SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5622

BYSenators Craswell, Nelson and Lee; by request of Human Rights Commission

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

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 13, 1989; February 14, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Murray, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, Williams.

Senate Staff:Jack Brummel (786-7428)

                  March 10, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 9, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Washington law protects persons with physical disabilities who use guide dogs from discrimination in places of public resort, accommodation, assemblage or amusement.  Discrimination in real estate transactions because of the use of guide dogs by blind or deaf persons is also prohibited by state statute.  According to the Human Rights Commission, physically disabled persons using guide dogs have suffered discrimination in real estate transactions but they were inadvertently left out of the real estate section of the law against discrimination.

SUMMARY:

Physically disabled persons using guide dogs or service dogs are added to those who may not be discriminated against in real estate transactions.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

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