NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A sponsor of a Tennessee transgender bathroom bill has told a finance committee that he has to consider a state attorney general's opinion before going forward.
A member of the Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee said Tuesday that the bill may have to be heard after the budget is passed because of the potential financial impact to the state.
State Attorney General Herbert Slatery issued on opinion Monday that said federal education funding could be at risk if the measure becomes law, thereby placing more than $1 billion of federal education funds at risk.
Under the proposal, students in public grade schools and universities would be required to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender at birth.
Gov. Bill Haslam has raised concerns that the state could lose money.