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

[Aleeha Dudley]

Pardon me while I rant for a moment. 
How dare a state legislature decide that a person cannot go somewhere just because they are disabled. How dare they keep tabs on us like children, treat us like second rate citizens and the scum of the earth. How dare we be penalized for our choice to use service animals. I wish I were able to go down there and talk some sense into these morons. I agree that CCI appears to be behind this. This has always been a pet project of theirs. OK, I think I’m done now. Sorry, this just makes me mad enough to have smoke flowing out of my ears. Bak under the rock. 

Aleeha Dudley and Seeing Eye Dog Dallas 
Vice President, Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users 
Vice President, Ohio Association of Blind Students 
Both proud divisions of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio 
Email: blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com <mailto:blindcowgirl1993 at gmail.com> 
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. 
“The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.” - Arabian proverb 

> On Feb 18, 2015, at 7:36 PM, Michael Hingson via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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 <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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