Florida's Pregnancy Parking Law Challenged

0:00It's April 16th. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Tampa Bay News today, your AI-powered local news. A legal fight is heating up in Florida over a law that lets pregnant women snag temporary disabled parking spots. Past last year, it aims to help moms to be with mobility issues, but disability rights groups just filed an expanded lawsuit claiming it breaks. Federal Americans with Disabilities act rules by crowding out real accessible spaces. The push came from state rep Fiona McFarland, who drew from her own tough pregnancy in Florida's brutal summer heat when walking far felt. Impossible. She figured it would ease the strain for other women without hurting anyone else. Advocates are fired up, pointing out parking shortages already plagued folks with disabilities. Federal rules only require 2-4% of spots. To be accessible, yet up to 20% of drivers in the state have permits. Groups like United Spinal Association say thousands of these 10 passes have been issued, making the problem

1:00worse. This week's beefed-up complaint demands a judge halt the whole law and scrap all those permits. No word yet on court dates, but both sides agree. No one's trying to leave pregnant women stranded. Instead of clashing over the same spots, advocates push for separate pregnancy parking to keep peace and make sure everyone gets closer access when. They need it most.