H-1906.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 2021
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State of Washington 55th Legislature 1997 Regular Session
By Representatives Carrell, Dyer, Boldt, Zellinsky, Backlund, Sheldon, Sump, Gombosky, Mielke, Smith, Kastama and Anderson
Read first time 02/18/97. Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.
AN ACT Relating to potential health hazards posed by service animals; creating new sections; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that individuals with disabilities are full and complete members of society and are entitled to all the same protections and opportunities available to other citizens. The legislature also finds that the Americans with disabilities act may create situations where people with disabilities who use service animals may jeopardize the public health and safety. The legislature intends, through this act, to assess the risks posed by service animals and seek ways to minimize that risk.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The department of health shall conduct a risk analysis for various public and private locations based on different animals used as service animals. Based on the risk analysis, the department shall issue rules and provide guidance to employers on the public health risks associated with service animals in various locations.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 1997.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1997, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.
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