44TH LEGISLATURE - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - FIRST SESSION, 1999

RELATING TO HUMAN RIGHTS; AMENDING A SECTION OF THE WHITE CANE LAW TO PROHIBIT INTERFERENCE WITH OR ATTACKS ON GUIDE DOGS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. Section 28-7-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1967, Chapter 232, Section 5) is amended to read:

"28-7-5. INTERFERENCE WITH RIGHTS OF [BLIND] THE DISABLED--PENALTY.--[Any]

A. A person [or persons], firm, corporation or the agent of any person [or persons], firm or corporation [who denies or interferes] shall not deny or interfere with admittance to or enjoyment of the public facilities enumerated [herein] in Section 28-7-3 NMSA 1978 or otherwise [interferes] interfere with the rights of a totally or partially blind or otherwise disabled person [enumerated herein shall be].

B. No person shall interfere with or injure or permit a dog to interfere with or injure a guide dog.

C. A person who interferes with the rights of a disabled person or injures or permits an injury to a guide dog is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished pursuant to the provisions of Section 31-19-1 NMSA 1978."