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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T



SPONSOR: Rodriguez DATE TYPED: 02/08/99 HB
SHORT TITLE: Public Access for Assistance Animals SB 357
ANALYST: Pickering

APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY99 FY2000 FY99 FY2000
NFI NFI NFI NFI NFI N/A



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates HB364 Relates to HB238



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



SB 357 amends the law that provides for public access for assistance animals and their trainers. The bill states that a "qualified assistance animal" is a dog being trained to assist persons with disabilities and is recognized as a "service animal" pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An assistance animal shall be admitted to any building open to the public.





DUPLICATION/RELATIONSHIP



SB 357 duplicates HB 364 and is related to HB 238 which would amend the White Cane Law so that any interference with, or attack on a guide dog is a misdemeanor and punishable.



RP/gm