[Nfbf-l] SB1382 is up for vote tomorrow, so keep your calls coming

[Sherrill O'Brien]

Hello all,

Unfortunately, Senate bill 1382 has been placed on the calendar  for a
reading on the Senate floor tomorrow, so it's possible it could be voted
upon and, if passed, sent to the House. It's important that we all call the
office of our State senator and tell them we support the bill, but only if
the definition of a service animal is amended to be in conformance with the
DOJ definition. I have once again attached it in case you want to take
another look at it before calling. This bill would replace Florida statute
413.08 with a new statute. Though rights of puppy raisers/trainers are dealt
with here, and that's fine, this is truly a civil rights bill for persons
who choose to use service animals. It should have nothing to do with the use
of animals for comfort and emotional support. That's why amending this bill
or, if necessary, defeating it, is so important.

Here's that toll free legislative information number again, which will give
you your senator's Tallahassee number: 1 (800) 342-1827.

Please burn up those phone lines and educate your senator about this bill.
Thank you.

Sherrill O'Brien, President
Florida Association of Guide Dog Users

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org]On
Behalf Of Sherrill O'Brien
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2012 6:38 PM
To: FLAGDU List; nfbf leaders; NFBFL
Subject: [Nfbf-l] please help with these bills
Importance: High


	Hello all,

I'm writing to you on behalf of our Florida Association of Guide Dog Users
division to ask that you help us to make a change in two important bills,
HB1077 (kriseman) and SB1382 (Bennett). These bills deal with giving puppy
raisers/trainers rights to housing , and we are in favor of this. But our
main concern is for those who are the users of service animals.
These proposed bills would change the definition of a service animal to the
following wording: "any domesticated animal". This is the part to which we
are opposed. This definition would open the door to abuse by those claiming
their cat, pig, etc. is a service animal. In the past year, The Department
of Justice narrowed the definition of a service animal to dogs and miniature
horses because of this very problem. We certainly do not want Florida to
take a step backward. The DOJ's definition of a service animal is attached.
The part dealing with miniature horses is under letter i of the document. Be
sure to mention the recent DOJ ruling when you make your calls.

Please contact your senators and representatives ASAP and tell them you are
opposed to the definition of service animals contained in HB1077 and SB1382
because this broader definition would cause much abuse of our access rights,
and is in conflict with the Department of Justice's recent ruling.

If you need the contact information for your local representative or
senator, you can call toll free at 1 (800) 342-1827, and simply give your
zip code. Make sure you ask for and use their Tallahassee office numbers
since the Legislature is in session. If there's no answer when you call an
office, don't hesitate to leave a brief message, telling them the bills you
are referencing and the reason you're opposed to them.

Thank you for your help with this important legislation.

Sherrill O'Brien, President
aFlorida Association of Guide Dog Users


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