According to a report by WSMV, Tennessee State Representative Gino Bulso, a Republican from Brentwood, introduced House Bill 1457 in Nashville, aiming to expand access to temporary disabled parking permits for certain pregnant women. The legislation would allow women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy, or those experiencing high-risk pregnancies, to qualify for these permits, enabling them to use handicapped parking spaces. In a statement, Rep. Bulso emphasized the physical challenges of pregnancy, noting that “expectant mothers often experience mobility issues and other side effects that can make daily tasks physically demanding,” and framed the bill as a way to “recognize the importance of welcoming new life into the world by helping alleviate some of the hardships associated with pregnancy.”

Under current Tennessee law, temporary and permanent disabled parking placards are issued to individuals with specific conditions, such as wheelchair dependency, significant difficulty walking, severe vision impairment (20/200 or worse even with corrective lenses), use of braces or crutches, pulmonary or cardiac issues, or parents of permanently disabled children. Applications require certification from a physician. The proposed bill would add qualifying pregnant women to this list, requiring similar medical documentation.

If passed, Tennessee would join a small number of states with comparable provisions. Florida implemented a similar law in 2025, allowing pregnant women at any stage to obtain permits with a doctor’s note, while Illinois has permitted third-trimester pregnancies since 2022. Other states, including Ohio, Arizona, and South Carolina, have recently considered or debated similar measures, often highlighting support for families amid broader discussions on accessible parking shortages and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The bill is scheduled for consideration in the 2026 legislative session of the Tennessee General Assembly, which convenes on January 13, 2026. As a newly filed proposal, it has not yet advanced through committees, and its passage remains uncertain.