Montana State Laws

Montana Statute or Law:

Montana Statutes, Human Rights Law, passed in 1947 and last amended in 1991, Sections 49-4-202 through 49-4-217

Montana statutes guarantee a blind person the legal right to be accompanied by a specially trained dog guide in all public accommodations and on all public transportation. A dog guide user also has a legal right to equal housing accommodation in all 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 the premises. A landlord is not required to modify the property nor to provide a higher degree of care than that provided other persons. Also, Montana state policy ensures a blind person the right to equal employment opportunity in its state service, the service of its political subdivisions, the public schools or employment supported in whole or part by public funds, except when the particular disability prevents performance of the work involved.

Public accommodations include hotels, public buildings, stores, places of resort and amusement, and all other places to which the general public is invited. (•49-4-211, •49-4-214)

Public transportation includes trains, airplanes, buses, boats, taxis, and all modes of transportation offered for public use. (•49-4-211, •49-4-214)

Housing includes any real property or portion thereof which has been offered for rent, lease or compensation as a home, residence or sleeping place, but does not include single family dwellings, the occupants of which have offered not more than one room for rent. (•49-4-212, •49-4-214)

The driver of a vehicle will yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian with a dog guide. (•49-4-216) Violators will be fined not more than $25. (•49-4-217)

Violation: Any person, firm, or corporation or agent thereof who interferes with the rights enumerated above is guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable accordingly under Montana law. (•49-4-215)

Montana State Law Resources Link:
Official Website Of The Montana Legislature
Montana State Dog Laws, resources and advocacy of dog right
Montana State laws, policies and regulations for animals, animal owners and animal enterprises Protection and Public awareness
Montana State Dog protection legislation
Montana State Ordinances For Unaltered Animal requirements, Spaying and Neutering of Dogs and Cats