Senate Bill 1080 aims to enhance transportation accessibility for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide fare-free bus services and half-price fares for intrastate commuter rail services to IDD individuals receiving services from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), starting July 1, 2023. It also mandates the issuance of transit identification cards with photographs for these individuals. The bill calls for a study to assess the demand for transportation services for the IDD community, the development of a process for requesting bus stops or shelters by employers or service providers, and the issuance of a request for proposals for nonmedical transportation services. Additionally, it requires the provision of travel training programs and online training resources for carriers and school bus drivers on interacting with persons with IDD, and the DMV to offer appointments for driving tests to students with disabilities at driving schools.

The bill also revises the process for issuing special license plates and placards for persons with disabilities, including the acceptance of discharge papers for disabled veterans and certification requirements by various medical professionals. It outlines the application process, including denial, suspension, revocation, and the right to a hearing. The fiscal impact statement indicates costs to the DOT and DDS, with estimated expenses ranging from $261,000 to $777,000 for the DOT, plus additional costs for studies and services. The bill has received a Joint Favorable report from the Transportation Committee and is effective upon passage, except for the provision on accessible parking placards, which becomes effective on July 1, 2023.