SF 639

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

A bill for an act
relating to human services; providing assistive technology for people with
disabilities; requiring the commissioner to undertake a statewide study; requiring
reports; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY STUDY AND REPORT.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Study. new text end

new text begin (a) During the biennium ending June 30, 2009, the Council
on Disability shall facilitate a statewide study of the assistive technology needs of
people with disabling conditions, and seniors. As part of the study, the council shall
identify community-based service providers, state agencies, and other entities involved in
providing assistive technology supports. The study shall also examine the creation of an
assistive technology pretax savings account to allow disabled persons to set aside pretax
and unearned income to purchase assistive technology devices, equipment, and services.
new text end

new text begin (b) The council shall provide oversight and direction to the Minnesota Regions
Assistive Technology Collaborative during the biennium ending June 30, 2009.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin The council shall present to the chairs of the house and senate
committees having jurisdiction over human services, by January 1, 2009, a report of the
findings of the study, including proposed legislation creating a statewide comprehensive
plan to meet the assistive technology needs of people with disabling conditions and
seniors. The statewide plan must include steps to coordinate and streamline assistive
technology services and the creation of an assistive technology pretax savings account.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS.
new text end

new text begin (a) $200,000 is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 2009, from the
general fund to the commissioner of human services for purposes of the study in section 1.
new text end

new text begin (b) $300,000 in fiscal year 2008 and $300,000 in fiscal year 2009 is appropriated
from the general fund to the commissioner of human services for the purposes of providing
financial support to the Minnesota Regions Assistive Technology Collaborative.
new text end

new text begin (c) $200,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2008 from the general fund to the
commissioner of administration for the purposes of completing the state's remaining share
of the local match required to access the federal Technology Related Assistance Act for
Persons with Disabilities Title III, Alternative Financing Project 2003 grant award which
provides microloans to individuals for the purpose of acquiring assistive technology
devices and services.
new text end