Today on AirTalk, we take a look at a new proposal by the Department of Transportation that could ban all emotional support animals from flying. Also on the show, we analyze new city rental laws being proposed that could change renter-landlord relationships and give an update on impeachment.
Federal Proposal Could Allow Airlines To Bar Emotional Support Animals From Flying
Do you think all emotional support animals should be allowed to fly? The Department of Transportation is considering changes to the rules that would allow airlines to ban emotional support animals and only allow service dogs trained to do specific tasks for those with disabilities on board.
Airlines could ban emotional-support animals including untrained dogs, cats and more exotic companions such as pigs, pheasants, rabbits and snakes.
Airlines say the number of support animals has grown dramatically in recent years. They lobbied the Transportation Department to crack down on what they consider a scam - passengers who call their pets emotional-support animals to avoid pet fees that generally run more than $100 each way.
The main trade group for large U.S. airlines praised the proposal. Nicholas Calio, president of Airlines for America, said, “The proposed rule will go a long way in ensuring a safer and healthier experience for everyone.”
Flight attendants had pushed to rein in support animals, and they too were pleased.
Veterans groups also sided with the airlines, arguing that a boom in untrained dogs and other animals threatens their ability to fly with properly trained service dogs. Last year, more than 80 veterans and disability groups endorsed banning untrained emotional-support animals in airline cabins.
On the other side are people who say that an emotional-support animal helps them with anxiety or other issues that would prevent them from traveling or make it more stressful. They aren't a very organized group, but there are lots of them.
The rules do not require any training for emotional-support animals. However, airlines can demand that the animal's owner show them a medical professional’s note saying they need the animal for support.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Hugo Martin, staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, covering the travel industry
Douglas Kidd, the executive director at the National Association of Airline Passengers, a nonprofit organization that does advocacy work
Public Officials Make Changes Regarding Background Checks and Security Deposits For Renters
Security deposits and background checks can be problemsome for renters. Large cash-only security deposits on top of first month’s rent can make it difficult for people to round up all the funds needed.
According to a recent piece from The Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio city council members recently passed a law that expands renters’ choices on how they pay for a security deposit, making the city the first in the country requiring landlords to accept alternatives to cash payments. Other legislators are looking to ease the steep costs of security deposits as well by implementing deposit or rent limits. According to the Wall Street Journal, landlords argue collecting all-cash security deposits allows them to protect their assets.
And in other housing news, the Oakland City Council this week moved to approve an ordinance that would prohibit landlords from asking about a potential tenant’s criminal history or rejecting them out of hand for having a record. Council members voted unanimously to pass the Fair Chance Access to Housing Ordinance, which supporters say will help ensure ex-cons can find secure housing instead of ending up on the streets. The council must still take a final vote on Feb. 4 before the measure takes effect, the East Bay Times reported. The Berkeley City Council is expected to vote on a similar measure in February and supporters plan to start work shortly on similar measures in Emeryville and Alameda County. Oakland’s ordinance is the strictest of its kind in the state, covering both public and private housing, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Today on AirTalk, we discuss the evolving changes to these types of housing policies that impact renters. Do you have thoughts? Join the conversation by calling 866-893-5722.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Marty Johnson, breaking news reporter for The Hill, he’s been writing about Cincinnati's new law that gives renters alternative options to how they pay for a security deposit; he tweets
Marisa Kendall, housing reporter for the Bay Area News Group; she tweets
Impeachment Day 3: Dems Recap Evidence
The Senate impeachment trial goes into Day 3 as the House prosecution team continues to make their case for impeachment.
Opening arguments for the Democrats kicked off yesterday after the Senate officially established rules for the trial on Tuesday. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the lead prosecutor, spoke for more than two hours, laying out the case House Democrats made in weeks of hearings last year. He appealed to senators not to be “cynical” about the politics of impeachment. Schiff, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said Trump had pursued a “corrupt scheme” to abuse his presidential power and then obstruct Congress’ investigation.
Each side has up to three days to present its case. As the Senate gavels in today, the Democrats are one-third of the way through the 24 hours allotted to make their case. After the House prosecutors finish, likely Friday, the president’s lawyers will launch their 24 hours. It’s unclear how much time they will actually take, but Trump’s team promises not only to defend the president but to take apart the Democrats’ case. The Senate is expected to take only Sunday off and push into next week.
With files from the Associated Press
Guests:
Margaret Russell, Professor of Law at Santa Clara University; her areas of expertise include Constitutional law
David Rivkin, partner at the law firm BakerHostetler; he has previously held positions at the Department of Justice, in the Office of White House Counsel and elsewhere in the federal government; he tweets