The Journalist's Creed Headlines  NewsBook: MDN headlines   NewsNow: Headlines from across the state  NewsViews: Editorials across the state Stories  Search 2008  Text Search  By Date  By Subject  By Reporter  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Data 2008  Feb. Special Elections Presidential Primary  House Votes  Senate Votes  2009 Budget  Registered Lobbyists  Meeting Notices  Bills  House Roster  Senate Roster  Calendars  Supreme Court Dockets  Supreme Court Decisions  2007  2006  2005  2004  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999  1998  1997  1996  1995 Audio  House Live   Senate Live  MDN Map

New Bill Prohibits Discrimination Against Individuals with Service Animals

Discrimination against service animals in public places would be prohibited under a new bill presented to a House Committee Tuesday. JiaoJiao Shen has more from Jefferson City.

Individuals with certain disabilities need service animals to help them in everyday activities.

A new bill, sponsered by Representative Meg Harding, prohibits discrimination because a person has a service animal in places like restaurants, stores, and public transportation.

Harding says people who need service animals are often discriminated against.

The proposal is up for a vote in a House committee.

SOC

Shopkeepers couldn't prohibit a disabled individual with a service animal from entering the facilities, under a proposal considered by a House committee Tuesday. JiaoJiao Shen has more from Jefferson City.

Some public places prohibit animals in the facilities for a multitude of reasons.

Some individuals need animals to help them in their daily activities.

Under a new bill, proposed by Representative Meg Harding, public places would not be allowed to discriminate against people with service animals.

Donna Jacobs, who uses a service dog and testified before the committee, says when the person with the animal enters the building, the owner is completely responsible for it.

The bill is up for approval by a House committee.

SOC

Service animals are not only used for blindness and deafness. JiaoJiao Shen reports from the Capitol.

Service animals are needed by a multitude of people with disabilities, such as epilepsy, anxiety, and depression.

A new bill, introduced by Representative Meg Harding, covers all disabilities that need service animals.

Harding says service animals could be used for any disability that requires medication.

The bill is waiting for a vote by a House Committee.

SOC