[Blindtlk] Minnesota Law.

[Steve Jacobson]

Mary,

Our state president here in Minnesota, Jennifer Dunnam, has contacted Marion to try to find out exactly what is rumored to be proposed.  As you might 
expect, we new about and supported the law you found from last year.  While I have heard a vague rumor that something may be proposed at the city level, 
I have not heard anything specific.  We would certainly oppose such a move, though.  Both the ADA and even our state laws would conflict with such a 
move.  Even though the law you found from last year strengthened our laws, protection for guid dogs has been long established in Minnesota and was a 
part of "white cane" legislation passed here in the early 70's.  

Byall means, if someone hears of a move, please let Jennifer or me know.  Contact information is on our web site at 

http://www.nfbmn.org

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

On Tue, 8 Mar 2011 10:13:13 -0600, Mary Mc Gee wrote:

>Dear Marion;

>            The off-the-list address doesn't seem to be accepted.

>            I have tried to find the bill about which you are concerned and
>I can find nothing.  I found a law passed last year that makes it a crime
>for anyone to harm a service animal such that it cannot perform its duties.
>This law also give the animal's owner legal remedies for damages.  

>            Even if Minnesota's legislature passed a law that conflicted
>with the ADA, the ADA, being Federal law, would preempt the state law.
>Certainly, the matter of weighing the rights of a person with a disability
>against religious freedom would be a question for a federal court to decide.


>            If you wish me to do further research on the matter, please let
>me know, since I've only made a cursory inquiry thus far.

>Sincerely,

>Mary L. McGee, Attorney

> 

> 

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