State Department of Labor officials will conduct a study of the employment picture facing transgender people in New York as part of a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

"As the birthplace of the movement for LGBTQ+ equality, New York must always push forward to ensure all New Yorkers are treated with dignity and respect," Hochul said. "For too long, trans individuals -- especially in communities of color -- have faced significant obstacles to economic success. That's unacceptable. Thanks to this new law, New York will be able to study these inequities so we can develop the legislative solutions to eliminate them once and for all."

The study is meant to determine whether there is a gap in the employment rate between transgender New Yorkers and other people living and working in the state. 

Labor officials will be conducting the survey in conjunction with the Division of Human Rights. The goal is to potentially develop future legislation that would be specific to the needs facing transgender people. Hochul pointed to nationwide studies that have found higher rates of joblessness among transgender people as well as discrimination in the workplace and harassment. 

"Unfortunately, transgender people still face discrimination and other barriers in obtaining and keeping jobs," said state Assemnblywoman Amy Paulin, who sponsored the provision with state Sen. Kevin Parker. "This study will provide the data we need as policymakers to craft effective solutions to end these disparities."