MARYLAND

Maryland Statutes: White Cane Law, amended 1986, Article 30, Section 33;
and Article 56, Section 192

Maryland statutory law guarantees a blind person the legal right to be
accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public
accommodations and on all forms of public transportation.  Maryland law
also guarantees equal housing accommodations to a dog guide user in
housing.  No extra charge can be levied because of the dog's presence,
but the dog guide user is liable for any damage the dog might cause to
property or to maintain a higher degree of care than that provided to
other persons.  Maryland state policy insures equal employment
opportunity for blind persons in its state service, in the services of
its political subdivisions, in public schools, and in employment
supported in whole or in part by public funds, except where a particular
disability prevents performance of the work involved.

Maryland exempts dog guides from a licensing fee. (Article 56, *192)

Public accommodations include hotels, restaurants, public buildings,
stores, places of resort and amusement, and all other places to which
the general public is invited.  (Article 30, *33)

Public transportation includes trains, airplanes, boats, taxis, buses,
and all other modes of conveyance offered for public use. (ARticle 30,
*33)

Housing includes all property offered for rent, lease or compensation
which is designed to be a home or sleeping place but does not include
a single-family dwelling whose occupants offer no more than one room for
rent.  (Article 30, *33)

Violation: Any person, firm or corporation who interferes with the above
enumerated rights is guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine
not to exceed $500.  (Article 30, *33)
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