Local lawmakers split on gender-neutral option for California driver’s licenses

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a measure allowing Californians to identify their gender as “non-binary” on driver’s licenses if they don’t identify as male or female.

The bill was among the last of 977 bills that Brown acted on before a deadline Sunday night.

Legislative records show Coachella Valley lawmakers were split on their support for the bill. Sen. Jeff Stone (R-28) voted no, with Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-56) and Assemblyman Chad Mayes (R-42) voting yes. Mayes was one of only four Republicans who supported the measure.

California now joins Oregon in allowing a gender-neutral option on driver’s licenses and state identification cards. The legislation also makes it easier for people to change their names and genders on other official documents such as birth certificates.

“I am a strong supporter of our state’s history of LGBTQ civil rights leadership,” said Garcia in a statement to CBS Local 2/KESQ. “The passage of the Gender Recognition Act will allow all Californians the opportunity to obtain identification documents that accurately reflects their gender.”

A spokesman for Mayes confirmed the assemblyman’s vote but said he was traveling out of the country and unavailable for comment.

A spokesperson for Stone did not return requests for comment.

SB179 is California’s latest effort to remove barriers for LGBT residents amid a growing national discussion about gender identity. The state has banned unnecessary travel to states deemed hostile to LGBT people and has expanded gender-neutral bathrooms.

The law would be fully implemented by Jan. 1, 2019.