Transportation of Persons With Disabilities - Transportation Network Companies - Requirements

HB 1242 modifies requirements for transportation network companies (TNCs), like ride-sharing services, that contract with Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to provide transit specifically for people with disabilities. The bill removes two existing requirements: mandatory national criminal history checks (including sex offender registry and nationwide database searches) and a required employee training course on disability accommodations. Instead, it mandates that these TNCs conduct annual background screenings for all drivers providing disability transit services. This change directly affects TNCs under MTA contracts facilitating disability transportation, while maintaining background screening obligations.