Rockford Sun

An Illinois House representative who co-sponsored a bill that helps pregnant women in their third trimester park in handicap-designated spots praised the House’s passage of the measure on April 23. The bill was then passed by the Senate and has been sent to the governor.

State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) said in a press release that House Bill 3027 will help expectant mothers “utilize a closer parking spot” when running errands and going to doctor appointments.

“Each of (us) has had family members and friends experience the blessing of pregnancy, and we want them to enjoy every convenience along that journey,” Keicher said on Facebook on April 23. “Today the House passed a bill I co-sponsored to give expectant moms the option to obtain a free placard for their vehicle valid for 90 days permitting them to park in handicap-designated spots throughout Illinois.”

HB 3027’s primary sponsor Rep. Keith Wheeler's (R-Oswego)  said in a video on Facebook that the bill was brought to his attention by his district office director, who was going to be a father, and the expectant mother walked from a parking lot and up a hill to get to work. Her carrying a heavy work bag that distance became more difficult as her pregnancy progressed, Wheeler said.

“When this office director tried to get her a parking placard, and learned upon doing research that she wasn’t definitively eligible for getting one under current law, we brought this bill forward,” Wheeler said in the video.

Under HB 3027, expectant mothers in their third trimester who have valid Illinois driver’s licenses may receive free parking placards from driver services facilities, the press release said. The placards would allow vehicles to be parked for 90 days in handicap-designated spots in Illinois, the press release said.

HB 3027 advanced to the Senate with over 50 bipartisan co-sponsors, the press release said.