Bill permitting pregnant people to use HOV lane passes House
Feb 6, 2023, 6:54 AM | Updated: 10:15 am
A person travels in the HOV lane on I-15 in Lehi on Thursday, July 12, 2018. (Steve Griffin/Deseret News)
(Steve Griffin/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A bill allowing pregnant women to use the HOV lane has passed the State House and will now be considered by the Senate. Rep. Stephanie Gricius sponsored the bill.
At first glance House Bill 256 appears to be one about traffic and transport legislation. However, it’s primary purpose is to classify an unborn baby as a passenger, making pregnant people count as two people in the HOV lane.
Should the bill pass, a pregnant individual will be required to provide evidence of pregnancy to avoid a citation.
The bill garnered a lot of support from anti-abortion activists who say the measure is life affirming. Those opposing the bill say it is a waste of legislative resources and does not do anything to take vehicles off the roads, which is the purpose of the HOV lane.
The bill passed the House 49 to 23. It’s unclear as to when the bill will be heard in the Senate.
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