Texas House Passes HOV Bill for Mothers
Mothers on the move in Texas may be getting places a bit quicker, as the House passed a bill expanding access to the HOV lane on Saturday, according to FOX4.
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The bill allows a pregnant woman, parent or legal guardian to use the HOV lane, also known as the high-occupancy vehicle lane, regardless of how many occupants are in the vehicle. When the bill was first filed by Rep. Jeff Leach, it only covered pregnant women. Rep. Gina Hinojosa introduced an amendment that expanded the coverage of the bill to mothers and legal guardians.
“Mothers work overtime,” Hinojosa said. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we gave mothers a benefit and allowed them free access to the HOV lanes so that we can encourage their work?”
Next the bill is headed to the Senate Transportation Committee.
Where the Bill Comes From
In 2022, a 34-weeks-pregnant Brandy Bottone was pulled over and given a ticket for driving in the HOV lane without another occupant on Highway 75. Bottone argued that because Roe v. Wade was overturned, her fetus counted as another person, and therefore should be allowed to use the HOV lane.
