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GA HB796
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/21/2016
Primary Sponsor
Tom Kirby
Click for details
AI Summary
- Broadens the definition of protected individuals from specific categories (blind, deaf, physically disabled) to all "physically or mentally impaired persons" who are unable or substantially limited in performing major life activities
- Replaces references to "guide dogs" and "service dogs" with the unified term "service animal," defined as any animal trained to assist, do work, or perform tasks for a physically or mentally impaired person, including animals actively being trained
- Authorizes the Department of Human Services to allow private service organizations to create and issue information cards bearing the department's seal that detail the rights of impaired persons and service animal trainers
- Creates a new criminal offense making it a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature (up to $2,000 fine, up to 30 days imprisonment, or both) for anyone who knowingly and willfully misrepresents themselves as qualified to use or train a service animal
- Elevates the intentional destruction of or causing physical harm to a service animal from a misdemeanor to a felony, punishable by 1–5 years imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000, or both, with exceptions for humane destruction and defense against unprovoked attacks
Legislative Description
Handicapped persons; provide rights and responsibilities of individuals with service animals; provisions
Last Action
House Second Readers
1/25/2016
Full Bill Text
No bill text available