[NFBMT] Service Animal Protection Bill Tabled

[BRUCE&JOY BRESLAUER]

The vote was close, nine yes, ten no.  It seemed to hinge on what is or is
not a service dog and how do you tell definitively.  The case was made that a
service dog could be identified most correctly through a court proceeding,
and that one which is not a service dog could be weeded out via the same
process.  It didn't fly.  At least, not this year.  But we'll be back
stronger than ever next session.  Joy
-----Original Message-----
From: NFBMT <nfbmt-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jim Marks via NFBMT
Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2019 12:53 PM
To: 'NFB of Montana Discussion List' <nfbmt at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jim Marks <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>
Subject: [NFBMT] Service Animal Protection Bill Tabled

Well, here's so-called legislative leadership for you.  The Montana
Legislature trips all over itself to criminalize the use of fake service
animals, but it will not grant protections for legitimate service animals.
This morning, the Montana House Judiciary Committee tabled HB 659, a bill
that would provide protections for service animals.  The 10-9 vote to kill
the bill occurred a few minutes after the Committee conducted a public
hearing on HB 659.  Several people with disabilities, including multiple
members of the National Federation of the Blind of Montana, testified in
favor of the protections.  No one opposed our bill.  There is no recourse
when others deliberately or negligently harm or kill our service animals.
Mostly, the problem concerns loose aggressive dogs who are not properly
supervised, but plenty of instances exist in which others intentionally hurt,
harass, and steal our service animals.  The Judiciary Committee sent its
message loud and clear.  The Committee clearly thinks that the rights of shop
owners are more important than those of people with disabilities.  The fake
service animal thing is a red herring that will likely be used to make it
more difficult for legitimate service animal users to make our way in this
world.  Not to worry, though.  We will be back, and we will not rest until
our Legislature does the right thing.  We are both angry and patient, and
that often proves to be an effective frame of mind to accomplish basic human
rights.  So, it's on to the next session, eh?

Jim Marks
Blind.grizzly at gmail.com
(406) 438-1421



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