Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) and Representative Jared Moskowitz (D-Coral Springs) have respectively filed SB 650 and HB 669 to aid pregnant women and mothers with infants while they are shopping. If enacted, this bill would require retailers and shopping centers with more than 100 parking spaces to reserve at least one parking space for expectant mothers and to maintain one clean and private breast feeding area that is not a restroom or changing area.
“As a mother-to-be expecting twins, I’ve spent the last nine months watching moms attempt to balance it all while out in public with their babies,” stated Senator Lauren Book. “And I’ve seen that we’re just not doing enough to support women during this incredibly challenging time. A new mom simply shouldn’t have to sit on a toilet seat in a public restroom or out on a hot curb to feed their child. We need to provide more dignity, comfort and safety for both mothers and babies. This bill proposes a small change that would make a big difference.”
“Being pregnant or having an infant shouldn’t act as a deterrent for a woman wishing to go about her daily routine,” stated Representative Jared Moskowitz. “The least we can do is make being a mother a little easier by ensuring that there’s always a place to park and to feed your child. It’s just commonsense that we would do all we can to help out Florida’s wonderful mothers.”