FLASHREPORT

AB 1940, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore's bill to grant pregnant women temporary disabled parking passes, failed to make it out of the Assembly Transportation Committee this afternoon. In an unusual move, every member of the committee abstained from the vote with the exception of Cathleen Galgiani (Yes) and Betty Karnette (No), the final vote being 1 to 1 (there are 14 committee members).   

Assemblyman DeVore had offered an amendment to the bill that would have prevented use of the permits in paid municipal meters, which already have high usage in urban locations.  The National Organization for Women testified in opposition to the bill, once again proving the hypocrisy of their group's title. Responding to their allegations that AB 1940 classified pregnant women as disabled, DeVore stated that pregnancy is a temporary state, not a permanent disability, much like when an athlete is injured and needs some assistance for a few months. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists argued that such permits would discourage women from getting exercise. DeVore countered that many of the stories coming in to his office were from mothers who actually turn around and go home, rather than wait for a closer parking spot, and miss out on the exercise and errand. The bill was granted reconsideration, but Betty Karnette offered her own solution: "This is why we need a man around the house."