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HF1427 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Transportation network companies required to make vehicles wheelchair accessible, nondiscrimination policies required, wheelchair accessible vehicle services account established, civil penalty provided, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1111

AI Generated Summary

This Minnesota House bill (H.F. No. 1427) aims to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities by requiring Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft to provide wheelchair-accessible services. The key provisions of the bill include:

  1. Wheelchair Accessibility Requirement: TNCs must ensure that their services include wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) equipped with ramps or lifts.

  2. Wheelchair Accessibility Surcharge: TNCs must pay a $0.15 surcharge per ride that is not wheelchair accessible. The funds collected will be deposited into a newly established Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Account.

  3. Digital Platform Accessibility: By January 1, 2026, TNC's digital platforms must be accessible to individuals with disabilities.

  4. Equity Data Reporting: Each TNC must submit an annual report (due October 1) detailing service accessibility for disabled individuals, including ride requests, trip fulfillment rates, and average wait times. Failure to show a positive impact on accessibility could result in fines of up to $15,000 per company.

  5. Nondiscrimination Policy: TNCs must implement a nondiscrimination policy that ensures equal service for disabled passengers. Key provisions include:

    • No refusals of service due to disabilities.
    • No additional fees for passengers with disabilities or service animals.
    • Drivers must assist passengers with mobility devices when possible.
    • The digital platform must allow direct WAV ride requests.
    • The company must facilitate accessible rides by providing an alternative provider when necessary.

  6. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Account & Grants:

    • A special revenue account is created to support WAV services.
    • If annual collections from the surcharge don’t reach $850,000, the general fund will cover the shortfall.
    • Grants will be available to taxi companies and independent TNC contractors maintaining at least 10% of their fleet as WAVs. Grant categories include:
      • Up to $7,500 for WAV purchase or modification.
      • Up to $3,500 for maintenance and equipment costs.
      • Up to $20 per wheelchair-accessible ride fulfilled.
      • Up to $15 for drivers working four-hour shifts providing WAV services.

  7. Local Government Licensing Incentives: Cities that regulate small vehicle passenger services can waive licensing fees for TNCs or taxi companies maintaining at least 10% of their fleet as WAVs.

This bill promotes accessibility, ensures oversight of TNCs regarding disability accommodations, provides financial incentives to increase WAV availability, and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarification on definitions applicable for understanding terms used within the new context of the law."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references the definitions applicable under section 65B.472 subdivision 1 in defining terms for transportation network company accessibility.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "65B.472"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision allowing cities to waive license fees for companies maintaining wheelchair accessible vehicle thresholds."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 221.091 subdivision 2, which governs the licensing and regulation of small vehicle passenger service by statutory or home rule charter cities.",
      "modified": [
        "Providing greater flexibility to cities on license fees for companies with wheelchair accessible vehicle thresholds."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "221.091"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provision to allow electric motors on specific passenger service vehicles like pedicabs."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies allowance for statutory or home rule charter cities to permit certain vehicles used for passenger service to have electric motors as defined under section 169.011, subdivision 27.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.011"
  }
]

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