HF 3549

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; establishing medical standards for permitting
off-highway vehicle use by disabled persons on public trails; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.926, subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.926, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Exception by permit.

new text begin (a) new text end Notwithstanding sections 84.773,
subdivision 1, and 84.777, on a case by case basis, the commissioner may issue a permit
authorizing a person to operate an off-highway vehicle on individual public trails under
the commissioner's jurisdiction during specified times and for specified purposes.

new text begin (b) When issuing a permit under paragraph (a) on the basis of a permanent physical
disability, the permit recipient must be:
new text end

new text begin (1) unable to step from a vehicle without aid of a wheelchair, crutches, braces, or
other mechanical support or prosthetic device; or
new text end

new text begin (2) unable to walk any distance because of a permanent lung, heart, or other internal
disease that requires the person to use supplemental oxygen to assist breathing.
new text end

new text begin The permanent physical disability must be established by medical evidence
verified in writing by a licensed physician or chiropractor. The commissioner may
request additional information from the physician or chiropractor if needed to verify
the applicant's eligibility for the permit. The commissioner may, in consultation with
appropriate advocacy groups, establish reasonable minimum standards for permits to
be issued under this paragraph.
new text end