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Signature Stamp Bill Becomes Law "A Consumer Victory for Persons wtih Physical Disabilities" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2006 Contact: Tom Allman (702) 257-8150 (SPARKS, NEV.) - Due to the initiative of a  person with a severe physical disability, the Nevada Disability Advocacy & Law Center (NDALC) conducted legal research as to whether other states had statutes allowing the use of a rubber signature stamp for people with physical disabilities who are unable to write their names. The individual with a severe physical disability had experienced problems signing in at election polling places, signing real estate contracts, and other signature-related instances.  At the request of the Nevada Legislature, the person testified as to the problems she experienced and NDALC staff presented the results of the legal research at Legislative Hearings.  As a result, the Nevada Legislature drafted Senate Bill 23 authorizing the use of a rubber signature stamp for all purposes that a signature is required, for use by people with physical disabilities who are unable to sign their name. The bill was passed by both the Nevada Assembly and Senate and signed into law by the Governor on May 10, 2005 as Nevada Revised Statute NRS 426 Section 257. The final regulations to implement the law were approved and adopted by the Legislative Commissions Subcommittee to Review Regulations on May 4, 2006. The law can be found at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-426.html#NRS426Sec257. The final regulations will later be listed in the Nevada Administrative Code which is updated at http://search.leg.state.nv.us/nac/searchnac.html (search for the above listed statute NRS426.257). Consumers with physical disabilities who are unable to write their name and would like to get a signature stamp to use as well as those who experience any problems in being able to use their signature stamp are both urged to contact the Nevada Office of Disability at (775) 687-4452 or tbutterworth@dhhs.nv.gov and/or by contacting the Nevada Disability Advocacy & Law Center (NDALC) at (702) 257-8150 and/or tom@ndalclv.org. Businesses, governmental agencies and other organizations that require a signature are urged to train their employees as to this law. Consumers who use signature stamps are strongly urged to be their own advocates by carrying a copy of this article with them and presenting a copy of it to anyone who refuses to allow them to use their signature stamp as the above law allows. # # #

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