interpret tests and therapeutics. Transgender Civil Rights: The law to add "gender identity or expression" to hate crimes and employment, housing, credit and education non-discrimination laws, joining 15 other states in recognizing transgender people as a protected class, was signed by governor 11/11. Human Trafficking: The WBA supported anti-human trafficking legislation, which was signed by the governor on 11/2011. This law makes human trafficking a crime in Massachusetts. The law makes patronizing a human trafficking victim a crime and creates higher penalties for victims who are minors. This law also allows forfeited assets and fines related to human trafficking to be distributed to victims. Alimony: The WBA worked to update/reform Mass. alimony law which benefits all parties to alimony arrangements by creating different categories of alimony with set limitations. The law also provides an important safeguard for families that do not fit squarely within the guidelines by including discretion for courts to address their needs in alimony orders. Signed by the governor 9/11. WBA committees The WBA has a total of 30 committees, created to meet the individual needs of all women lawyers. Policy and general interest committees Alternative Dispute Resolution The Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee discusses issues facing women attorneys in the alternative dispute resolution area, including mediation, arbitration, and other forms of conflict management. Amicus The Amicus Committee writes amicus briefs on various issues affecting women and the law. The briefs are intended to assist the Court in resolving often controversial legal issues. Appointments, Awards & Endorsements The Appointments, Awards and Endorsements Committee ("AA&E") actively encourages and supports women interested in nomination to the bench. Business Development The mission of the Business Development Committee is to promote the success of women in the law by creating an open environment to understand and build the skills necessary to develop business. Communications The Communications Committee is dedicated to promoting the organization's public presence. Employment Issues This committee is concerned with issues affecting women in the practice of law, such as part-time work issues, issues surrounding the evaluation process, and issues concerning the so-called glass ceiling. Government Lawyers The Government Lawyers Committee addresses issues inherent in government and public service. In-House Counsel The In-House Counsel Committee of the Women's Bar Association is committed to connecting women who work in-house with each other and other members of the WBA. Judicial Pipeline The Judicial Pipeline Committee coaches women through the judicial application process