State officials plan disability guidance and study Medicaid rides

The Developmental Services commissioner prepares a plan recommending a standard definition of intellectual disability. The definition concerns a condition that begins before age 18 and includes significant limits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. The recommended definition must follow accepted professional standards and consider all relevant evidence; no single test score or measure may decide whether someone has the disability. The commissioner must send the plan to legislative committees by July 1, 2027.

The Education commissioner establishes a working group to recommend guidance on American Sign Language teaching and teacher preparation. The group makes recommendations on school curriculum, teacher qualifications, and educator preparation, including possible paths for native signers and interpreters to become teachers. The group includes state officials, educators, Deaf community representatives, legislators, and people appointed by the governor. The Department of Education must report on the group’s work by January 1, 2028, and annually after that.

The Social Services commissioner studies Medicaid payment rates and access to nonemergency medical transportation. The study covers transportation services for Medicaid members across the state, including geographic gaps in access. The study considers whether home care providers could drive Medicaid members to medical appointments and examines suitable qualifications, licenses, and insurance standards. The commissioner must report findings and any legislative recommendations by February 1, 2027.