CARSON CITY — Nevada lawmakers are advancing a measure that would mandate foster care facilities and juvenile courts treat transgender children as their identifying gender.
Many treatment and detention centers are segregated by biological sex. Assembly Bill 99 aims to put minors in appropriate facilities.
The bill would also establish training for state employees and foster parents on working with foster kids who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning their sexuality.
Supporters say that could increase children's chances of getting placed in a welcoming home.
Republican Sen. Joseph Hardy is concerned it would burden care providers.
State senators voted 18-2 Tuesday to pass the bill with an amendment directing the state to protect children from rape while in correctional facilities.
After a procedural Assembly vote, the bill would move to Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval.