SCS SB 878 -- SERVICE ANIMALS

SPONSOR:  Sims (Harding)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Children,
Families and Health by a vote of 8 to 3 with 2 present.

This substitute contains provisions pertaining to the use of
service animals by persons with a disability.

The substitute:

(1)  Prohibits discrimination based on use of a service animal in
housing, employment, transportation, or public accommodations;

(2)  Requires motor vehicles to yield to service animals and
their users;

(3)  Prohibits persons from harassing, interfering with, or
assaulting service animals or their users;

(4)  Prohibits disguising animals as service animals;

(5)  Holds owners of service animals responsible for controlling
their animals and liable for actual damages caused by the
animals; and

(6)  Details penalties and remedies for violations.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Net Cost to General Revenue Fund of Less
than $100,000 in FY 2003, FY 2004, and FY 2005.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the substitute is consistent
with the service animal provisions of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and would ensure civil rights for persons with a
disability who use service animals in Missouri.

Testifying for the bill was Senator Sims.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Joseph Deering, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:04 am