted to designate “X” in lieu of “male” or “female” on a driver’s license issued pursuant to section 8 of chapter 90, a learner’s permit issued pursuant to section 8B of chapter 90, an identification card issued pursuant to section 8E of chapter 90 or a liquor purchase identification card issued pursuant to section 34B of chapter 138. No documentation shall be required for such designations. The registrar of motor vehicles may promulgate regulations to implement this act.”
On August 24, 2017, the bill has been referred to the committee on Rules of the two branches, acting concurrently, which Senator Spilka is the Senate Vice Chair.
Senator Karen Spilka represents the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk district that includes the towns of Ashland, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway and Natick.
