Senator Bucco renews push to increase penalties for denying access to service animals after Uber incident
TRENTON, N.J. — In response to reports that a New Jersey couple who rely on guide dogs were denied multiple Uber rides, Senator Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) is renewing his call for the Legislature to advance his bill, S-3596, which would impose stricter penalties on businesses that refuse access to individuals accompanied by service animals.
“The recent incident involving a New Jersey couple who use guide dogs being denied Uber rides is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” said Sen. Bucco. “No one who relies on a service animal should ever face discrimination and this is exactly why I introduced legislation to increase penalties for denying access to transportation. The Legislature must act now and send a clear message that New Jersey stands firmly for accessibility, inclusion, and respect for individuals with disabilities.”
Under current law, anyone who interferes with or denies access to a service dog or its handler at a public facility faces civil penalties of $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation.
Bucco’s bill would elevate these penalties from civil to criminal, applying to any person who denies access to a public facility, to any form of transportation operated by NJ Transit, or to any transportation network company such as Uber or Lyft.
A first violation would be classified as a petty disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. Subsequent violations would be treated as disorderly persons offenses, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
Bucco said the proposed changes are meant to ensure stronger accountability and to affirm the state’s commitment to protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination.
