MN
Minnesota Senate Bill SF4921

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4921

Introduced
3/13/24  

Caption

Wheelchair accessible vehicle services account establishment, transportation network companies requirement to make vehicles wheelchair accessible, providing civil penalties, and appropriation

Impact

The legislation is expected to have a notable impact on state laws governing transportation services. It introduces mandatory reporting requirements for TNCs regarding the accessibility of their services and compels them to adopt nondiscrimination policies. These changes aim to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not unjustly denied services, thereby promoting equity in transportation. The bill also allows the state to impose penalties on TNCs that fail to meet these accessibility standards and reporting requirements, establishing a more regulated framework for transportation services in Minnesota.

Summary

Senate File 4921 proposes significant changes to the operations of transportation network companies (TNCs) in Minnesota by requiring them to ensure wheelchair accessibility for their vehicles. The bill establishes a minimum surcharge per ride that is not wheelchair accessible, which will contribute to the creation of a dedicated wheelchair accessible vehicle services account. This account will be used to fund grants aimed at increasing the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, thereby enhancing mobility options for individuals with disabilities.

Contention

Several points of contention arise from this bill, primarily related to implementation and the financial implications for TNCs. Supporters argue that the bill addresses longstanding issues of accessibility in transportation services, while opponents may raise concerns about the potential financial burden on TNCs and the complexity of compliance with the new regulations. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding the adequacy of funding for the wheelchair accessible vehicle services account and whether it will sufficiently incentivize companies to enhance their fleets and service options for individuals with disabilities.

Companion Bills

MN HF4580

Similar To Wheelchair accessibility; transportation network companies required to make vehicles accessible, nondiscrimination policies required, and money appropriated.

Previously Filed As

MN HF4580

Wheelchair accessibility; transportation network companies required to make vehicles accessible, nondiscrimination policies required, and money appropriated.

MN HF1427

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

MN SF1111

Transportation network companies accessibility requirement and appropriation

MN S07611

Directs the department of transportation to conduct a study of the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, by county, in New York state outside of the city of New York; defines accessibility; requires a report to identify any existing local guidelines for accessible vehicles; directs development of benchmarks for increasing wheelchair accessible vehicles.

MN A08872

Directs the department of transportation to conduct a study of the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, by county, in New York state outside of the city of New York; defines accessibility; requires a report to identify any existing local guidelines for accessible vehicles; directs development of benchmarks for increasing wheelchair accessible vehicles.

MN SB1376

Transportation network companies: accessibility for persons with disabilities.

MN HB924

Transportation network companies; publishing & disclosure requirements.

MN HF2882

Transportation network companies governed, including an assessment imposition and reporting requirements established; account established; and money appropriated.

MN HB572

Establishes requirements for transportation network companies

MN SB361

Relating to transportation network companies.

Similar Bills

MN SF1111

Transportation network companies accessibility requirement and appropriation

MN HF4580

Wheelchair accessibility; transportation network companies required to make vehicles accessible, nondiscrimination policies required, and money appropriated.

MN HF1427

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

CA SB712

Vehicles: license plate covers.

NY S07611

Directs the department of transportation to conduct a study of the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, by county, in New York state outside of the city of New York; defines accessibility; requires a report to identify any existing local guidelines for accessible vehicles; directs development of benchmarks for increasing wheelchair accessible vehicles.

CA SB1376

Transportation network companies: accessibility for persons with disabilities.

NY A08872

Directs the department of transportation to conduct a study of the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, by county, in New York state outside of the city of New York; defines accessibility; requires a report to identify any existing local guidelines for accessible vehicles; directs development of benchmarks for increasing wheelchair accessible vehicles.

CA AB1085

License plates: obstruction or alteration.