Bill 2371

                    Current Status

Bill Number:               2371
Ratification Number:       99
Act Number                 57
Introducing Body:          House
Subject:                   Guide dogs for the blind

(A57, R99, H2371)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 43-33-20, 43-33-30, AND 43-33-70, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, l976, RELATING TO RIGHTS OF PHYSICALLY DISABLED PERSONS, SO AS TO GRANT RIGHTS TO DEAF PERSONS AS TO ACCESS AND ENJOYMENT OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS, CONVEYANCES, AND HOUSING FACILITIES IN THE USE OF GUIDE DOGS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Rights of blind persons

SECTION 1. Item (c) of Section 43-33-20 of the l976 Code is amended to read:

"(c) Every totally or partially blind or deaf person has the right to be accompanied by a guide dog, especially trained for the purpose, in any of the places listed in item (b) of this section without being required to pay an extra charge for the guide dog. Each totally or partially blind or deaf person is liable for any damage done to the premises or facilities by the dog."

Requirements of drivers of vehicles approaching blind

pedestrians

SECTION 2. Section 43-33-30 of the l976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 43-33-30. The driver of a vehicle approaching a totally or partially blind pedestrian who is carrying a cane predominantly white or metallic in color (with or without a red tip) or approaching a totally or partially blind or deaf pedestrian using a guide dog shall take all necessary precautions to avoid injury to the blind or deaf pedestrian. Any driver who fails to take these precautions is liable in damages for any injury caused the pedestrian. A totally or partially blind pedestrian not carrying a cane or a totally or partially blind or deaf pedestrian not using a guide dog in any of the places, accommodations, or conveyances listed in Section 43-33-20, has all the rights and privileges conferred by law upon other persons. The failure of a totally or partially blind pedestrian to carry a cane or the failure of a totally or partially blind or deaf pedestrian to use a guide dog in any of these places, accommodations, or conveyances does not constitute negligence."

Guide dogs

SECTION 3. Item (d) of Section 43-33-70 of the l976 Code is amended to read:

"(d) Every totally or partially blind or deaf person who has a guide dog, or who obtains a guide dog, is entitled to full and equal access to all housing accommodations provided for in this section. Each totally or partially blind or deaf person is not required to pay extra compensation for the guide dog but is liable for any damage done to the premises by the guide dog."

Time effective

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon approval by the Governor.