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Debate over temporary pregnancy parking permit bill lays bare split between accommodation advocates and disability groups
Summary
Senate Bill 547, which would allow pregnant people to receive temporary parking permits, drew supportive testimony from the sponsor and pregnant proponents but strong opposition from disability-rights and independent-living organizations. The committee did not vote; members agreed to delay executive action to allow further work on the bill.
Senate Transportation Committee members heard competing testimony on Senate Bill 547, which would create a temporary parking permit for pregnant people. The committee recessed action on the bill to allow further drafting and stakeholder negotiation.
Senator Shane Morigeau, sponsor of SB 547, told the committee the proposal would expand access to a temporary parking permit currently available under Montana’s temporary disability placard rules and said the bill is intended to give expecting people an easy option for short-term relief: “it tells women that we understand, we appreciate you, and we wanna give you an option.”
Proponents included pregnant residents and local advocates who described first-trimester nausea, fatigue, mobility challenges, and hardship managing errands and small children without closer parking. Bracha Tenenbaum, who testified she is three and a half months pregnant, said having “the option to…
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