New York Statutes: Civil Rights Law, Article 4-B, Sections 47 through 47c, 1986; Transportation Law, Section 147New York law guarantees a blind person the legal right to be accompanied by a dog guide in all public accommodations, in employment, and on public transportation. No extra charge can be levied because of the dog guide’s presence, but the dog must be in harness and the dog guide user can be asked to produce an identification card. A blind person who possesses a dog guide is entitled to equal housing accommodations and cannot be charged a fee because of the dog guide. Public accommodations include resorts, theaters, restaurants, stores, hotels, places of recreation, and all other places to which the public is invited. (Sect. 47) Public transportation includes taxis, subways, trains, buses, boats, airplanes, and all other modes of conveyance offered for public use. (Sect. 47) Housing accommodations include public and private rental properties designed as sleeping quarters or residences. (Sect. 47) Employment includes state service or that of its political subdivisions and all other employment activity. Equal employment opportunity includes prohibition against discrimination based on blindness. (Sect. 47a) Violation: Any owner, manager, or employee who interferes with the above enumerated rights is subject to prosecution under several New York State statutes. (Sect. 47c)
North Carolina,
North Carolina Statutes, Chapter 168, Article 1, Sections 168-1 through 168-3, Sections 168-4.2 through 168-9 (last amended 1994)North Carolina statutes guarantee a blind person the right to be accompanied by a dog guide in all public accommodations and on all transportation. No extra charge can be levied because of the dog’s presence, but the dog guide user is liable for any damage the dog might cause to the premises. A dog guide user has a legal right to equal housing accommodation. Also, state policy ensures a blind person equal employment opportunity in state service, or in the service of is political subdivisions and public schools, and all other public and private employment, except when the visual impairment prevents performance of the work involved. Public accommodations include hotels, restaurants, stores, places of resort and amusement, and all other places to which the public is invited. (Sect. 168-2, Sect. 168-3, Sect. 168-4.2, Sect. 168-4.4) Public transportation includes airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, and all other forms of conveyances offered for public use. (Sect. 168-3, Sect. 168-4.2, Sect. 168-4.4) Housing includes leased or rented properties and specifically covers residential communities, homes, and group homes. (Sect. 168-9) The person qualifies for these rights upon showing a tag issued by the Department of Human Resources, pursuant to G.S. 168-4.3, stamped “North Carolina Assistance Dog Permanent Registration” and stamped with a registration number, or upon showing that the dog has been trained as an assistance dog. No fee shall be charged for registration of an assistance dog. (Sect. 168-4.3) Violation: Any person, firm, corporation or agent thereof who interferes with the above enumerated rights is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
New Dakota,
North Dakota Statutes: North Dakota Century Code of 1967 (last amended 1985), Chapter 25-13, Sections 25-13-01 through 25-13-05North Dakota statutes guarantee a blind person the legal right to be accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public accommodations and on all public conveyances. No extra charge can be levied because of the dog’s presence, but the dog guide user is liable for any damage the dog might cause to the premises. State statutory policy also ensures a blind person equal employment opportunity in state service, or the service of its political subdivisions and public schools, or in employment supported in whole or part by public funds, unless the visual impairment prevents performance of the work involved. Public accommodations include hotels, lodging places, places of resort and amusement, stores, restaurants, and other facilities to which the general public is invited. (Sect. 25-13-02) Public conveyances include trains, airplanes, taxis, buses, boats, and other modes of transportation offered for public use. (Sect. 25-12-02) Violation: Any person, firm, or corporation or agent thereof who interferes with the legal rights enumerated above is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and punishable accordingly. (Sect. 25-13-04)
Ohio,
Ohio Revised Code, 1979, Section 955.011; Section 955.43; Section 955.99; amended 1992Ohio statutory law guarantees a blind person the legal right to be accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public accommodations and on all public conveyances. No extra fee can be levied because of the dog’s presence. A dog may not occupy a seat on a common carrier. Dog guides are exempt from licensing fees. Public accommodations include hotels, restaurants, stores, places of resort and amusement, and all other places to which the general public is invited. (Sect. 955.43) Public conveyances include taxis, trains, airplanes, buses, boats, and all other modes of transportation offered for public use. (Sect. 955.43) Violation: Any person who interferes with the above-enumerated rights is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree and is punishable under Ohio law accordingly. (Sect.955.99)