I 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 1878 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 12, 2011 Mr. Kissell introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To require that the same access to transportation and public accommodations that is afforded to individuals with disabilities who use service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act be afforded to certified trainers of service animals.

1.

Access to transportation and public accommodations to certified trainers of service animals

(a)

Protections afforded

A licensed or certified trainer of a service animal, or a handler of such animal that has credentials issued by an accredited school for training service animals, when accompanied by such service animal, shall be afforded the same right of access to public transportation, public accommodations, and transportation services provided by private entities as is afforded under titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act to individuals with disabilities who use service animals. (b)

Enforcement under the ADA

It shall be discriminatory under the Americans with Disabilities Act to afford such a trainer, when accompanied by a service animal, with any service, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation that is not equal to that afforded to other individuals. The same remedies and procedures that are available under such Act to individuals subject to discrimination shall be available to an individual subject to discrimination under this Act. (c)

Definition of Service Animal

As used in this Act, the term service animal means a guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained or being trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability and distinguished by wearing a collar, leash, harness, or cape that identifies the animal as a service animal in training, regardless of whether such animal has been licensed or certified by a State or local government. (d)

Regulations

The Secretary of Transportation and the Attorney General shall issue such regulations as they determine necessary to carry out this section and provide the same access to licensed or certified trainers or handlers of service animals as is afforded individuals with disabilities who use service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act.