Home modifications for the disabled

The remodeling of a bathroom to accommodate wheelchair access that adds square footage to a home would be eligible for a waiver, under a bill approved by the House Health and Human Services Committee March 13.

Sponsored by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano), HF3881 would allow the costs to qualify for home and community-based waiver services for people with disabilities. Under current law, if a modification results in added square footage, it doesn't qualify for waiver money.

Steve Lohse, a Wright County resident, said he wanted to add a wheelchair-accessible bathroom to his family's modest split-level home for his son. Five years ago he slipped and fell resulting in him being wheelchair-bound and mentally disabled.

Lohse said the cost to house his son in state foster care would run more than $125,000 annually. A onetime construction expenditure of $80,000 to $100,000 for a modified bathroom would keep his son at home.

Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL-Rochester) said a modification could add to the value of the home, and asked whether the state would be able to recapture the costs.

A wheelchair-accessible bathroom would not increase the value of a home, because the majority of the homebuyers don't need one, Lohse said.

"Oftentimes it does diminish the number of people who are willing to purchase those homes," said Rep. Laura Brod (R-New Prague).

The bill now goes to the House Finance Committee. A companion bill, SF3524, sponsored by Sen. Amy Koch (R-Buffalo), awaits action by the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee.