Georgia House Bill HB1187

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24

Caption

Crimes and offenses; change references to assistance and guide dogs to service dogs

Impact

The bill introduces criminal penalties for individuals who harass, harm, or misrepresent themselves while using a service dog. For instance, causing death or physical harm to a service dog can be classified as a felony, contributing to a clear legal framework that holds individuals accountable for such actions. This enhancement in legal terms and protections solidifies the stance on the importance of service dogs in providing essential assistance to people with disabilities and establishes significant deterrents against abuse or misrepresentation.

Summary

House Bill 1187 proposes amendments to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, primarily changing references from 'assistance' and 'guide dogs' to 'service dogs.' This legislation seeks to enhance the rights and protections afforded to individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs for assistance. By defining a 'service dog' and including the rights to public accommodations, the bill ensures that those with service dogs are guaranteed equal access to various facilities and commercial places, thereby promoting inclusivity and accessibility for the disabled community.

Contention

Notably, the bill has raised concerns regarding the definition and use of service dogs. There are discussions around ensuring that the definition captures the essence of a service dog effectively without limiting the rights of those genuinely in need. Additionally, there are implications regarding how the law will be enforced, particularly concerning the penalties for misrepresentation and harassment of service dogs, suggesting a need for clear guidelines to prevent potential misuse of these legal provisions.