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Committee advances bill allowing certified high‑risk expectant mothers access to disability parking spaces amid opposition from disability advocates
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Summary
HB1457, revised to permit certified high‑risk expectant mothers to use disability parking spaces, passed 13–3 despite concerns from disability advocates and some members that the proposal could strain limited accessible parking.
Representative Balsall presented an amendment to HB1457 designed to allow expectant mothers certified with high‑risk pregnancies by a physician to use disability parking spaces across the state. The sponsor said the revised bill would add approximately 1,200 expectant mothers to a community of about 350,000 current users of disability parking spaces.
Representative Bridal spoke against the bill, saying it has brought consternation from the disability community and warning that adding users could put pressure on disabled people who rely on accessible parking. "I do not support this bill, and I stand with the disability community who does not support this bill," Bridal said. Members asked about fiscal and practical impacts for businesses and curbside parking; the sponsor and fiscal memorandum referenced the roughly 1,200 additional users figure but did not identify business fiscal impacts in committee.
After discussion, the committee voted to pass HB1457 (13 ayes, 3 nos). The bill moves to finance for further consideration and any fiscal review.
Ending: The committee advanced the bill despite opposition from members citing disability-access impacts; staff and advocates may provide further analysis in finance.
