Bill > S07611

This bill directs the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to create a plan to increase the availability of wheelchair accessible vehicles, which are defined as vehicles that meet specific requirements for mobility and accessibility, including lift/ramp dimensions, safety features, and interior space for wheelchairs, in all counties outside of New York City. The plan will involve collecting data from each county on for-hire operators, fleet sizes, the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, and any existing local guidelines or laws related to these vehicles. This information will be used to create a public online map identifying areas with insufficient availability. The DMV, in consultation with other state agencies, will then establish benchmarks for increasing wheelchair accessible vehicles based on data about people with ambulatory disabilities and will recommend grant programs and tax incentives to encourage their provision, also identifying existing financial resources. If a county is found to lack adequate resources, the DMV will work with local governments, transportation companies, and vehicle owners to develop a specific plan to meet these benchmarks. The bill also amends transportation law to clarify that these wheelchair accessible vehicles, as defined by the new vehicle and traffic law section, are subject to specific regulations and are distinct from other types of for-hire vehicles.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7611