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HB 1770

INS-HEALTH CARE/RARE CONDITION

104th Regular Session Introduced by Lindsey LaPointe and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1770 aimed to grant temporary parking certificates to pregnant women, allowing easier access to designated spaces for one year post-childbirth.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1770

Summary of House Bill 1770: Pregnancy Parking Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1770, titled the Pregnancy Parking Act, was introduced to establish a framework for issuing temporary special parking certificates to pregnant women. The intent of the bill is to provide parking privileges similar to those granted to individuals with disabilities, thereby facilitating easier access to parking for pregnant women during and after their pregnancy.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  • Temporary Special Certificate: Pregnant women, as certified by a licensed physician, would be eligible to apply for a temporary special parking certificate from the Office of Motor Vehicle (OMV). This certificate would allow them to park in designated spaces reserved for individuals with disabilities.

  • Validity Period: The temporary special certificate would remain valid for one year following the date of childbirth.

  • Administrative Responsibilities: The OMV would be tasked with:

    • Developing an application form that includes a sworn statement of pregnancy.
    • Distributing information about the Pregnancy Parking Act to law enforcement agencies.
    • Informing the public about the availability of these certificates.
    • Maintaining records of the certificates issued.
    • Including a notice with each application that outlines the requirements for using the parking privileges.

  • Regulatory Authority: The OMV would have the authority to promulgate rules necessary for the administration of the act.

Affected Parties

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be pregnant women in Arkansas who require additional parking accommodations. Additionally, law enforcement agencies and the OMV would be involved in the implementation and enforcement of the new parking regulations.

Fiscal Impact

The fiscal impact statement indicates that there would be no significant financial burden on taxpayers. However, a modification to the Arkansas Integrated Revenue System (AIRS) would incur a project cost of $32,000 for implementation.

Procedural Aspects

  • Timeline: The bill was introduced on March 12, 2025, and went through several legislative actions, including a committee review and a third reading. However, it ultimately died on the House Calendar at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025.

  • Legislative Actions:

    • March 12, 2025: Filed and referred to the Committee on Public Transportation.
    • March 18, 2025: Returned by the Committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
    • March 19, 2025: Read for the third time but failed to pass.

Conclusion

While House Bill 1770 aimed to enhance parking accessibility for pregnant women in Arkansas, it did not advance through the legislative process and ultimately did not become law. The proposed changes would have provided significant support to pregnant individuals, reflecting a growing recognition of their unique needs during pregnancy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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