SF4699

Purpose

This bill aims to improve transportation access for people with disabilities by requiring transportation network companies (TNCs) and related providers to offer wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), establish funding and oversight for WAV services, and set standards for accessibility, nondiscrimination, and reporting.

Key Provisions and What the Bill Seeks to Accomplish

• Definitions and scope
  • Clarifies terms like transportation network company (TNC) and wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), and outlines how WAVs must be equipped (e.g., ramps or lifts for nonfolding wheelchairs, mobility devices).
• Accessibility requirements and services
  • TNCs must meet wheelchair accessibility goals, offer wheelchair accessible transportation services, and comply with state and federal standards for these services.
  • Digital networks must be accessible to people with disabilities by July 1, 2027, following ADA digital accessibility rules.
  • TNCs must provide nondiscrimination in service, not charging extra fees for disabilities, and must display fare estimates before rides are confirmed.
  • Drivers must accommodate mobility devices and allow independent transfers when possible; if a device cannot be stored or transported, passengers should be connected to another accessible option.
• Nondiscrimination and reporting
  • Requires a publicly available nondiscrimination policy, procedures to report complaints, and protections against discrimination based on disability or service needs.
  • TNCs must report annually on accessibility metrics (e.g., wait times for WAVs, rides fulfilled/denied, and best practices) with data aggregable by city.
• Funding and accounts
  • A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Account is created to collect funds from surcharges and other sources.
  • Each ride originating in Minnesota that is not accessible to wheelchair users triggers a surcharge of $0.28, with all surcharges deposited into the WAV Services Account.
  • A minimum annual collection threshold ($500,000) is set; if not met, the gap is filled by transferring money from the general fund to the WAV Services Account.
• Grants and subsidies for WAVs
  • Establishes a WAV Services Subsidy Program to reimburse individuals or organizations for purchasing, leasing, renting, or maintaining WAVs and related equipment.
  • Grants may cover vehicle purchases/modifications, maintenance, equipment costs, driver training, and related needs.
  • Eligibility requires driver’s license, I-9 verification, six months of service with the provider, and completion of disability-focused training designed by the Minnesota Council on Disability.
  • Reimbursements are structured per ride for subsidized services, with funds split between organizations and drivers; special rules apply to training and licensing costs.
• Oversight and administration
  • Creates the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Committee to oversee grants, set award criteria, and monitor the subsidy program; includes representatives from DOT, the Minnesota Council on Disability, disability advocates, TNCs, drivers, manufacturers, and dealers of WAVs.
  • Committee duties include recommending legislative changes, reviewing program performance, and managing conflict-of-interest disclosures.
• Timeline and reporting
  • Annual reporting requirements include grant awards, recipients, amounts, and how funds were used.
  • The WAV subsidy program includes a separate annual reporting requirement on reimbursements.
• Onetime appropriation
  • A one-time $250,000 general-fund appropriation in fiscal year 2027 to implement the WAV subsidy grant program.

How It Changes Existing Law

• Establishes a formal funding mechanism (the WAV Services Account) and a new subsidy program, funded by a per-ride surcharge and potential general fund transfers if minimum collections aren’t met.
• Adds comprehensive accessibility, nondiscrimination, and digital-accessibility requirements for TNCs, beyond current standards.
• Creates a dedicated governance body (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Committee) to oversee grants and program implementation.
• Introduces new reporting and data requirements to measure accessibility outcomes and program impact.

Implementation and Timeline

• Digital accessibility requirement for TNCs: by July 1, 2027.
• Equity data reporting: annually by October 1, detailing accessibility metrics for the prior year.
• Grants and subsidies: administered by the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Committee with annual grant program oversight and reporting.
• Funding and minimum collection: ongoing surcharge collection with annual minimum performance review; potential transfer from the general fund if needed.

Potential Impacts

• Increased availability of WAVs and improved access for riders with mobility disabilities.
• Higher operating costs for TNCs and taxicab companies due to surcharges, grant programs, and required training.
• Enhanced accountability and transparency around accessibility and nondiscrimination in ride-hailing and related services.
• New opportunities for disability-focused training, vehicle modification, and accessibility technology development.

Relevant terms - Transportation network company (TNC) - Wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) - Wheelchair accessible vehicle services account - Wheelchair accessible vehicle services subsidy program - Nondiscrimination policy - Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility - Surcharge (0.28 per ride) - Active fleet - Grant program and grants - Minnesota Council on Disability - Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Committee - Form I-9 Employment Verification - Driver training and licensing - Special transportation services - Nonemergency medical transportation - Service animal and nondiscrimination in services - Accessibility data reporting and equity data - Minimum collection threshold - Public complaint processes and reporting - Onetime appropriation (FY2027)