[nagdu] FWD: Arizona - URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT; HB2179 AMENDMENT MAKES SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO RIGHTS OF PERSONS WHO USE SERVICE ANIMALS

[Michael Hingson]

The legislature also does not understand disabilities well nor does it seem to recognize what service dogs do.  At least some legislators do not seem to understand.

States do not trump Federal law in any case, but this law shows that we must be ever vigilant. 


Best,


Michael Hingson

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ginger Kutsch via nagdu
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2015 4:07 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] FWD: Arizona - URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT; HB2179 AMENDMENT MAKES SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO RIGHTS OF PERSONS WHO USE SERVICE ANIMALS

Begin forwarded message:

From: Larry Wanger <larry at azsilc.org>
Date: February 18, 2015 at 1:16:14 PM MST
Subject: URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT; HB2179 AMENDMENT MAKES SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO RIGHTS OF PERSONS WHO USE SERVICE ANIMALS

The following information is provided in order to share information regarding legislation pending in the Arizona House of Representatives that will impact the rights of persons with disabilities.

 

Legislation that will significantly impact the rights of persons with disabilities who utilize the assistance of a service animal will be heard in the House Government and higher Education Committee at 9:00am tomorrow, Thursday February 19 in House hearing Room 1. This legislation is an amendment to HB2179 and will make significant changes to current state statutes regarding the rights of individuals with service animals including:

 

·         Requiring that individuals who use service animals obtain a permit from the Arizona Department of health Services in order to take their service animal in to a public place and that such permit be renewed on a regular basis.

·         As part of the permit process, an individual will be required to apply to the Department of Health Services and provide documentation from a medical professional certifying the applicant has a disability.

·         Requiring that a service animal wear a vest, also issued by the Department of Health Services at all times when in a public place. This vest will display permit information.

·         Allows restaurants to block access for persons with service animals in order to meet local and or state health code regulations.

·         Requires the Department of Health services to develop a sign for restaurants to display indicating that service animals are not permitted and that a separate sign for other public businesses not serving food be created that indicates service animals are allowed.

·         Requires the Department of Health Services to petition the United States Department of Justice requesting that the Americans with Disabilities Act be updated to comply with state law.

 

Additionally, the following language is included at the end of the amendment:

 

The legislature finds that the Americans with disabilities act of 1990 may endanger the health and safety of the public, place an undue burden on businesses and others and conflict with state and local health codes. State and local health codes shall supersede the Americans with disabilities act of

1990."

 

I have attached the full text of the amendment to HB2179 for your review. 

 

 

Larry Wanger, Executive Director

Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council

5025 E. Washington Street, Suite 214

Phoenix, AZ. 85034

602-262-2900 (Voice/TTY)

602-271-4100 (Fax)

larry at azsilc.org

www.azsilc.org <http://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30489975/www.azsilc.org?p=eyJzIjoiNl9oWXVMRk1USTRqTVlVSm45X0FFRDE5ZXcwIiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDQ4OTk3NSxcInZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwOlxcXC9cXFwvd3d3LmF6c2lsYy5vcmdcIixcImlkXCI6XCI3Mjc5ZDIwMDZhMmE0YzYyOGY4OTJhMWM3NGQ3NmJmMFwiLFwidXJsX2lkc1wiOltcIjRlMzlhYjU3YTkzZmNiMzczY2JkMDI4ZGFhZmRiODBhZWYxMWI2ZGJcIl19In0> 

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