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Legislation includes right to repair and rental vehicles with adaptive equipment
DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law to protect the rights of wheelchair users and improve adaptive features in rental vehicles.
HB22-1253 championed Representative David Ortiz and Senator Jessie Danielson will require rental car companies to provide leasers with an online option to secure a vehicle with adaptive equipment.
“For me and the thousands of wheelchair users across Colorado, the three bills signed into law today go beyond our securing our mobility–they’re about health, safety and affirming our rights,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “We’ve taken action to improve transparency and accountability so we can rent a car, get our mobility device repaired in a timely manner and save money. The accessibility issues faced by the disability community are real and it places us and our families at risk. With Governor Polis’ signature, I’m proud to say we’ve taken the lead on breaking down accessibility barriers to create a safer, more equitable and healthier Colorado.”
Under this new law, adaptive equipment such as hand controls, pedal extenders, left foot accelerators and spinner knobs will be available in rental vehicles upon request. This law will also protect disabled vehicle renters by allowing the recovery of damages if rental car companies violate the adaptive equipment requirement outlined in the law details.
HB22-1031 sponsored by Representatives Brianna Titone and Ortiz as well as Senator Rachel Zenzinger requires powered wheelchair manufacturers to provide parts, software and tools to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners. This is one of the first “right to repair” laws of its kind enacted in the country.
“With the right to repair bills signed into law today, we’re making huge advancements towards a more equitable, healthier Colorado for all,” said Rep. Brianna Titone, D-Arvada. “Many wheelchair users, especially in rural Colorado, face long waits and unpredictability when it comes to repairs and routine maintenance on their mobility devices. The bills signed into law will expand repair options beyond the manufacturing companies and improve existing Medicaid rules, saving Coloradans who use wheelchairs money and time. Mobility isn’t something to take for granted and wheelchair users in Colorado deserve the freedom to repair their mobility aids.”
HB22-1031 works in tandem with another bill Governor Polis signed into law today. HB22-1290, championed by Representatives Titone and Ortiz and Senator Zenzinger, would improve existing Medicaid rules for repairing wheelchairs, adaptive seating systems and other mobility devices.
This law eliminates the need for prior authorization for any repair of complex mobility devices for Medicaid recipients, including powered wheelchairs. This law will save Coloradans money on costly wheelchair expenses and repairs and expand access to an urgently needed service