Prohibiting hotels, inns, and motels from discriminating against dog handlers who are accompanied by search and rescue dogs.
Impact
With the implementation of AB238, hotels and similar establishments in Wisconsin will be obligated to modify their policies to accommodate dog handlers accompanied by search and rescue dogs. This legislative measure reinforces the importance of search and rescue dogs in providing critical services and aims to prevent barriers that might inhibit handlers from effectively performing their duties. By aligning the treatment of search and rescue dogs with that of service animals, it creates a more inclusive environment for these specialized professionals.
Summary
Assembly Bill 238 aims to enhance the rights of dog handlers who are accompanied by search and rescue dogs at hotels, inns, and motels. The bill prohibits these establishments from discriminating against such dog handlers, ensuring they have full and equal access to accommodations. Under current Wisconsin law, individuals with disabilities or service animals already have certain protections, and this bill extends similar rights to handlers of search and rescue dogs, recognizing their essential role in emergency situations.
Contention
Despite widespread support for increasing rights for service animal handlers, there may still be concerns regarding the operational impact on hotels and similar businesses. Some proponents of existing accommodation policies might argue that additional legal requirements could lead to misinterpretations or difficulty in implementation. Especially, the requirement for a search and rescue dog to be identifiable while also ensuring the handler is responsible for any damages caused by the dog could pose practical challenges for both parties involved.
Provisions
The bill includes specifics such as the definition of a 'dog handler' and 'search and rescue dog,' along with stipulations that hotels may only exclude dogs if their presence would fundamentally alter the nature of accommodations or if safety is compromised. The legislation ensures that dog handlers are not segregated from other patrons and rightfully retains their ability to keep their search and rescue dogs by their side during their stay.
Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, national guard, jury duty, and adoption and in the receipt of mental health or vocational rehabilitation services.
Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, national guard, jury duty, and adoption and in the receipt of mental health or vocational rehabilitation services.