Bill > S1863

This bill establishes new regulations for the transportation of individuals seated in wheelchairs, particularly within "paratransit service," which is defined as pre-arranged curb-to-curb transportation for people with disabilities. The key provisions mandate that all vehicles providing paratransit services and transporting individuals in wheelchairs must be equipped with a properly installed and maintained "Wheelchair Tiedown and Occupant Restraint System" (WTORS), a system designed to secure both the wheelchair and the occupant during travel and in case of crashes, in compliance with specific industry standards. Furthermore, drivers and attendants are required to make reasonable efforts to secure wheelchairs facing forward and properly use the occupant restraint system, following procedures learned in a mandatory training course. This training course, to be developed jointly by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Transportation, must be completed by all employees or volunteers involved in transporting or assisting individuals in wheelchairs who do not transfer out of their wheelchairs into a vehicle seat. The bill also includes provisions for anticipatory administrative actions to ensure smooth implementation.