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 grants personnel in the driver training unit the authority similar to that of motor vehicle inspectors and allows individuals with disabilities to operate vehicles under supervision while their licenses are withdrawn.

Additionally, 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 for review at least thirty days prior to federal submission. It also establishes a new section that 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 they exceed a specified threshold of 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