Bipartisan Bill to Improve Emergency Transportation Access for People with Disabilities Passes Senate

HB25-1007 would require paratransit services and local agencies to create a plan to communicate information & provide transit during emergencies

DENVER, CO - Today, the Senate approved a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Faith Winter, D-Broomfield, to ensure that people with disabilities have access to paratransit services during emergencies. 

HB25-1007, also sponsored by Senator Cleave Simpson, R- Alamosa, would require paratransit providers to coordinate with local public emergency service providers to create a plan for communicating information and providing paratransit services during emergencies such as fires, hazardous materials incidents, and other natural disasters. Paratransit services accommodate individuals with disabilities who cannot use regular or fixed route transit for some or all of their needs.

“The time to prepare for the next emergency is now,” said Winter. “People with disabilities and mobility limitations often face barriers to accessing transportation to safely evacuate when needed. This bill empowers Colorado communities to create an emergency communication and services plan that will work for them, ensuring that Coloradans with disabilities can get out of harm's way during emergencies.”

Under the bill, paratransit providers and public emergency services providers would also be required to submit a report to the Transportation Legislation Review Committee on the implementation of their plan.

HB25-1007 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.