HF4954

Purpose

The bill aims to adjust how much money the state plans to spend on Special Transportation Service and to update the funding for the Metropolitan Council. It makes forecast adjustments to the Special Transportation Service and amends an earlier law from Laws 2025 First Special Session to set new general-fund appropriations for the Metropolitan Council for these services, including Metro Mobility and Metro Move.

Main Provisions

• Amends Laws 2025 First Special Session chapter 8 article 1 section 3 subdivisions 1 and 3 to change funding levels.
• Subdivision 1 (Total Appropriation): Updates the total general-fund appropriation to the Metropolitan Council for these services. The bill lists updated total amounts.
• Subdivision 3 (Special Transportation Service): Updates the appropriation for Special Transportation Service under Minnesota Statutes section 473.386, covering programs such as Metro Mobility and Metro Move. The bill provides revised funding amounts for these services.
• Section 2 language (as shown): Specifies the new appropriation levels for the Special Transportation Service, reflecting increases from the prior amounts to the updated figures listed in the bill.

What the bill seeks to accomplish

• Ensure that the Metropolitan Council has updated funding to support Special Transportation Service programs, with explicit attention to Metro Mobility and Metro Move.
• Align forecasted spending with the new appropriated amounts to better finance paratransit and related transportation services.

Significant changes to existing law

• Revisions to the appropriation amounts in Laws 2025 First Special Session chapter 8 article 1, affecting how much general-fund money is allocated to the Metropolitan Council for Special Transportation Service.
• Explicit inclusion and funding updates for Metro Mobility and Metro Move under Minnesota Statutes section 473.386.

Impacts and considerations

• Residents who rely on Special Transportation Service (paratransit) may see changes in service levels if funding adjustments affect program capacity or operations.
• The changes reflect a shift in forecasted spending for paratransit services and a formal update to the statutory funding plan.

Implementation notes

• The bill is an amendment to prior appropriations and forecast language, so implementation will depend on the revised amounts being enacted and the Metropolitan Council’s execution of the updated budget for Metro Mobility and Metro Move.

Relevant Terms - Metropolitan Council - Special Transportation Service - Metro Mobility - Metro Move - general fund - Minnesota Statutes section 473.386 - Laws 2025 First Special Session chapter 8 article 1 section 3 subdivisions 1 and 3 - forecast adjustments - appropriation - paratransit - transportation funding