The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 1251, aims to implement several recommendations from the Governor regarding a driver training program for individuals with disabilities, enhance legislative oversight of Medicaid state plan amendments, and establish penalties for violations of timely wheelchair repair standards. The bill replaces the Department of Aging and Disability Services with the Department of Motor Vehicles as the overseeing body for the driver training program, which will evaluate and train persons with disabilities in operating motor vehicles. It grants personnel in this unit the authority similar to motor vehicle inspectors and allows individuals whose licenses have been withdrawn due to disabilities to operate vehicles under supervision. Additionally, the bill stipulates that successful completion of the training program will be certified to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, who will then issue licenses with any recommended restrictions.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for the Commissioner of Social Services regarding Medicaid state plan amendments, mandating that any amendments not subject to legislative approval be submitted to relevant committees at least thirty days prior to federal submission. It also establishes a review process for amendments subject to legislative oversight. Lastly, the bill defines "systemic noncompliance" for authorized wheelchair dealers and makes it an unfair or deceptive act for dealers to fail to meet timely repair requirements if their repair records indicate systemic noncompliance. The effective dates for these provisions are set for July 1, 2025, and November 1, 2025, for different sections of the bill.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill: 14-11b
HS Joint Favorable Substitute: 14-11b
File No. 427: 14-11b
JUD Joint Favorable: 14-11b
APP Joint Favorable: 14-11b