The bill, known as 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. It proposes to transfer the responsibility for the driver training program from the Department of Aging and Disability Services to the Department of Motor Vehicles, allowing for the evaluation and training of persons with disabilities in operating motor vehicles. The bill also introduces new provisions that grant personnel in the driver training unit the authority similar to motor vehicle inspectors and allows individuals with disabilities to operate vehicles under supervision while their licenses are under review.

Additionally, the bill amends the process for Medicaid state plan amendments, requiring the Commissioner of Social Services to submit such amendments to the relevant legislative committees for review prior to federal submission. It establishes a new requirement for the Commissioner to present Medicaid amendments to the Council on Medical Assistance Program Oversight for review. Furthermore, the bill defines "systemic noncompliance" for wheelchair dealers and makes it an unfair practice for dealers to fail to meet timely repair requirements if they exceed a specified threshold of noncompliance. The effective dates for these changes are set for July 1, 2025, and November 1, 2025, for various 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