Transit operators: paratransit: recertification of eligibility.

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The definition of 'eligible persons' was narrowed from persons with 'a disability or medical condition' whose 'condition cannot reasonably be expected to improve' to persons with 'a disability' whose 'disability cannot reasonably be expected to improve over time.' This removes temporary or non-disability medical conditions from the streamlined recertification protection.

References to 'medical condition' were removed throughout the bill. For example, the exception for broadening eligibility now covers only 'disability worsening or additional disability' rather than 'medical condition worsening or additional disability or medical condition.'

The specific temporary eligibility rules were removed: the 180-day validity period and the limit of no more than six consecutive renewals. The concept of temporary eligibility remains as an exception in subdivision (c), but without those specific time limits.

Two new data fields were added to the streamlined recertification process: first and last name, and date of birth. These join the existing fields (address, emergency contact, phone number, mobility devices, disability status).

A new subdivision (e) was added allowing transit operators to contract out the eligibility determination process, provided that the final decision regarding an eligible person's eligibility is made by the transit operator itself.

The address-change exception was narrowed. Previously, any move to a new physical address triggered a different recertification process. Now the transit operator may only use a different process if the change of address 'is reasonably expected to modify their eligibility for paratransit services.'

Minor timeline language changes: 'By January 1, 2027' was changed to 'On or before January 1, 2027' and 'By June 1, 2027' was changed to 'On and after June 1, 2027,' making the deadlines more precise.

Added 'teleconference' as an acceptable method for conducting the streamlined recertification process, giving transit operators more flexibility in how they verify eligibility for paratransit riders.

Corrected multiple duplicated-word typos throughout the bill (e.g., 'By On or before' to 'On or before,' 'utilize use' to 'use,' 'Phone Telephone number' to 'Telephone number').

Clarified subdivision (e) by changing 'contracting the eligibility process' to 'contracting the eligibility recertification process' and 'eligibility for paratransit services' to 'eligibility to be recertified for paratransit services,' making it clear that only the recertification step can be contracted out.

Reordered the definitions in subdivision (a) so that 'eligible persons' is now definition (1), 'recertification process' is (2), and 'transit operator' is (3), rather than the previous order.

Header changed from amendment history dates to final passage dates: 'Passed the Assembly September 10, 2025' and 'Passed the Senate September 9, 2025'

Line-by-line numbering (e.g., 'line 1', 'line 2') was removed throughout the bill text, consistent with final enrolled formatting

The fiscal note line ('Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: yes.') was removed, as is standard for enrolled bills

Added signature blocks for Chief Clerk of the Assembly, Secretary of the Senate, and a Governor approval block with blank date fields

Page numbers changed from 95 to 94 and the digest reference dropped 'as amended'

All provisions regarding alternative fuels for ocean-going vessels (proposed Section 39633 of the Health and Safety Code) were removed entirely, including legislative findings about GHG reductions, fuel specifications, and a legal presumption that lower-carbon-intensity alternative fuels meet or exceed marine diesel oil performance standards.

The paratransit provision was restructured from a simple prohibition on requiring recertification into a requirement that transit operators establish a streamlined recertification process by January 1, 2027, using a telephone interview, mail-in form, or online survey, limited to collecting only specific data points (address, emergency contact, phone number, mobility devices, and disability status).

A five-year recertification cycle was added: eligible persons must complete the streamlined process once every five years, and may request it at any time with a five-year cycle thereafter.

A new deadline of June 1, 2027 was added, by which transit operators must use ONLY the streamlined recertification process for eligible persons unless specific exceptions apply.

The definition of 'eligible persons' was changed from a single-part test (condition cannot reasonably be expected to improve) to a two-part test requiring both that the disability cannot reasonably be expected to improve over time as determined by the person's qualified licensed medical professional, AND that the person's ability to access the fixed route system cannot reasonably be expected to improve over time as determined by the transit operator.

Formal definitions for 'transit operator' and 'recertification process' were added, specifying which entities are covered (transit districts, municipal operators, county transportation commissions, transportation authorities, joint powers authorities, or other public transit operators receiving Mills-Alquist-Deddeh Act funding).

Two new exceptions were added allowing recertification beyond the streamlined process: when the transit operator has implemented service changes or improvements that may impact eligibility, and when the eligible person has moved to a new physical address.

The state-mandated local program designation changed from 'no' to 'yes,' meaning the bill now formally imposes a state-mandated local program requiring potential reimbursement to local agencies.

Added new Section 99155.3 to the Public Utilities Code establishing that transit operators receiving Mills-Alquist-Deddeh Act funding for paratransit service may not require a person with a disability or medical condition that cannot reasonably be expected to improve to recertify their paratransit eligibility, effective January 1, 2027.

The bill's scope expanded from solely addressing ocean-going vessel alternative fuel regulations to also covering paratransit eligibility recertification for people with disabilities. The state-mandated local program designation changed from 'no' to 'yes.'

Created an exception allowing recertification when there is a review to broaden the person's eligibility due to worsening medical condition or an additional disability or medical condition.

Established that temporary paratransit eligibility is valid for 180 days or until a date indicated by the person's qualified licensed medical professional, whichever is sooner, and may not be renewed more than six consecutive times.

Added a state mandates reimbursement provision (new Section 2) requiring reimbursement to local agencies and school districts if the Commission on State Mandates determines the bill contains costs mandated by the state.