WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia Statutes, White Cane Law of 1969 (last
amended in 1984), chapter 150, Article 15, Sections 5-
15-1 through 5-15-8

West Virginia law guarantees a blind person the legal
right to be accompanied by a specially trained dog
guide in harness in any public accommodation and on
all public transportation.  No extra charge can be
levied because of the dog guide's presence, but the
dog guide user is liable for any damage caused by the
dog.  State policy also endorses equal employment
opportunity in its state service, or in the service of
its political subdivisions and public schools, and in
any employment supported in whole or in part by public
funds, except when the disability prevents performance
of the work involved.

Public accommodations include hotels, restaurants,
stores, places of resort and amusement, and all other
places to which the public is invited.  (*5-15-4)

Public transportation includes trains, boats, buses,
taxis, airplanes, and all other common carriers and
modes of conveyance offered for public use.  (*5-15-
4)

Violation: Any person, firm, corporation or agent
thereof who interferes with the above enumerated
rights is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a
fine not to exceed $50.  (*5-15-8)
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