Bill
SF 4699
Minnesota would require transportation network companies to maintain a minimum number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and meet phased deployment, reporting, and penalties.
Require transportation network companies to make vehicles wheelchair accessible
SF 4699 aims to ensure that transportation network companies (TNCs)—such as rideshare services—provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) in their fleets. The bill seeks to enhance transportation equity by expanding access to on-demand rides for individuals who rely on wheelchairs or other mobility devices, reducing barriers to mobility and independence.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicle requirement (primary provision): TNCs operating within Minnesota would be required to maintain a certain minimum level of WAVs in their fleet. The bill specifies that a portion of vehicles offered through the TNC platform must be wheelchair accessible to serve riders with mobility needs.
Deployment timeline: The bill establishes a schedule or milestones for achieving the WAV fleet requirement, outlining when initial compliance must begin and how compliance is to progress over time (e.g., phased increases or annual targets).
Service commitments and standards: TNCs would need to ensure WAVs are available for booking in a reliable manner, potentially including:
Accessibility features and reporting: TNCs may be required to:
Penalties for non-compliance: The bill likely establishes penalties for failing to meet WAV targets or for discriminatory practices, with enforcement mechanisms administered by a state agency (e.g., fines, corrective action plans).
Definitions and scope: The bill defines what constitutes a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and clarifies which entities are considered TNCs subject to the mandate.
Coordination and exemptions: Potential provisions for coordination with local jurisdictions, as well as possible exemptions or accommodations for small fleets or service disruptions, subject to regulatory review.
Transportation network companies (TNCs): Platforms operating in Minnesota would need to incorporate a WAV tier into their fleets, meet deployment targets, and comply with reporting and enforcement requirements.
Riders with mobility impairments: Individuals who use wheelchairs or mobility devices would gain greater access to on-demand transportation options, with improved likelihood of WAV availability.
Regulatory and enforcement agencies: State agencies (likely transportation or civil rights bodies) would oversee compliance, collect data, and administer penalties or corrective actions.
Vehicle owners/drivers: Some drivers may be required to operate WAVs or participate in WAV-specific service segments as part of fleet composition and requirements.
Introduction and referral: Introduced and referred to the Transportation committee on 2026-03-23.
Legislative process: As a bill in the Minnesota Senate (SF), it will proceed through committee discussions, potential amendments, floor votes, and, if passed, reconciliation with any House companion or future conference committees before becoming law.
Effective date and implementation: The bill would specify when WAV requirements take effect and any staged compliance timelines. Details (e.g., phased years, percent targets) would be defined in the final text.
Co-sponsors include Ann Johnson Stewart, Jim Carlson, John Hoffman, and Jim Abeler, indicating bipartisan sponsorship.
Specific numerical targets (e.g., exact percentage of WAVs, year-by-year milestones) and enforcement details would be clarified in the bill language. The summary reflects the overall intent to mandate WAV availability for TNCs and to establish compliance mechanisms.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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