Committee hears bill to create one‑year pregnancy placard to ease parking for expectant and postpartum mothers

Representatives Work Man and Matthews presented sponsor testimony on House Bill 450, which would authorize a pregnancy windshield placard valid for one year (the pregnancy period plus three months postpartum). Under the bill as presented, an applicant must submit a completed Bureau of Motor Vehicles application that includes a prescription (a health‑care provider statement) with the due date; a pregnant applicant may apply at any point once she obtains the provider certification.

Representative Matthews described common late‑pregnancy mobility challenges — swelling, shortness of breath, back pain — and framed the placard as a safety and accessibility measure that mirrors the standard used for temporary placards (which currently are limited to disabilities expected to last less than six months). "Many women in their third trimester experience swelling in their legs and feet... and simple tasks like walking across a large parking lot ... can be at times even unsafe," Matthews said. Sponsors pointed to similar programs in Illinois and Florida and to some retailers that make pregnancy parking available voluntarily.

Committee members expressed concern about capacity and unintended impacts on people with permanent physical disabilities. Ranking Member Lett and Representative Fowler Arthur asked whether adding pregnancy placards could reduce availability for people who need accessible van spaces and whether federal ratio requirements could be affected. Representative Richardson suggested the committee consider shortening the placard duration (to six or nine months) to reduce competition for spaces. Sponsors said they would consult with the BMV, including suggested BMV language, and are willing to revise the bill to address capacity and administrative burdens (for example, streamlining application processes). No vote was taken at the first hearing.