Purpose

• Directs the commissioner of Minnesota IT Services, in coordination with Metro Transit and the commissioners of Transportation, Human Services, and Children, Youth and Families, to integrate the Transit Assistance Program (TAP) into the Minnesota Benefits Web Portal (MBWP). After integration, Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council will continue to process TAP applications. An appropriation is provided to fund the integration.

Main Provisions

• Integration Mandate: No later than December 31, 2025, TAP must be fully integrated into the Minnesota Benefits Web Portal (MBWP) with collaboration from the specified agencies and Metro Transit.
• Continued Processing: Even after TAP is integrated into MBWP, Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council will continue to process TAP applications.
• Funding: For fiscal year 2026, the General Fund appropriates money to the commissioner of Minnesota IT Services to complete the integration of TAP into MBWP.

Implementation Details

• Responsible Parties: Minnesota IT Services, Metro Transit, Metropolitan Council, and the commissioners of Transportation, Human Services, and Children, Youth and Families.
• Process Change: TAP becomes part of MBWP; the application processing role remains with Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council after integration. Details on how the integration will work operationally are not specified in the text.

Financial Implications

• An appropriation from the General Fund in FY2026 to Minnesota IT Services is designated to fully implement the integration of TAP into MBWP.

Effects on Existing Law

• Creates a new requirement to place the Transit Assistance Program within the Minnesota Benefits Web Portal. While TAP’s administration shifts into MBWP, the ongoing processing of TAP applications will continue to be handled by Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council after the integration.

Timeline

• Deadline for completion: December 31, 2025.

Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

• Metro Transit, Metropolitan Council, Minnesota IT Services, Minnesota Departments of Transportation, Human Services, and Children, Youth and Families; transit riders and program beneficiaries.

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Relevant Terms - Transit Assistance Program (TAP) - Minnesota Benefits Web Portal (MBWP) - Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) - Metro Transit - Metropolitan Council - Department of Transportation (MnDOT) - Department of Human Services (DHS) - Department of Children, Youth and Families - General Fund - Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026) - Integration - Applications processing