*VPM Intern Patrick Larsen reported this story.
A bill that would make it easier for transgender Virginians to request an updated copy of their birth certificate passed its first hurdle Tuesday.
Katelyn O’Brien, a transgender woman who advocated for the bill, says it would help her do things like open a bank account and access health care coverage.
“These are barriers that become present when you can’t get documents needed to access those things," she said.
Transgender Virginians do currently have a way to update their birth certificate, but have to go to court to get documents proving they have transitioned. Advocates say that creates an unfair burden.
The bill still has to pass the Senate Health and Education Committee before it can be considered by the full Senate.