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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

The bill requires transportation network companies (such as rideshare services) in Minnesota to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Key provisions include:

  1. Wheelchair Accessibility Surcharge: Companies must pay a $0.15 surcharge per non-wheelchair-accessible ride, with funds deposited into a special account for accessible services.

  2. Technology Accessibility: By January 1, 2026, their digital platforms must be accessible to users with disabilities.

  3. Equity Data Report: Companies must submit an annual report detailing service accessibility, including the number of wheelchair-accessible rides requested, fulfilled, or denied. Noncompliance could result in a fine of up to $15,000 per company.

  4. Nondiscrimination Policy: Companies must implement a publicly available nondiscrimination policy that includes:

    • Equal service for all passengers, regardless of disability.
    • No extra fees for individuals with disabilities or their service animals.
    • Options for disabled passengers to request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
    • Consequences for drivers who deny service based on protected characteristics.

  5. Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Account & Grants:

    • A special fund is created to support vehicle accessibility improvements.
    • A minimum of $850,000 must be collected annually, with deficits covered by the general fund.
    • Taxicab companies with at least 10% of their fleet as accessible vehicles and qualifying independent contractors are eligible for grants.
    • Grants are available for vehicle modifications (up to $7,500), maintenance (up to $3,500), and incentives for drivers providing accessible rides ($20 per ride, $15 per shift).

  6. Local Government Regulation: Cities may waive license fees for companies maintaining 10% or more of their fleet as wheelchair accessible.

The bill aims to increase service accessibility for individuals with disabilities, establish funding for necessary vehicle modifications, and enforce compliance through reporting and penalties.

Bill text versions

Actions

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

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Cities may waive license fees for companies with accessible fleets."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies small vehicle passenger service regulations under section 221.091.",
      "modified": [
        "Revised regulatory language to support accessibility."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "221.091",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors