Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessibility Parking topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to allow temporary placards for expectant mothers
Summary
The subcommittee voted 7‑2 to send HB 1457 to the full Transportation Committee after sponsor said the bill would allow temporary placards for expectant mothers in their second or third trimesters or with high‑risk pregnancies; members raised concerns from disability advocates.
Representative Balsall described HB 1457 as an amendment to the Disabled Drivers Act of 1975 to permit temporary placards for expectant mothers in their second or third trimesters or those with high‑risk pregnancies, available for up to six months. "It seeks to amend the Disabled Drivers Act of 1975 to allow expectant mothers... to have temporary placard for the 6 month period of their pregnancy," the sponsor said, adding the fiscal note estimates about 5% of eligible expectant mothers would use the placards.
Committee members acknowledged the intent but raised concerns from disability advocates about shrinking limited disabled parking. President Renaud suggested narrowing eligibility to third trimester and high‑risk pregnancies or piloting the program, asking, "Would you be open to restricting this to the 3rd pregnancy and high risk mothers and then potentially also doing this for a pilot program?" The committee voted 7‑2 to send the bill to the full Transportation Committee; the sponsor said he would continue dialogue with disability groups and consider amendments.
