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personnel in this unit the same authority as motor vehicle inspectors and allows individuals whose licenses have been withdrawn due to disabilities to operate vehicles under supervision.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 provisions for Medicaid state plan amendments, requiring the Commissioner of Social Services to submit amendments not subject to legislative approval to relevant committees at least thirty days prior to federal submission. These committees can hold hearings and must approve any amendments before they are sent for federal approval. Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for addressing systemic noncompliance by authorized wheelchair dealers regarding timely repair requirements, defining it as failing to meet repair standards for over five percent of requests in a thirty-day period. Violations of these standards will be classified as unfair or deceptive practices under existing consumer protection laws, with enforcement beginning on November 1, 2025.

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