• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Minnesota Council On Disability

Your Policy, Training and Technical Resource

Search

  • About
    • About MCD
    • Additional Information
    • Annual Agency Reports
    • Governing Council
    • Our Mission
    • Staff
    • Statute and Responsibilities
  • Blog and News
    • Blog
    • News
  • Public Policy
    • About Our Public Policy
    • Bill Tracking
    • Engaging with Government
    • Legislative Updates
    • Public Policy Agenda
  • Technical Assistance
    • Access for Businesses
    • Accessible Housing
    • Digital Accessibility
    • Disability Parking
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Employment
    • Laws and Regulations
    • Service Animals
    • Snow Removal
    • Training
    • Transportation
    • Voting
  • Events and Outreach
    • Community Outreach
    • MCD Events
  • Additional Resources
  • RDAC
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / News / Summary of the Senate Transportation Omnibus Bill

Summary of the Senate Transportation Omnibus Bill

April 25, 2019

Icons of various modes of transportation

As the Minnesota Legislature builds Minnesota’s state budget for the next two years, the Minnesota Council on Disability will create an overview of certain omnibus bills and how the proposals will affect Minnesotans with disabilities.

What’s an Omnibus bill?

Roughly translated, the Latin word “omnibus” means “for all, for everybody.” Learn everything you need to know about omnibus bills and why they are so popular at the Minnesota Legislature.

Senate Transportation Omnibus Bill

Chamber: Senate

Policy Focus: Transportation Finance and Policy

Bill Number: SF 1093

Authors: Senators Newman (chief author); Senjem; Jasinski; Miller; Dahms

Brief Description: This omnibus bill makes policy changes and fiscal appropriations for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT), transportation related programs of the Metropolitan Council and the Department of Public Safety.

What We Like

  1. Article 2. Section 3-4: This language amends the Data Practices Act so that specified data on individuals may be disclosed between the Department of Human Services and the Metropolitan Council to: (1) coordinate Metro Mobility services and services funded by Department of Human Services; and (2) provide for reimbursement of Metro Mobility. This will allow Metro Mobility to provide more effective, efficient, and streamlined services and alleviate future financial pressure.
  2. Article 2. Section 7: This language prohibits local governing bodies from establishing bikeways on a public road that would eliminate or relocate disability parking.

Where We’re Concerned About

  1. The bill does not separate the Metro Mobility service from the Metro Council’s General Appropriation, as recommended. Creating a separate line item will allow the Metro Mobility service to be fully funded without compromising other services that are provided throughout the metro area. A comprehensive public, multimodal transportation system with many choices will allow Minnesotans with disabilities to independently traverse our metro area.
  2. While the Council on Disability is pleased that the bill increases Metro Mobility’s service area into Lakeville, Ramsey, Maple Plain, Forest Lake, and Columbus, funding is not provided to cover the cost of the expansion. The cost is $3.464 million in FY2020-2021 and $3.755 million in FY2022-2023.
  3. MCD opposes current language which prohibits the testing of automated vehicles in Minnesota and eliminates the ability to operate highly automated vehicles or engage in an automated driving system on a street or highway in the state. Learn how Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAV) can have a positive impact on people with disabilities.

Minnesotans are encouraged to contact their legislators and share their concerns on policy decisions and how it impacts their lives. Find your legislator and contact them.

The Minnesota Council on Disability exists to serve people with disabilities in Minnesota through development of effective policy, training, technical resources and collaborations with public and private stakeholders. Any policy inquires can be directed to Public Policy Director Kody Olson at kody.olson@state.mn.us.

Footer

Find Us

Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD)
1600 University Avenue W, Suite 8
Saint Paul, MN 55104

For accommodation requests, including requesting any document on this website in an alternative format, visit our ADA Title II page.

Contact Us

Phone: 651-361-7800 (VRS)
Toll-free: 1-800-945-8913 (VRS)
Fax: 651-296-5935

Email: council.disability@state.mn.us

Stay Connected

Sign up for the latest MCD news and updates sent to your inbox.

Follow Us

MCD on Facebook MCD on Twitter MCD on YouTube

Accessibility of Our Site · Privacy Notice · Site Map
© 2023 · Minnesota Council On Disability. All rights reserved. · Built by Westwords