SF 4699

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/24/2026 10:49 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; requiring transportation network companies to make
vehicles wheelchair accessible; requiring nondiscrimination policies; establishing
wheelchair accessible vehicle services account; establishing wheelchair accessible
vehicle services subsidy program; requiring reports; appropriating money; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 221.091, subdivision 2; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 221.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 221.091, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Small vehicle passenger service.

(a) A statutory or home rule charter city that
licenses and regulates small vehicle passenger service must do so by ordinance. The ordinance
must, at a minimum, provide for driver qualifications, insurance, vehicle safety, and periodic
vehicle inspections.

new text begin (b) A statutory or home rule charter city may waive any licensing fees for a transportation
network company or taxicab company that maintains 7.5 percent of the company's active
fleet as wheelchair accessible vehicles. For purposes of this paragraph, "transportation
network company" has the meaning given in section 65B.472, subdivision 1.
new text end

deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end A statutory or home rule charter city that has adopted an ordinance complying
with this subdivision may enforce the registration requirement in section 221.021.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end A statutory or home rule charter city that regulates, by ordinance, pedicabs,
rickshaws, or other similar vehicles used for passenger service may permit authorized
vehicles to be equipped with an electric motor that meets the requirements for an
electric-assisted bicycle under section 169.011, subdivision 27, clause (3).

Sec. 2.

new text begin [221.56] TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY ACCESSIBILITY.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of sections 221.56 to 221.59, the following
terms have the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Transportation network company" or "TNC" has the meaning given in section
65B.472, subdivision 1.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Wheelchair accessible vehicle" means a vehicle equipped with a ramp or lift capable
of transporting nonfolding motorized wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other mobility
devices.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Wheelchair accessibility surcharge. new text end

new text begin (a) Transportation network companies
must pay to the commissioner a surcharge of $0.28 per ride originating in this state that is
not accessible to wheelchair users. The surcharge must be paid monthly.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must deposit all surcharges collected under this subdivision into
the wheelchair accessible vehicle services account established under section 221.57.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Special transportation services. new text end

new text begin (a) Transportation network companies may
provide wheelchair accessible vehicle special transportation services and nonemergency
medical transportation services under the operating standards and rules adopted pursuant
to section 174.30. Transportation network companies must meet all state and federal standards
to provide these services.
new text end

new text begin (b) A transportation network company providing services under paragraph (a) must pay
to the commissioner $0.28 per ride. This surcharge must be paid monthly.
new text end

new text begin (c) The commissioner must deposit all surcharges collected under this subdivision into
the wheelchair accessible vehicle services account established under section 221.57.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Digital network accessibility. new text end

new text begin A transportation network company's digital
network must be accessible to individuals with disabilities by July 1, 2027, in conformance
with Americans with Disabilities Act digital accessibility rules.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Equity data report. new text end

new text begin (a) By October 1 each year, all transportation network
companies must report to the commissioner and the Minnesota Council on Disability about
the accessibility of services provided in the previous year to individuals with disabilities in
each community served. At a minimum, the report must include the:
new text end

new text begin (1) estimated time of arrival for wheelchair accessible vehicles;
new text end

new text begin (2) total number of wheelchair accessible vehicles requested;
new text end

new text begin (3) total number of rides fulfilled in wheelchair accessible vehicles;
new text end

new text begin (4) total number of wheelchair accessible rides that were denied;
new text end

new text begin (5) total number of requested wheelchair accessible rides that were referred to a third
party; and
new text end

new text begin (6) programs and best practices the transportation network company has implemented
to improve the accessibility of service to individuals with disabilities.
new text end

new text begin (b) All data required in the report must be capable of aggregation by city so useful
comparisons may be made.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Nondiscrimination policy. new text end

new text begin All transportation network companies must adopt
a nondiscrimination policy that is available on a publicly accessible website. The website
must provide notice of the policy and procedures to report a complaint to the Department
of Human Rights about a driver's alleged violation of the policy. The policy must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) the transportation network company must take reasonable steps to ensure services
provided by drivers using the digital network are offered in a nondiscriminatory manner;
new text end

new text begin (2) the transportation network company and drivers must not unlawfully discriminate
against a prospective passenger or unlawfully refuse to provide service to a protected class
of passengers or certain localities;
new text end

new text begin (3) drivers must not refuse services to a prospective passenger with a service animal;
new text end

new text begin (4) the transportation network company must not charge an individual with a disability
an additional fee, including for the transport of a service animal, because of the individual's
disabilities;
new text end

new text begin (5) the transportation network company must provide on its digital network a way for
passengers with disabilities to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle;
new text end

new text begin (6) the transportation network company must facilitate available transportation for
passengers requiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle by:
new text end

new text begin (i) connecting the passenger to a driver of a wheelchair accessible vehicle in the network;
or
new text end

new text begin (ii) directing the passenger to an alternate provider with the authority and ability to
dispatch a wheelchair accessible vehicle;
new text end

new text begin (7) if a passenger with a disability requires the use of a wheelchair, assistive technology,
or other mobility device, the driver must store and transport the equipment if reasonably
able to do so. If the driver is unable to reasonably store and transport the equipment, the
driver must refer the passenger to another driver or service provider with a vehicle able to
accommodate the equipment;
new text end

new text begin (8) drivers must allow wheelchair users the choice to independently transfer from their
wheelchairs to the wheelchair accessible vehicle if they are able to do so;
new text end

new text begin (9) when a ride is requested over the digital network, the total estimated fare, fare range,
or rate by distance or time must be displayed before the ride is confirmed. Any variables
that may result in higher rates or fares, including tips, wait time, demand pricing, or any
other surcharges or fees, must also be displayed;
new text end

new text begin (10) passengers living with disabilities or perceived disabilities may not be negatively
rated by the driver for reasons directly related to their disability or perceived disability or
use of disability equipment;
new text end

new text begin (11) the transportation network company must not charge a fee if a passenger cancels a
ride because the vehicle is unsuitable for the passenger's disability needs;
new text end

new text begin (12) the transportation network company must not charge an additional fee for a personal
companion, orderly, or any other care assistant accompanying a passenger with a disability
on a ride;
new text end

new text begin (13) the transportation network company must not impose a minimum charge when a
driver is unable to locate a passenger using a wheelchair or mobility device;
new text end

new text begin (14) the transportation network company must allow a passenger to contact a driver over
the digital network or telephone after a ride is confirmed if the passenger provides adequate
contact information; and
new text end

new text begin (15) a reference to the nondiscrimination requirements under section 181C.06.
new text end

Sec. 3.

new text begin [221.57] WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE SERVICES ACCOUNT;
GRANTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Wheelchair accessible vehicle services account established. new text end

new text begin A
wheelchair accessible vehicle services account is created in the special revenue fund. The
account consists of surcharge payments required under section 221.56, subdivisions 2 and
3, and any money appropriated, allotted, donated, transferred, or otherwise deposited into
the account. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner and distributed as
provided in subdivision 4.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Minimum collections. new text end

new text begin If the commissioner does not collect a minimum of
$500,000 per year from transportation network companies and taxicab companies under
section 221.56, subdivisions 2 and 3, for the wheelchair accessible vehicle services account,
then the amount sufficient to reach the minimum collection threshold is annually transferred
from the general fund to the wheelchair accessible vehicle services account.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grant eligibility. new text end

new text begin (a) A taxicab company or an independent contractor of a
transportation network company who provides a service record of at least six months with
that company is eligible for grants under subdivision 5. A grant under subdivision 5 may
be used to meet a goal of having 7.5 percent of vehicles in the active fleet be wheelchair
accessible.
new text end

new text begin (b) Wheelchair accessible vehicle drivers and grantees must complete disability training
designed by the Minnesota Council on Disability to be eligible to receive grants under
subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin (c) A driver of a leased vehicle is not eligible for a grant covering the cost or maintenance
of a wheelchair accessible vehicle unrelated to a wheelchair accessibility modification.
new text end

new text begin (d) For purposes of this subdivision, "active fleet" means the total number of vehicles
registered with the transportation network company or taxicab company capable of providing
rides.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Grant applications. new text end

new text begin An eligible taxicab company or independent contractor
of a transportation network company must submit an application to the Wheelchair Accessible
Vehicle Services Committee established under section 221.58 and include a:
new text end

new text begin (1) copy of each driver's valid driver's license;
new text end

new text begin (2) Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification for each driver;
new text end

new text begin (3) signed attestation that the entity has provided at least six months of transportation
network company services in this state; and
new text end

new text begin (4) signed attestation that the entity will comply with all program requirements, as
defined by the committee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin Upon the recommendations of the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Services Committee established under section 221.58, the commissioner must award grants
using money in the wheelchair accessible vehicle services account to taxicab companies,
independent contractors of transportation network companies, dealers, vendors, training
providers, or other related entities, as defined by the committee:
new text end

new text begin (1) to purchase, lease, or rent wheelchair accessible vehicles or modify existing vehicles
to be wheelchair accessible for the primary purpose of providing public transportation, up
to an amount per purchased or modified vehicle as established by the Wheelchair Accessible
Vehicle Services Committee;
new text end

new text begin (2) for maintenance or equipment expenses related to ramps, doors, or other expenses
related to the maintenance, repair, and inspection of wheelchair accessible equipment or
related equipment for vehicle accessibility, up to an amount per vehicle as established by
the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Committee;
new text end

new text begin (3) for training and licensing drivers to operate wheelchair accessible vehicles;
new text end

new text begin (4) for accessible technology transportation research; and
new text end

new text begin (5) for other driver incentives as determined by the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle
Services Committee.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin Annually by January 15, the commissioner must submit a report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
transportation finance and policy detailing grants awarded under this section. The report
must detail the recipients of grant awards, the amount of grant awards, and how the grant
awards were used.
new text end

Sec. 4.

new text begin [221.58] WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE SERVICES
COMMITTEE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Committee. new text end

new text begin In consultation
with the Minnesota Council on Disability, the commissioner must appoint the following
members to the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services Committee:
new text end

new text begin (1) one member representing the Department of Transportation;
new text end

new text begin (2) two members representing the Minnesota Council on Disability;
new text end

new text begin (3) three members living with a disability;
new text end

new text begin (4) two members representing TNC drivers;
new text end

new text begin (5) three members representing TNCs;
new text end

new text begin (6) one member representing manufacturers of wheelchair accessible vehicles; and
new text end

new text begin (7) one member representing dealers of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Organization. new text end

new text begin The committee is organized and administered under section
15.059, except section 15.059, subdivision 2, does not apply. Except as provided in section
15.059, subdivision 4, the commissioner must appoint committee members to two-year
terms and appoint one member as chair. The committee does not expire.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Conflict of interest. new text end

new text begin Committee members must disclose in a written statement
any financial interest in any organization that the committee recommends to receive a grant.
The written statement must accompany the grant recommendations and must explain the
nature of the conflict. The committee is not subject to policies developed by the commissioner
of administration under section 16B.98.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The committee must:
new text end

new text begin (1) establish grant award amounts and develop criteria for evaluating and awarding
grants under section 221.57;
new text end

new text begin (2) recommend to the commissioner legislative changes necessary to implement sections
221.57 and 221.59;
new text end

new text begin (3) review the performance of the grant program and the wheelchair accessible vehicle
services account; and
new text end

new text begin (4) perform other duties as authorized by the commissioner.
new text end

Sec. 5.

new text begin [221.59] WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE SERVICES SUBSIDY
PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment. new text end

new text begin In consultation with the Minnesota Council on Disability,
the commissioner must establish a wheelchair accessible vehicle services subsidy program.
The program must provide for reimbursement to individuals or organizations to purchase,
lease, rent, or maintain vehicles used to provide wheelchair accessible transportation services
in this state or for other uses as determined by the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Services
Committee under section 221.58. The commissioner may provide subsidies under this
section as grants, loans, rebates, or other forms of funding.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Program funding. new text end

new text begin (a) Transportation network companies, taxicab companies,
and independent contractors who provide private transportation services in this state must
contribute $0.28 per ride to the wheelchair accessible vehicle services subsidy account under
paragraph (c). Contributions must be made by the end of each month.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a transportation network company, taxicab company, or independent contractor
is more than 60 days past due for contributions required under paragraph (a), the
commissioner may suspend the entity's operating license or fine the entity 0.05 percent of
the past due contributions per month the contributions are past due. Alternatively, the
commissioner may recover the amounts owed in a civil action.
new text end

new text begin (c) The wheelchair accessible vehicle services subsidy account is created in the special
revenue fund. The account consists of contributions made under paragraph (a) and any
money appropriated, allotted, donated, transferred, or otherwise deposited into the account.
Money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner for administration of
the account, marketing and awareness of the wheelchair accessible vehicle services subsidy
program, data collection and reporting, and reimbursements under subdivision 5.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Eligibility. new text end

new text begin Individuals and organizations are eligible to receive reimbursement
for wheelchair accessible vehicle services if:
new text end

new text begin (1) each driver has a valid driver's license;
new text end

new text begin (2) each driver has a valid Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification;
new text end

new text begin (3) the individual or organization has provided at least six months of transportation
network company services in this state; and
new text end

new text begin (4) each driver has completed training designed by the Minnesota Council on Disability.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Application. new text end

new text begin An eligible individual or organization must submit an application
for reimbursement to the commissioner. The application must include a:
new text end

new text begin (1) copy of each driver's valid driver's license;
new text end

new text begin (2) copy of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification for each driver; and
new text end

new text begin (3) signed attestation of nondiscrimination in accordance with section 221.56, subdivision
6.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Reimbursements. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner must make reimbursements to eligible
recipients under this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) Organizations and drivers providing subsidized rides for individuals using special
needs ride services or nonemergency medical transportation services under section 174.30
must be reimbursed $1 per ride. Of the amount reimbursed under this paragraph, $0.50 must
be reimbursed to the organization and $0.50 must be reimbursed to the driver.
new text end

new text begin (c) Drivers who provide wheelchair accessible rides may be reimbursed for the costs of
training, licensing, and vehicle inspection.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin Annually by January 15, the commissioner must submit a report to the
chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over
transportation detailing reimbursements made under this section.
new text end

Sec. 6. new text begin WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE SERVICES SUBSIDY
PROGRAM; APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $250,000 in fiscal year 2027 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of transportation to implement the wheelchair accessible vehicle services subsidy grant
program under Minnesota Statutes, section 221.59. This is a onetime appropriation.
new text end