SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Transgender Californians will have the right to have their gender identity properly recognized on death certificates under legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The governor announced Friday that he signed AB1577, the “Respect After Death Act,” introduced by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, a fellow Democrat from San Diego.

Starting in July 2015, the legislation requires the person who fills out a death certificate for a transgender person to record the sex that reflects his or her gender identity.

Under the law, this would be determined by the person who is in the best position to know.

If there is a dispute, the most recent document specifying the gender prevails. If multiple people claim to be the person who should decide the gender, they will be able to petition a court to settle the matter.

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