[Cagdu] FYI FW: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169

[Shannon Dillon]

Thanks, Mike. We are listed as a supporter and are working on getting
our letter-writing campaign going.

On 2/14/19, mike at michaelhingson.com <mike at michaelhingson.com> wrote:
> Hi,
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> Are we taking a position on this?
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> Best Regards,
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> Michael Hingson
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> From: Theresa Stern <tstern at guidedogs.com>
> Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2019 11:01 AM
> Subject: GDB Announcements - GDB Supports CA AB 169
>
>
>
> Greetings California GDB Alumni and Puppy Raisers,
>
>
>
> We want to make you aware of bill AB 169.  GDB strongly supports this
> legislation and we invite you to share your thoughts with legislators as
> well.  Below you will find some info about the bill followed by the letter
> we are submitting.  If you choose to weigh in on this bill please know that
> letters must be received by Feb. 19, 2019. Letters must be signed and
> either
> faxed or sent, no emails will be allowed.  There will be a hearing
> regarding
> the bill on Feb 26 from 10:00AM - Noon at the Capitol in Room #126, if you
> would like to join me in Sacramento, please let me know.
>
>
>
> Background and Current Law
>
> Currently in California, it is a crime for any person to cause injury or
> death to any guide, signal, or service dog, while the guide, signal, or
> service dog is in active service. California showed its support for the
> disabled community when the Legislature adopted this law, however, this
> does
> not protect service animals in every respect.
>
>
>
> The Problem
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> The protections stated do not extend to service dogs in training, nor do
> they apply to those not actively fulfilling their duties as a service
> animal. If an off-duty animal is harmed or killed, the owner is often left
> without the help of their service dog. Without the aid of service animals,
> the independence of the owners is put on hold. Members of the disabled
> community are likely to miss work, get injured, or be unable to complete
> everyday tasks while trying to get through without their service animal.
>
>
>
> This legislation will enable victims to receive restitution for any lost
> wages or medical expenses incurred while they are without the service of
> their guide, signal, or service dog.
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> What will this bill specifically do?
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> AB 169 will delete the requirement that specified crimes, such as causing
> injury or death, against guide, signal, or service dogs must occur while
> the
> dog is in discharge of its duties and would make these crimes applicable to
> the injury or death of dogs that are enrolled in a training school or
> program for guide, signal, or service dogs, or to dogs that are currently
> off-duty.
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> This bill will also require restitution to the victim with a disability for
> medical expenses and loss of wages incurred as a result of injury or death
> to his or her service dog. It would also change the definition of
> "replacement costs" for which restitution may be claimed under existing
> law,
> to include: the training costs for a new dog, the cost of keeping the
> now-disabled dog in a kennel while the handler travels to receive a new
> dog,
> and the cost of the travel required for the handler to receive a new dog,
> each of these as needed.
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>
> Sponsor
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> California Council of the Blind
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> Golden State Guide Dog Handlers
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> Support
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> National Federation of the Blind of California
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> Canine Companions for Independence
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> ASPCA
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> Child and Family Center
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> Guide Dog Users Inc.
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> Independent Living Center of Kern County
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> Who is the staff contact for this bill?
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> Hallie Balch
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> (916) 319-2036
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>  <mailto:hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov> hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov
>
>
>
> Letters should be addressed to Assemblyman Tom Lackey and can be sent to:
>
> Fax: 919-319-2136
>
> Scan:  <mailto:Hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov> Hallie.balch at asm.ca.gov
>
> Physical Copy: 1303 10th St. Sacramento, CA 95814
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>
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> And, here is GDB's letter:
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>
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> Assemblyman Tom Lackey, 36th District
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> 1303 10Th Street
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> State Capitol, Room 2174
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> Sacramento, CA 95814
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> Re: Support AB 169
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>
> Dear Assemblyman Lackey,
>
> As the largest guide dog training program in North America, with
> headquarters in San Rafael California, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB)
> greatly appreciates your sponsorship of Assembly Bill 169 as a means of
> enhancing protections governing dog attacks against guide, signal, and
> service dogs.
>
>
>
> Since 1942 GDB has produced and supported thousands of working guide dog
> teams; currently we have over 500 working teams and over 400 puppies in
> training in California alone. Dog attacks on service dogs can be
> devastating
> and can lead ultimately to the dissolution of the team, resulting in the
> loss of highly valuable resources, as well as the great emotional toll on
> the guide dog handler or puppy raiser/trainer. The resources required to
> breed, train and support our teams are vast, and the loss of one's guide
> can
> mean the loss of one's independence.
>
>
>
> Under existing law, it is an infraction or a misdemeanor for any person to
> permit any dog which is owned, harbored, or controlled by him or her to
> cause injury to or death of any guide, signal, or service dog while the
> guide, signal, or service dog is in discharge of its duties, or actively
> providing service. However, these attacks often occur while the dog is not
> engaged in these duties. Under these circumstances, it is very difficult
> for
> guide, signal, or service dog handlers to recover potential costs incurred
> because of these attacks, such as medical expenses or loss of wages.
>
>
>
> This bill will expand the provisions which provide protection for guide,
> signal, or service dogs by eliminating the requirement that the guide,
> signal, or service dog be in discharge of its duties. And also affords
> protection to dogs who are actively enrolled in a service dog training
> program.
>
>
>
> Your support and sponsorship of this important legislation is appreciated
> as
> it will extend protections for communities that are often ignored. Please
> accept this letter as support for AB 169.
>
> Respectfully,
>
>
>
> Christine Benninger
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>
>
> President and CEO
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> Guide Dogs for the Blind
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>  <http://www.guidedogs.com/>
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> Guide Dogs for the Blind
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> Theresa Stern | VP Outreach, Admissions, and Alumni Services
>
> tstern at guidedogs.com  <mailto:tstern at guidedogs.com%20>  | 415 492-4717
> 350 Los Ranchitos Road, San Rafael, CA 94903
>  <http://www.guidedogs.com/> GuideDogs.com
>
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-- 
SHANNON L. DILLON
Secretary and Legislative Coordinator
National Federation of the Blind
of California
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and
friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind.
Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they
want.
www.nfbcal.org