SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 1762

BYRepresentatives Walker, Appelwick, Brekke, Wineberry, Winsley and Heavey; by request of Human Rights Commission

Prohibiting discrimination in real estate transactions against physically disabled persons who use guide dogs.

House Committe on Human Services

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 28, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; McCaslin, Vice Chairman; Hayner, Madsen, Nelson, Newhouse, Niemi, Rasmussen, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Cliff Petersen (786-7457)

                  March 28, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE, MARCH 28, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1985, the Legislature added guide dogs for the physically disabled to the provisions concerning the protection from discrimination in admittance to public facilities and the penalties for failing to adhere to those provisions.

Under current law, it is an unfair practice to discriminate in a real estate transaction because of sex, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical handicap, or the use of a guide dog by a blind or deaf person.

Since that time, it has been discovered that there are additional areas that require expansion of anti-discrimination provisions.

SUMMARY:

The use of dog guides and service dogs by physically disabled persons is added to the list of those protected from discrimination in real estate transactions.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Toby Olson, Governor's Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (pro)