Kane County Reporter

The Illinois House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation in April to allow expectant mothers in their third trimester to park in handicap-designated parking spots. 

House Bill 3027 passed with bipartisan support and was co-sponsored by Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore). 

"Each of has had family members and friends experience the blessing of pregnancy, and we want them to enjoy every convenience along that journey," the Sycamore lawmaker said in an April 23 Facebook post. "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."

With the passing of the bill, women who have a valid Illinois driver's license would be able to show adequate documentation in their third trimester to park in handicap spaces. Expectant mothers would receive a free placard. The bill has support from both parties and has gained more than 50 co-sponsors. 

“This is a small, but worthwhile initiative to help make day-to-day life a little easier for our moms-to-be. Nurturing a new life, particularly during the third trimester, can make it more difficult to get around," Primary sponsor Rep. Keith Wheeler said. "Consider, for example, how many expectant mothers who work throughout pregnancy have to trudge through treacherous snow-and-ice covered parking lots during winter to get to their job. This bill is a simple, common-sense idea to make Illinois more friendly for expectant moms.”

The bill needs to pass in the Senate to be put into place.