Opinion
CASE NO. C10-1360-MAT
03-06-2012
WILLIAM MICHAEL KRAL, Plaintiff, v. KING COUNTY, et al., Defendants.
ORDER RE: PENDING MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
INTRODUCTION
Plaintiff William Michael Kral brings this action against King County and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASPC) alleging violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Washington's Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). (Dkt. 10.) Plaintiff, who is deaf, alleges discrimination through the refusal to provide him with an interpreter and other auxiliary aids and services necessary to allow him to participate in the electronic home monitoring (EHM) portion of his criminal sentence.
Defendants move for summary judgment. (Dkts. 38 & 43) and plaintiff moves for partial summary judgment (Dkt. 42). Having considered the pending motions and all materials filed in support and in opposition, as well as the remainder of the record, the Court finds defendants entitled to summary judgment in relation to plaintiff's WLAD claim, while concluding plaintiff's ADA claim presents outstanding issues and material factual disputes precluding summary judgment.
BACKGROUND
Plaintiff was cited for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in King County on November 28, 2004, and arraigned on August 18, 2005. (Dkt. 39, Ex. 1.) He was subsequently arrested, convicted, and served time in Benton County in relation to another DUI. (Id.; Dkt. 46, Ex. 1 (Kral Dep. at 74-45).) Thereafter, on June 13, 2007, King County District Court entered a commitment upon sentence and plaintiff began to serve his sentence in relation to his November 2004 arrest. (Dkt. 39, Ex. 1.)
Following the filing of a motion to resentence by counsel, King County District Court Judge Elizabeth D. Stephenson issued an August 2, 2007 Order on Judgment and Sentence for the Crime of DUI. (Id., Exs. 2 & 3.) The order provided for a 365 day sentence, with 155 days suspended, 90 days to be served in jail (with credit for 42 days already served), and 120 days to be served on EHM "with breathalyzer[.]" (Id., Ex. 3.) The order also authorized an interpreter for Victim Information Panel sessions. (Id.)
Upon court order, King County provides EHM as a sentencing alternative to complete confinement through the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) Community Corrections Division (CCD). (Dkt. 40, ¶¶3-5.) King County defendants or probationers ordered to have alcohol monitoring while on EHM "must independently find their own method of getting the alcohol monitoring accomplished" which "usually happens by the client working with his or her probation officer, who can tell the defendant which company(ies) the ordering Court is most likely to approve to provide that service." (Id., ¶14.) The only alcohol monitoring provided by King County entails the use of a handheld device - the "Sobrieter" - at the work release facility offices of the CCD. (Id., ¶10.) While CCD does not provide the Sobrieter for at-home use with EHM, "it is possible that a court could order that a defendant on EHM come in to the office for breath alcohol testing" using the device on a scheduled basis. (Id., ¶¶11-12.) In this instance, there is no record of contact between plaintiff and the CCD as to placement in King County's EHM program. (Id., ¶6.)
Plaintiff did discuss EHM with WASPC. (Dkt. 49 at 2.) WASPC is designated by RCW § 36.28A.010 as a "combination of units of local government." (Dkt. 45, ¶3.) WASPC is made up of representatives from local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement, and facilitates the provision of law enforcement services to law enforcement agencies. (Id., ¶4.) One of WASPC's services includes establishing and vetting relationships with third party vendors to provide correctional services like EHM and alcohol monitoring, and acting as the "contact point" for the vendor and various law enforcement agencies in Washington State. (Id., ¶¶5-7.)
On or about August 10, 2007, Dale McMillan, a WASPC case manager, received notice from King County District Court identifying plaintiff as a candidate for EHM. (Dkt. 44, ¶4.) At that time, WASPC contracted with Behavioral Interventions, Inc., a Colorado company, for EHM services, and with Sentencing Alternatives, a division of Control Station Security Systems, Inc. and a California company, for alcohol monitoring. (Id., ¶¶5-6; Dkt. 45, ¶¶8-9.) At the time at issue in this case, the EHM provided by the vendor involved an ankle bracelet and transmitter connected to a phone line, while the alcohol monitoring involved a video camera, breathalyzer, and random telephone communications between the vendor's operator and the offender. (Dkt. 44, ¶¶5-6.) The operator would call the offender and provide instructions as to where and how to stand in front of the video camera and blow into the breathalyzer unit, and the offender would show the results to the operator via the video camera. (Id., ¶6.) With the alcohol monitoring provided, the vendor's operator makes telephone calls and performs tests with the offender, while WASPC provides the vendor's equipment, monitors the results, and reports the results to the court. (Dkt. 45, ¶7.)
McMillan met with plaintiff at Kent Regional Justice Center on or about August 10, 2007 and communicated with him through written notes. (Dkt. 44, ¶¶7-8 and Ex. 1.) McMillan informed plaintiff he would have to have someone at home to take two phone calls a day for alcohol monitoring. (Id., ¶8 and Ex. 1 at 1-4.) McMillan indicated he could schedule to have the test performed at the same times every day, but added that the calls could come fifteen minutes before to forty-five minutes after the scheduled time. (Id., ¶8 and Ex. 1 at 2-3.) Plaintiff conveyed that he would try to arrange to have someone in his family assist with the monitoring and gave McMillan his mother's name and phone number. (Id., Ex. 1 at 4-6.)
McMillan attests that, upon returning to his office and contacting Sentencing Alternatives, he was told they did not offer other equipment or options to accommodate plaintiff. (Id., ¶9.) McMillan further attests that he "discussed the [EHM] program and its requirements with [plaintiff's] family members[,]" and that plaintiff's mother, Ann Godejohn, initially indicated her willingness to be present for and assist with the alcohol monitoring phone calls. (Id., ¶10.)
McMillan again met with plaintiff to discuss the EHM and alcohol monitoring. (Id., ¶11.) Notes of that conversation show McMillan reiterated the alcohol monitoring process and asked plaintiff to have his mother or another person call him to make arrangements. (Id., Ex. 2.) McMillan declares that plaintiff s mother ultimately told him she was no longer interested in helping plaintiff with the alcohol monitoring, and that he did not hear from anyone else on behalf of plaintiff. (Id., ¶13.) On August 27, 2007, McMillan sent a fax to King County District Court stating:
William Kral is deaf and will not be able to be put on EHM with BAC for that reason. The testing operators have to physically talk to him every time they call. His people at his home are not welling [sic] to be at home during the test times.(Id., Ex. 3.)
He is still at the RJC.
Godejohn attests that she received a document from King County District Court with contact information for WASPC in regard to plaintiff's participation in EHM and shortly thereafter spoke with McMillan. (Dkt. 62-1 at 2.) Godejohn maintains she explained to McMillan that she would not be able to assist plaintiff with the alcohol monitoring because she would not be home with him due to her need to work. (Id.) Godejohn attests that she suggested possible accommodations for plaintiff, including the use of a video phone, a bracelet such as that used by the actress Lindsay Lohan, and text messaging. (Id. at 2-3.) Plaintiff likewise contends that he at some point suggested the use of the "SCRAM (continuous alcohol monitoring)" bracelet used by Lohan. (Dkt. 49 at 2-3.) Godejohn also states that she contacted both the Northwest Deaf Addiction Center in Vancouver, Washington, and Clark County Washington District Court to obtain information about deaf individuals on EHM and alcohol monitoring. (Dkt. 62-1 at 3.) She adds that, in a final phone call with McMillan, she asked whether WASPC "would send Mike back to court to ask if they would remove the alcohol testing requirement." (Id. at 3-4.)
WASPC moves to strike a declaration provided by Godejohn and portions of a declaration provided by plaintiff. (Dkt. 52.) The request to strike Godejohn's declaration because it is unsigned was made moot by plaintiff s submission of a signed declaration. (See Dkt. 62.) Also, contrary to WASPC's contention, the content of the declarations of both Godejohn and plaintiff are relevant and, in most respects, supported by sufficient foundation. See Fed. R. Evid. 401 ("Evidence is relevant if: (a) it has any tendency to make a fact more or less probable than it would be without the evidence; and (b) the fact is of consequence in determining the action.") and Fed. R. Evid. 602 ("A witness may testify to a matter only if evidence is introduced sufficient to support a finding that the witness has personal knowledge of the matter. Evidence to prove personal knowledge may consist of the witness's own testimony.") See also Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(4) ("An affidavit or declaration used to support or oppose a motion must be made on personal knowledge, set out facts that would be admissible in evidence, and show that the affiant or declarant is competent to testify on the matters stated.") WASPC also moves to strike the bulk of both declarations as containing inadmissible hearsay. The Court finds insufficient support for the assertion of hearsay as it relates to Godejohn's and plaintiff's contentions that they requested various forms of accommodation. See generally Fed. R. Evid. 801 (defining hearsay); Fonseca v. Sysco Food Servs. of Ariz., Inc., 374 F.3d 840, 846 (9th Cir. 2004) (finding much of the evidence presented "not hearsay" and "within the deponent or declarant's personal knowledge[,]" and concluding that "even the declarations that do contain hearsay are admissible for summary judgment purposes because they 'could be presented in an admissible form at trial.'") It otherwise finds it unnecessary, for the purpose of resolving the pending motions for summary judgment, to consider any statements Godejohn and plaintiff attribute to McMillan or others.
Judge Stephenson held a review hearing on September 13, 2007. (Dkt. 39, Ex. 5.) Plaintiff requested and was denied the use of interpreter services for EHM by the court. (Dkt. 49 at 3.) Judge Stephenson issued an order stating plaintiff was "going to research options re: breathtesting when he is on EHM and out of custody." (Dkt. 39, Ex. 5; case of text altered.) However, instead of participating in EHM, plaintiff proceeded to serve the final 120 days of his sentence in custody.
Plaintiff filed a claim for damages with King County on August 16, 2010. (Dkt. 39 at 85-93). In so doing, he alleged WASPC and King County refused to provide services for EHM because he is deaf, and that "Judge Stephenson refused to amend the order to make it deaf friendly and refused to allow me to use interpreters to be able to participate in EHM." (Id. at 86, 93.) Plaintiff thereafter filed his Complaint in this matter, seeking monetary and declaratory relief. (Dkt. 10.)
DISCUSSION
Summary judgment is appropriate when a "movant shows that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). The moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law when the nonmoving party fails to make a sufficient showing on an essential element of his case with respect to which he has the burden of proof. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322-23 (1986). The Court must draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the nonmoving party. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 587 (1986).
The central issue is "whether the evidence presents a sufficient disagreement to require submission to a jury or whether it is so one-sided that one party must prevail as a matter of law." Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 251-52 (1986). The moving party bears the initial burden of showing the district court "that there is an absence of evidence to support the nonmoving party's case." Celotex Corp., 477 U.S. at 325. The moving party can carry its initial burden by producing affirmative evidence that negates an essential element of the nonmovant's case, or by establishing that the nonmovant lacks the quantum of evidence needed to satisfy its burden of persuasion at trial. Nissan Fire & Marine Ins. Co., Ltd. v. Fritz Cos., Inc., 210 F.3d 1099, 1102 (9th Cir. 2000). The burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to establish a genuine issue of material fact. Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co., 475 U.S. at 585-87.
In supporting a factual position, a party must "cit[e] to particular parts of materials in the record . . .; or show[] that the materials cited do not establish the absence or presence of a genuine dispute, or that an adverse party cannot produce admissible evidence to support the fact." Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1). The nonmoving party "must do more than simply show that there is some metaphysical doubt as to the material facts." Matsushita Elec. Indus. Co., 475 U.S. at 585. "[T]he requirement is that there be no genuine issue of material fact. . . . Only disputes over facts that might affect the outcome of the suit under the governing law will properly preclude the entry of summary judgment." Anderson, 477 U.S. at 247-48 (emphasis in original). "The mere existence of a scintilla of evidence in support of the non-moving party's position is not sufficient[]" to defeat summary judgment. Triton Energy Corp. v. Square D Co., 68 F.3d 1216, 1221 (9th Cir. 1995). Nor can the nonmoving party "defeat summary judgment with allegations in the complaint, or with unsupported conjecture or conclusory statements." Hernandez v. Spacelabs Med. Inc., 343 F.3d 1107, 1112 (9th Cir. 2003).
All three parties in this matter move for summary judgment, in whole or in part. The Court first considers some preliminary arguments raised by defendants, and thereafter addresses plaintiff's claims under the ADA and WLAD. A. Judicial Immunity
Defendants maintain this action is barred by judicial immunity. Claims for monetary damages against judges are barred by absolute judicial immunity. Mireles v. Waco, 502 U.S. 9, 9-12 (1991). Accord Schucker v. Rockwood, 846 F.2d 1202, 1204 (9th Cir. 1988) (per curiam) ("Judges are absolutely immune from damages actions for judicial acts taken within the jurisdiction of their courts.") (citation omitted). "A judge loses absolute immunity only when he acts in the clear absence of all jurisdiction or performs an act that is not judicial in nature." Schucker, 846 F.2d at 1204 (citations omitted).
Defendants contend that the decision to allow plaintiff to participate in EHM, a sentencing alternative to confinement in jail, and the decision to deny a request for the assistance of an interpreter in the September 2007 hearing are discretionary judicial decisions protected by absolute judicial immunity. See Duvall v. County of Kitsap, 260 F.3d 1124, 1133 (9th Cir. 2001) (judicial immunity applied to state court judge's decision to deny deaf party's request for videotext display). Noting plaintiff's inability, in his deposition, to point to any person other than Judge Stephenson as violating his civil rights based on his disability (Dkt. 39, ¶ 9 and Ex. 7 (Kral Dep.) at 192-234), King County reasons it should be dismissed from this suit. WASPC adds arguments that, as an agent carrying out the court's instructions, it is entitled to the same immunity as the judge, see, e.g., Lutheran Day Care v. Snohomish County, 119 Wn.2d 91, 126-27, 829 P.2d 746 (1992) (quasi-judicial immunity of hearing examiner and county council extended to county), and that it cannot be held liable for the judicial conduct of a District Court Judge, who is a state, not a county actor, see Wash. Const. Art. IV, § 1 and RCW 3.30.030; Eggar v. City of Livingston, 40 F.3d 312, 316 (9th Cir. 1994) ("Because Judge Travis was functioning as a state judicial officer, his acts and omissions were not part of a city policy or custom. A municipality cannot be liable for judicial conduct it lacks the power to require, control, or remedy, even if that conduct parallels or appears entangled with the desires of th e municipality.")
Defendants' reliance on judicial immunity as a barrier to this suit is misplaced. Defendants do not present evidence supporting the conclusion that Judge Stephenson denied plaintiff the opportunity to participate in EHM. Judge Stephenson sentenced plaintiff to EHM and it is apparent from the plain language of her September 2007 order that she fully intended plaintiff to participate in that sentencing alternative. (Dkt. 39 at Ex. 3 and Ex. 5 ("Def is going to research options re: breathtesting when he is on EHM and out of custody.") (case of text altered and emphasis added).)
Nor does the outcome of the September 2007 hearing otherwise end the inquiry into accommodation. First, while acknowledging the District Court's denial of his request for an interpreter to assist in EHM (see Dkt. 49 at 3), plaintiff alleges that both WASPC and King County denied him the opportunity to participate in EHM based on his disability. (See, e.g., Dkt. 10 and Dkt. 39 at 71-81, 86.) Moreover, as stated by the Ninth Circuit, "the possibility that an individual judge might refuse to order, or even permit, an accommodation . . . in a particular case would not absolve the County [or some other public entity] of [the] responsibility to attempt to comply with the ADA." Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1141 n.15 (rejecting argument that a county and other named defendants may not be held liable for a failure to accommodate a hearing impaired litigant because a judge rejected a requested accommodation of using a videotext display in a court proceeding). For this reason, and for the reasons stated above, defendants fail to establish that plaintiff's inability to participate in EHM resulted from a judicial act entitling defendants to immunity. B. Rooker-Feldman Doctrine
Defendants also argue that the Court lacks jurisdiction over this matter under the Rooker-Feldman doctrine. The Rooker-Feldman doctrine prevents federal courts from second-guessing state-court decisions by barring lower federal courts from hearing de facto appeals from state-court judgments. See Rooker v. Fidelity Trust Co., 263 U.S. 413 (1923); D.C. Ct. of Appeals v. Feldman, 460 U.S. 462 (1983); Carmona v. Carmona, 603 F.3d 1041, 1050 (9th Cir. 2010).
Defendants argue that consideration of plaintiff's claims would require this Court to consider invalidating Judge Stephenson's decision regarding plaintiff's sentence and her decision to deny the appointment of an interpreter for plaintiff's use of EHM, thereby implicating the Rooker-Feldman doctrine. They note that it is immaterial to this analysis that plaintiff pursues claims under the ADA. See Dale v. Moore, 121 F.3d 624, 627-28 (11th Cir. 1997) ("[T]he ADA does not provide an independent source of federal court jurisdiction that overrides the application of the Rooker-Feldman doctrine.") However, the Court does not find the Rooker-Feldman doctrine applicable to this matter.
As recently confirmed by the United States Supreme Court, "'the narrow ground' occupied by the [Rooker-Feldman] doctrine, . . . 'is confined to cases of the kind from which the doctrine acquired its name: cases brought by state-court losers . . . inviting district court review and rejection of [the state court's] judgments.'" Skinner v. Switzer, 131 S. Ct. 1289, 1297 (2011) (quoting Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Saudi Basic Industries Corp, 544 U.S. 280, 284 (2005)). Therefore, under Rooker-Feldman, a plaintiff may not seek reversal of a state court decision by filing a claim in federal district court. Noel v. Hall, 341 F.3d 1148, 1155 (9th Cir. 2003) ("A party disappointed by a decision of a state court may seek reversal of that decision by appealing to a higher state court. A party disappointed by a decision of the highest state court in which a decision may be had may seek reversal of that decision by appealing to the United States Supreme Court. In neither case may the disappointed party appeal to a federal district court, even if a federal question is present or if there is diversity of citizenship between the parties.")
The Supreme Court has also held the Rooker-Feldman doctrine implicated where claims presented are "inextricably intertwined" with a denial in a state proceeding. Feldman, 460 U.S. at 483 n. 16. However, as explained by the Ninth Circuit: "Only when there is already a forbidden de facto appeal in federal court does the 'inextricably intertwined' test come into play: Once a federal plaintiff seeks to bring a forbidden de facto appeal, as in Feldman, that federal plaintiff may not, as part of the suit in which the forbidden appeal is brought, seek to litigate an issue that is 'inextricably intertwined' with the state court judicial decision from which the forbidden de facto appeal is brought." Noel, 341 F.3d at 1158 (citing Facio v. Jones, 929 F.2d 541, 543 (10th Cir. 1991) (a plaintiff barred by Rooker-Feldman from seeking "to vacate and to set aside" a state court judgment through a de facto appeal, was forbidden to seek a declaratory judgment invalidating the state court rule on which the state court decision relied because the "request for declaratory relief [was] inextricably intertwined with his request to vacate and to set aside the [state court] judgment."))
Rooker-Feldman does not preclude the pursuit of an "independent claim" in federal district Court. Exxon Mobil Corp, 544 U.S. at 292-93. See also Carmona, 603 F.3d at 1050 ("A suit brought in federal district court is a 'de facto appeal' forbidden by Rooker-Feldman when 'a federal plaintiff asserts as a legal wrong an allegedly erroneous decision by a state court, and seeks relief from a state court judgment based on that decision.' . . . In contrast, if a plaintiff 'asserts as a legal wrong an allegedly illegal act or omission by an adverse party, Rooker-Feldman does not bar jurisdiction.'") (quoting Noel, 341 F.3d at 1164). This remains true even where "the 'same or a related question' was earlier aired between the parties in state court." Skinner, 131 S. Ct. at 1297 (quoting Exxon Mobil Corp, 544 U.S. at 292-93) (other cited sources omitted).
Again, Judge Stephenson sentenced plaintiff to EHM and reiterated her intention that plaintiff would serve a portion of his sentence on EHM in the review hearing. Plaintiff is not seeking review and/or reversal of that decision, or of any state court judgment. Cf. Dale, 121 F.3d at 626-27 (plaintiff's ADA claim against state bar examiners barred by Rooker-Feldman where federal case would require the Court to review a final state court decision). Plaintiff instead brings forth an independent claim alleging defendants failed to accommodate his disability in violation of federal and state law. See, e.g., Manufactured Home Cmtys., Inc. v. City of San Jose, 420 F.3d 1022, 1029-30 (9th Cir. 2005) (finding no forbidden appeal under Rooker-Feldman where plaintiff sued a City, not a state court, and challenged the City's interpretation of an ordinance, not the state court's factual or legal conclusion); Turner v. Crawford Square Apts. III, L.P., 449 F.3d 542, 547 (3d Cir. 2006) ("Turner's complaint raised federal claims, grounded on the [Fair Housing Act (FHA)], not caused by the state-court judgment but instead attributable to defendants' alleged FHA violations that preceded the state-court judgment."; the "overlap" between adjudicated state-court claims and involvement of the same operative facts did not implicate Rooker-Feldman). As discussed above, Judge Stephenson's denial of a request for an interpreter in a hearing does not resolve the issue of defendants' responsibility in relation to accommodation. See Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1141 n.15. For all of these reasons, defendants fail to establish this Court's lack of jurisdiction over plaintiff's claims based on the Rooker-Feldman doctrine. C. Prison Litigation Reform Act
Defendants argue plaintiff's damages claim is barred by the Prison Litigation Reform Act (PLRA) given the absence of a physical injury. The PLRA states, in relevant part: "No Federal civil action may be brought by a prisoner confined in a jail, prison, or other correctional facility, for mental or emotional injury suffered while in custody without a prior showing of physical injury." 42 U.S.C. § 1997e(e). However, as noted by plaintiff, the PLRA applies only to individuals who are detained at the time they file suit. Talamantes v. Leyva, 575 F.3d 1021, 1023-24 (9th Cir. 2009) (holding that "'only individuals who, at the time they seek to file their civil actions, are detained as a result of being accused of, convicted of, or sentenced for criminal offenses are "prisoners" within the definition of 42 U.S.C. § 1997e.'") (emphasis added) (quoting Page v. Torrey, 201 F.3d 1136, 1140 (9th Cir. 2000)). Because plaintiff was not detained at the time he filed suit, the PLRA does not apply. D. Pre-Claim Notice
WASPC argues plaintiff's claims are subject to dismissal based on his failure to comply with Washington's notice-of-claim statute, RCW 4.96.020. That statute requires the presentation of a claim for damages as "a condition precedent to the commencement of any action" seeking tort damages against a local governmental entity. RCW 4.96.010(1). However, the Court finds no need to consider this argument. First, as discussed below, the Court finds plaintiff's WLAD claim subject to dismissal on summary judgment. It need not, therefore, consider whether plaintiff satisfied the requirements of Washington's notice-of-claim statute in relation to WASPC. Second, the Court finds no basis for concluding the notice-of-claim statute applies to plaintiff's ADA claims. See, e.g., Felder v. Casey, 487 U.S. 131, 138 (1988) (state claims filing statute should not be applied to federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983); Payne v. Arpaio, No. CV09-1195-PHX-NVW, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 110553 at *34 (D. Ariz. Nov. 4, 2009) (Arizona's notice-of-claim statute does not apply to federal claims); Tout v. Erie Cmty. College, 923 F. Supp. 13, 15 (W.D.N.Y. 1995) (finding no basis why state notice-of-claim statute should apply to Title VII claim); Finley v. Giacobbe, 827 F. Supp. 215, 219 (S.D.N.Y. 1993) (declining to apply New York's notice-of-claim statute to ADA claims). Accordingly, WASPC's pre-claim notice argument provides no basis for dismissal on summary judgment. E. Declaratory Relief
Defendants maintain the declaratory relief sought by plaintiff is not available as he is no longer subject to his court sentence. However, in so doing, defendants rely on a case finding a prisoner's request for injunctive relief moot following his transfer to another institution. See Dilley v. Gunn, 64 F.3d 1365, 1368 (9th Cir. 1995). Defendants cite no support for the conclusion that plaintiff would not be entitled to declaratory relief given that he is no longer subject to his sentence. Also, the Court finds King County's assertion that plaintiff failed to request a declaration with regard to any specific policy unpersuasive given the absence of any information whatsoever as to King County's disability accommodation policies. Finally, plaintiff does request declaratory relief in the form of a declaration that defendants violated his rights. (Dkt. 10 at 6.) The Court, therefore, finds no basis for concluding at this time that plaintiff's request for declaratory relief is moot. F. Americans with Disabilities Act
Plaintiff sues King County under Title II of the ADA, which holds that "no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity." 42 U.S.C. § 12132. He sues WASPC under Title III of the ADA, which prohibits discrimination "on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation by any person who owns, leases (or leases to), or operates a place of public accommodation." 42 U.S.C. § 12182(a).
Plaintiff seeks partial summary judgment based on his establishment of a prima facie case under the ADA, while defendants argue plaintiff's ADA claims should be dismissed on summary judgment. Because it appears that plaintiff's claims against both defendants are properly analyzed under Title II of the ADA, the Court first briefly addresses plaintiff's presentation of a Title III claim against WASPC.
1. Title III of the ADA:
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodation. 42 U.S.C. § 12182. "The phrase 'public accommodation' is defined in terms of 12 extensive categories," PGA Tour, Inc. v. Martin, 532 U.S. 661, 676 (2001), including places of lodging, food or drink establishments, places of exhibition, entertainment, public gathering, public display/collection, recreation, exercise, or education, sales, rental, and service establishments, public transportation stations, and social service center establishments, "if the operations of such entities affect commerce[.]" 42 U.S.C. § 12181(7).
Plaintiff fails to establish that WASPC falls into any of the categories subject to Title III of the ADA. Instead, as it concedes in its motion for summary judgment (Dkt. 43 at 9-11), WASPC appears to be properly considered as a local governmental entity, or "public entity", under the ADA.
The ADA defines "public entity" as including "any State or local government[]" and "any department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or States or local government[.]" 42 U.S.C. § 12131(a). A public entity is broadly construed as including "'every possible agency of state or local government.'" Lee v. City of Los Angeles, 250 F.3d 668, 691 (9th Cir. 2001) (quoted sources omitted) (noting that both state prisons and local law enforcement agencies are public entities under the ADA). WASPC, as addressed in the portion of the Revised Code of Washington governing "Counties", is "declared to be a combination of units of local government[.]" RCW § 36.28A.010. As such, the Court concludes that an ADA claim against WASPC would fall under Title II, not Title III.
Additionally, as noted by WASPC, a Title III claim would allow for only injunctive relief, a remedy not sought by plaintiff in this case. Fischer v. SJB-P.D. Inc., 214 F.3d 1115, 1120 & n.6 (9th Cir. 2000).
Given the above, plaintiff necessarily fails to establish his entitlement to partial summary judgment against WASPC under Title III of the ADA. However, as discussed further below, WASPC appears to be a proper party in relation to plaintiff's Title II claim. Accordingly, the Court concludes that, upon provision of an amended complaint identifying the proper ADA title in relation to WASPC, plaintiff's claims against this defendant should proceed.
2. Title II of the ADA:
Title II of the ADA prohibits a public entity from discriminating against a qualified individual with a disability on the basis of disability. 42 U.S.C. § 12132. In order to demonstrate a Title II violation, plaintiff must show: (1) he is a "qualified individual with a disability"; (2) he was excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of a public entity's services, programs, or activities, or was otherwise discriminated against by the public entity; and (3) the exclusion, denial of benefits, or discrimination was by reason of his disability. Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1135 (citing Weinreich v. Los Angeles County Metro. Transp. Auth., 11 4 F.3d 976, 978 (9th Cir. 1997)).
A "qualified individual with a disability" is defined as "an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable modifications to rules, policies, or practices, the removal of architectural, communication, or transportation barriers, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of services or the participation in programs or activities provided by a public entity." 42 U.S.C. § 12131(2). In considering the services, programs, or activities at issue, "[t]he ADA's broad language brings within its scope '"anything a public entity does[,]"'" Lee, 250 F.3d at 691 (quoting Pennsylvania Dep't of Corr. v. Yeskey, 118 F.3d 168, 171 & n.5 (3d Cir. 1997), aff'd 524 U.S. 206 (1998) (quoting 28 C.F.R. Pt. 35, App. A, preamble to ADA regulations)), and "all of the operations of a qualifying local government." Thompson v. Davis, 295 F.3d 890, 898-99 (9th Cir. 2002) (internal quotation marks omitted) (quoting Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment, Inc. v. City of Antioch, 179 F.3d 725, 731 (9th Cir. 1999)).
Plaintiff is a deaf individual who was sentenced to EHM with alcohol monitoring in King County District Court. The evidence presented establishes that King County, through the CCD of the DAJD, provides EHM and in some limited circumstances employs the use of a Sobrieter to conduct alcohol monitoring. (Dkt. 40, ¶¶ 3-5, 10-12.) The evidence further establishes that WASPC facilitates the provision of EHM and alcohol monitoring to some King County defendants. (Dkt. 49, ¶¶ 4-7.) The Court, accordingly, finds the evidence sufficient to support the conclusion that plaintiff is a qualified individual with a disability under Title II of the ADA. 42 U.S.C. § 12131(2). See also Yeskey, 524 U.S. at 210-12 (finding Title II of the ADA applied to state prisons; disabled prisoners qualified to receive benefits and services of state prisons if they meet eligibility requirements, despite the fact that participation may not always be voluntary); Thompson, 295 F.3d at 896 (plaintiffs alleged substantially limiting impairments and statutory eligibility for parole; finding "parole proceedings constitute an activity of a public entity that falls within the ADA's reach.")
The Court discusses below King County's contention that it does not provide to anyone alcohol monitoring on EHM.
Plaintiff maintains satisfaction of the remaining elements of a Title II claim in that he was excluded from participation in EHM by reason of his disability through a denial of reasonable accommodations. Federal regulations implementing Title II require public entities to "make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability, unless the public entity can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity." 28 C.F.R. § 35.130(b)(7). Accord Memmer v. Marin County Courts, 169 F.3d 630, 633 (9th Cir. 1999). The regulations further provide:
"Although Title II of the ADA uses the term 'reasonable modification,' rather than 'reasonable accommodation,' these terms create identical standards[]" and are used "'interchangeably.'" McGary v. City of Portland, 386 F.3d 1259, 1266 n.3 (9th Cir. 2004) (quoting Wong v. Regents of Univ. of Cal, 192 F.3d 807, 816 n.26 (9th Cir. 1999)).
(a) (1) A public entity shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications with applicants, participants, members of the public, and companions with disabilities are as effective as communications with others.28 C.F.R. § 35.160. Additionally, while the "type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective communication will vary[,]" a public entity is directed to give "primary consideration to the requests of individuals with disabilities." Id. at § 35.160(b)(2).
. . .
(b) (1) A public entity shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to afford individuals with disabilities, including applicants, participants, companions, and members of the public, an equal opportunity to
participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a service, program, or activity of a public entity.
In pursuing a reasonable accommodation claim, plaintiff bears the burden of establishing "'the existence of a reasonable accommodation' that would enable him to participate in the program, service or activity at issue." Pierce v. County of Orange, 526 F.3d 1190, 1217 (9th Cir. 2008) (quoting Zukle v. Regents of the Univ. of Cal., 166 F.3d 1041, 1046 (9th Cir. 1999)). "The public entity may then rebut this by showing that the requested accommodation would require a fundamental alteration or would produce an undue burden." Id. (citing 28 C.F.R. § 35.150(a)(3)). Plaintiff also bears the burden of showing that accommodations offered by the public entity "were not reasonable, and that he was unable to participate equally in the [service, program, or activity] at issue." Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1137 (citing Memmer, 169 F.3d at 633-34). The question of reasonableness "always requires a fact-specific, contact-specific inquiry." Pierce, 526 F.3d at 1217.
Plaintiff avers his identification of reasonable accommodations and satisfaction of his obligation to show that the "family assistance" plan offered by WASPC would not work. He argues King County may not shield itself from liability by its reliance on WASPC to provide EHM services, pointing to the regulations implementing Title II as holding that a public entity may not deny service to a qualified individual with a disability through its contractual or other arrangements. 28 C.F.R. § 35.130(b). Plaintiff also maintains WASPC denied him use of its services and failed to make or even consider any modifications to its practices and procedures to accommodate his disability.
Noting plaintiff seeks to recover monetary damages, King County observes that plaintiff must, therefore, prove intentional discrimination under a "deliberate indifference" standard. Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1138-39. "Deliberate indifference requires both knowledge that a harm to a federally protected right is substantially likely, and a failure to act upon that the likelihood." Id. at 1139 (citing, inter alia, City of Canton v. Harris, 489 U.S. 378, 389 (1988)). King County further states that plaintiff was required to identify "specific reasonable" and "necessary" accommodations which the County then failed to provide. Memmer, 169 F.3d at 633.
King County maintains plaintiff failed to make any attempt to talk to County officials about EHM, let alone identifying specific reasonable and necessary accommodations the County failed to provide. King County further avers that, while plaintiff s deafness would not have prevented him from receiving EHM had he asked, it would not have been able to provide EHM with alcohol monitoring because it does not provide that service to anyone. As described above, King County states that defendants and probationers ordered to have alcohol monitoring while on EHM "must independently find their own method of getting the alcohol monitoring accomplished" and that this typically happens through the assistance of a probation officer. (Dkt. 40, ¶14.) King County points to Judge Stephenson's September 2007 order as demonstrating her expectation plaintiff would take care of this aspect of his EHM. (Dkt. 39, Ex. 5.)
King County also asserts plaintiff's failure to mitigate his damages, stating he did no more than see or hear about the actress Lindsay Lohan on TV and looked at a few internet sites (see Dkt. 39 at 43-59), and failed to move for reconsideration of the sentencing order providing for EHM. King County adds that it did provide plaintiff with auxiliary aids and services, including authorizations for an interpreter for Victim Information Panel sessions, the translation of court hearings into American Sign Language, and special housing and a TTY unit during plaintiff's incarceration. (See Dkts. 39 & 41.)
King County additionally avers that plaintiff inappropriately raises a new theory of its liability through its reliance on WASPC to provide EHM. However, the Court finds plaintiff's argument appropriate. Nor does the Court find, contrary to King County's suggestion, any problem with plaintiff's reliance on applicable regulations in support of his claim.
WASPC contends plaintiff was not denied access to EHM, stating it invited plaintiff to participate in the program and made multiple reasonable efforts at accommodation, including reduced pricing, the allowance for someone to assist plaintiff with the alcohol monitoring, the offer to schedule the monitoring at two set times during the day, and contacting the vendor to inquire into further accommodation. (Dkt. 44, ¶16.) WASPC avers plaintiff's deafness had nothing to do with whether he could participate in EHM and that only plaintiff's inability to get another individual to help him with the alcohol monitoring operator calls prevented his participation. Like King County, WASPC avers plaintiff's failure to identify any specific reasonable and necessary alternative accommodations WASPC then failed to provide. WASPC likewise points to plaintiff's failure to take any action, such as appealing his sentence, requesting re-sentencing, filing a grievance, or requesting release. It also points to the third party vendors performing the EHM and alcohol monitoring services as the entities controlling the technical requirements for participation.
WASPC posits that it was not aware of any other "available technology options" for plaintiff. (Dkt. 64 at 12.) It challenges plaintiff's contention that he gave information regarding other technology as hearsay, fabrication, and without foundation, notes the absence of any admissible evidence or expert offered by plaintiff to testify as to alternative technologies, and avers that "[t]he only relevant evidence before the court is that WASPC's contracted vendor had no such product available in 2007 and did not have anything similar until 2010." ( Id. (citing Dkt. 45, ¶10 (WASPC vendor did not provide alcohol testing through the skin until 2010; adding that such technology would not have resolved plaintiff's issue as, after a notice is sent, "some sort of confirmation communication would be necessary."))
In considering the arguments of the parties, the Court first addresses the involvement of both King County and WASPC in relation to plaintiff's Title II claim. As stated above, it appears that both defendants are properly considered as public entities under Title II. Further, while the Court finds the briefing and materials presented by the parties insufficient to allow for a complete understanding of the relationship between the defendants and the respective roles played in the provision of EHM and/or alcohol monitoring, it is clear both defendants provide relevant services, programs, and/or activities relevant to plaintiff's claim. The Court, therefore, considers plaintiff's Title II denial of reasonable accommodation claim in relation to both King County and WASPC.
Defendants fail to support their entitlement to summary judgment based on plaintiff's alleged failure to request "specific reasonable" and "necessary" accommodations which defendants then failed to provide. Memmer, 169 F.3d at 633. Plaintiff proffers declarations supporting the contention that he, individually and/or through his mother, requested various forms of accommodation from WASPC, such as video conferencing, text messaging, or a SCRAM bracelet. (Dkt. 49 at 2-3; Dkt. 62-1 at 2-3.) WASPC and McMillan deny plaintiff or his mother made any such requests. (Dkt. 44.) Accordingly, this issue presents a genuine issue of material fact that may not be decided on summary judgment.
Moreover, it is undisputed both that WASPC alerted King County District Court by fax as to plaintiff's inability to participate in EHM with alcohol monitoring due to his deafness (Dkt. 44, Ex. 3 ("William Kral is deaf and will not be able to be put on EHM with BAC for that reason.")), and that plaintiff requested accommodation through the assistance of interpreters in the September 2007 hearing. As stated above, the Judge's refusal of plaintiff's request does not absolve a public entity of its responsibilities under the ADA. Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1141 n.15. Further, "[w]hen the plaintiff has alerted the public entity to his need for accommodation (or where the need for accommodation is obvious, or required by statute or regulation), the public entity is on notice that an accommodation is required, and the plaintiff has satisfied the first element of the deliberate indifference test." Id. at 1139. See also Robertson v. Las Animas County Sheriff's Dep't, 500 F.3d 1185, 1194-95 (10th Cir. 2007) ("[A] public entity is on notice that an individual needs an accommodation when it knows that an individual requires one, either because that need is obvious or because the individual requests the accommodation."); Kiman v. N.H. Dep't of Corr., 451 F.3d 274, 283 (1st Cir. 2006) (while reasonable accommodation is typically triggered by a request because a disability and need for accommodation is not always known, "'sometimes the [person]'s need for an accommodation will be obvious; and in such cases, different rules may apply.'") (quoted source omitted). Plaintiff's request for the assistance of an interpreter to assist with EHM and alcohol monitoring in a King County District Court hearing provides support for the contention that he alerted the public entity to his need for accommodation and/or that that need was obvious. At the least, plaintiff's request and WASPC's August 2007 fax raise a question as to whether defendants can reasonably maintain they were not on notice as to plaintiff's need for accommodation, an issue the Court concludes would benefit from further development.
There also remains a question as to whether plaintiff could reasonably have been expected to contact a separate King County entity or representative in relation to EHM and alcohol monitoring given that he had otherwise dealt exclusively with WASPC, at their initiation, as to this aspect of his sentence. Although the relationship and roles of the defendants remain unclear, as plaintiff observes, the prohibition on discrimination extends not only to a public entity's direct actions, but also through its "contractual, licensing, or other arrangements[.]" 28 C.F.R. § 35.130(b)(1). See also generally Armstrong v. Schwarzenegger, 622 F.3d 1058, 1062-63, 1065-68 (9th Cir. 2010) (rejecting arguments challenging § 35.130(b)(1) and affirming district court's decision finding State "responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to the disabled prisoners and parolees that they house in county jails.") Therefore, as argued by plaintiff, King County would not be shielded from liability to the extent it utilized WASPC to provide EHM with alcohol monitoring through some contractual or other arrangement. Similarly, WASPC would not be shielded from liability to the extent it relied on its vendors' services through some type of contractual or other arrangement. Additionally, public entities are liable under principles of respondeat superior for their employees' violations of the ADA. Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1141.
The Court further finds other outstanding issues as to accommodation. "Reasonable accommodation does not require an organization to make fundamental or substantial alterations to its programs." Mark H. v. Hamamoto, 620 F.3d 1090, 1098 (9th Cir. 2010) (cited sources omitted). "Reasonableness 'depends on the individual circumstances of each case, and requires a fact-specific, individualized analysis of the disabled individual's circumstances and the accommodations that might allow him to [enjoy meaningful access to the program.]'" Id. (quoting Vinson v. Thomas, 288 F.3d 1145, 1154 (9th Cir. 2002) (internal citation and quotation marks omitted). "An accommodation is reasonable if it is 'reasonable on its face, i.e., ordinarily or in the run of cases.'" Id. (quoting U.S. Airways, Inc. v. Barnett, 535 U.S. 391, 402 (2002)). Here, there remain questions of fact as to the reasonableness of plaintiff's requested accommodations.
"Although neither the Rehabilitation Act nor Title II of the ADA, on its face, requires the provision of sign-language interpreters as an accommodation for hearing-impaired individuals, the regulations promulgated by the Attorney General under Title II list sign-language interpreters and videotext display as among the accommodations required, in appropriate circumstances, by the ADA." Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1134-45 n.7 (citing 28 C.F.R. § 35.104(1) (also listing numerous other types of auxiliary aids and services)). See also 42 U.S.C. § 12103(1) (describing "auxiliary aids and services" as including: "(A) qualified interpreters or other effective methods of making aurally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments; (B) qualified readers, taped texts, or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals with visual impairments; (C) acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; and (D) other similar services and actions.") The Court notes that none of the parties in this case present any explanation behind Judge Stephenson's denial of plaintiff's requested accommodation. Cf. Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1141 n.15 (judge never suggested he would not permit use of requested accommodation if it were available and, in fact, said "despite its unavailability in the county," plaintiff was free to provide the requested service himself if possible; "Thus, it seems clear that Judge Kruse had no objection to the use of videotext display in his courtroom.")
In addition, a public entity must "undertake a fact-specific investigation to determine what constitutes a reasonable accommodation[.]" Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1136. "'[M]ere speculation that a suggested accommodation is not feasible falls short of the reasonable accommodation requirement; the Acts create a duty to gather sufficient information from the [disabled individual] and qualified experts as needed to determine what accommodations are necessary.'" Id. (quoting Wong v. Regents of the Univ. Cal., 192 F.3d 807, 818 (9th Cir. 1999) (all but first alteration in original; citation and internal quotation marks omitted).
In this case, King County, considered separately from WASPC, admittedly did not undertake any investigation into accommodation to allow plaintiff to serve the EHM portion of his sentence. The Court finds unpersuasive King County's argument that it could not have discriminated against plaintiff given that it does not provide alcohol monitoring to anyone. First, King County concedes its use of the Sobrieter, an alcohol monitoring device, in certain circumstances, albeit not in relation to EHM. (Dkt. 40, ¶¶ 10-12.) Second, King County's argument "effectively eliminates the duty of a [public entity] to provide auxiliary aids and services[]" given that, "[b]y its very definition, an auxiliary aid or service is an additional and different service that [a public entity] must offer the disabled." Arizona v. Harkins Amusement Enterprises, Inc., 603 F.3d 666, 672 (9th Cir. 2010) (rejecting similar reasoning in a Title III case; adding: "For example, a courthouse that was accessible only by steps could not avoid ADA liability by arguing that everyone--including the wheelchair bound--has equal access to the steps. And an office building could not avoid having to put Braille numbering on the buttons in its elevator by arguing that everyone--including the blind--has equal access to the written text."; explaining that, while other decisions "support the proposition that the content of a good or service need not be altered under the ADA, neither of those decisions turn on whether a place of public accommodation must provide an auxiliary aid or service that falls within the mandate of § 12182(b)(2)(A)(iii).") While it may well be appropriate to impose the obligation of finding methods to accomplish alcohol monitoring on the typical offender, a disabled offender's need for an accommodation imposes obligations on a public entity under the ADA. WASPC does provide evidence supporting its offer of accommodation through the allowance of scheduled alcohol monitoring phone calls with third party assistance. A review of the applicable regulations raises a question as to whether requiring plaintiff to provide his own interpreter constitutes a reasonable accommodation. 28 C.F.R. § 35.160(c)(1) ("A public entity shall not require an individual with a disability to bring another individual to interpret for him or her.") In any event, the question of whether a public entity has provided reasonable accommodation is "ordinarily a question of fact." Fuller v. Frank, 916 F.2d 558, 562 n.6 (9th Cir. 1990) (citing Reynolds v. Brock, 815 F.2d 571, 575 (9th Cir. 1987)). Accord Crowder v. Kitagawa, 81 F.3d 1480, 1485-86 (9th Cir. 1996) ("[W]e have held that the determination of what constitutes reasonable modification is highly fact-specific, requiring case-by-case inquiry.") (citing Chalk v. United States District Court, 840 F.2d 701, 705 (9th Cir. 1988)). Here, WASPC maintains Godejohn inexplicably declined to assist plaintiff (Dkt. 44, ¶13), while Godejohn claims she was unable to assist plaintiff due to her need to work (Dkt. 62-1 at 2). Plaintiff also points to the fact that the twice daily scheduled phone calls could come fifteen minutes before to forty-five minutes after the scheduled time. (Dkt. 44, Ex. 1 at 2-3.) The Court finds the reasonableness of the accommodations offered by WASPC a question of fact inappropriate for determination on summary judgment.
The accommodations provided in relation to plaintiff's period of confinement are not relevant to the issue of accommodation in relation to the EHM portion of the sentence.
The Court does not take a position that the use of a Sobrieter would have served as a reasonable accommodation for plaintiff. However, it notes that the fact that this technology would not have been random does not appear to eliminate it as a possibility given that it is not clear the sentence required random testing, and given that WASPC offered scheduled testing through its vendor as an accommodation.
See also 28 C.F.R. § 35.160(c)(2) ("A public entity shall not rely on an adult accompanying an individual with a disability to interpret or facilitate communication except--(i) In an emergency involving an imminent threat to the safety or welfare of an individual or the public where there is no interpreter available; or (ii) Where the individual with a disability specifically requests that the accompanying adult interpret or facilitate communication, the accompanying adult agrees to provide such assistance, and reliance on that adult for such assistance is appropriate under the circumstances.")
Similarly, the Court finds inappropriate for resolution on summary judgment the question of whether WASPC satisfied its duty to "gather sufficient information" into necessary accommodations through McMillan's phone call to WASPC to inquire into alternatives for plaintiff. Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1136-37. Certainly, the mere assertion it was unaware of another option for plaintiff does not satisfy the obligation to investigate. Id. ("Although the County defendants were not aware of a court reporting service that provided real-time transcription when Duvall allegedly made his request, the ADA imposes an obligation to investigate whether a requested accommodation is reasonable.")
The Court also rejects defendants' reliance on plaintiff's other alleged failures at mitigation. Again, plaintiff's issue did not lie with the sentence to EHM with alcohol monitoring. He, rather, sought accommodation so that he could serve the sentence issued. Finally, defendants do not sufficiently support the assertion that the discretionary nature of the decision to allow plaintiff to serve a portion of his sentence on EHM alters the above analysis. Under the ADA, the services, activities, and programs of a public entity must be offered on nondiscriminatory terms, whether mandatory or voluntary. Robertson, 500 F.3d at 1199 (rejecting argument that defendants did not discriminate against hearing impaired detainee because his presence at a probable cause hearing was not required) (citing Yeskey, 524 U.S. at 210).
In sum, the Court finds numerous outstanding issues and factual disputes preventing resolution of plaintiff's Title II ADA claim against defendants on summary judgment. It remains to be determined whether plaintiff establishes he was excluded from defendants' services, programs, or activities, or otherwise discriminated against by defendants, and whether such exclusion, denial, or discrimination was by reason of his disability. Duvall, 260 F.3d at 1135. It further remains to be determined whether plaintiff establishes defendants' deliberate indifference through knowledge that a harm to plaintiff was substantially likely and the failure to act on that harm. Id. at 1139. See also Hamamoto, 620 F.3d at 1098-99 ("Hawaii DOE acted with deliberate indifference if it knew that Michelle and Natalie needed autism-specific services in order to enjoy meaningful access to the benefits of a public education and failed to investigate whether those services were available as a reasonable accommodation.") As such, the Court denies all pending motions seeking dismissal of plaintiff's ADA claim on summary judgment. G. Washington's Law Against Discrimination
Plaintiff alleges defendants operated places of public accommodation as defined by the WLAD, and violated the WLAD by failing to provide him with an interpreter and other reasonable accommodations necessary to allow him to benefit equally from defendants' services. (Dkt. 10 at 5-6 (citing RCW 49.60.215 and RCW 46.60.030).) He moves for summary judgment based on his establishment of a prima facie case of discrimination under the WLAD. Defendants also move for dismissal of plaintiff's WLAD claims on summary judgment.
The WLAD prohibits discrimination on the basis "of any sensory, mental, or physical disability[,]" and provides for "[t]he right to the full enjoyment of any of the accommodations, advantages, facilities, or privileges of any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement[.]" RCW 49.60.030(1). A place of "public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement" is defined as including, but not limited to:
[A]ny place, licensed or unlicensed, kept for gain, hire, or reward, or where charges are made for admission, service, occupancy, or use of any property or facilities, whether conducted for the entertainment, housing, or lodging of transient guests, or for the benefit, use, or accommodation of those seeking health, recreation, or rest, or for the burial or other disposition of human remains, or for the sale of goods, merchandise, services, or personal property, or for the rendering of personal services, or for public conveyance or transportation on land, water, or in the air, including the stations and terminals thereof and the garaging of vehicles, or where food or beverages of any kind are sold for consumption on the premises, or where public amusement, entertainment, sports, or recreation of any kind is offered with or without charge, or where medical service or care is made available, or where the public gathers, congregates, or assembles for amusement, recreation, or public purposes, or public halls, public elevators, and public washrooms of buildings and structures occupied by two or more tenants, or by the owner and one or more tenants, or any public library or educational institution, or schools of special instruction, or nursery schools, or day care centers or children's camps[.]RCW 49.060.040(2). Finally, under RCW 46.60.215, an unfair practice in places of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement is defined as follows:
It shall be an unfair practice for any person or the person's agent or employee to commit an act which directly or indirectly results in any distinction, restriction, or discrimination, or the requiring of any person to pay a larger sum than the uniform rates charged other persons, or the refusing or withholding from any person the admission, patronage, custom, presence, frequenting, dwelling, staying, or lodging in any place of public resort, accommodation, assemblage, or amusement, except for conditions and limitations established by law and applicable to all persons, regardless of . . . the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability[.]RCW 49.60.215(1).
A prima facie case of discrimination under RCW 49.60.215 requires a plaintiff to show:
(1) they have a disability recognized under the statute; (2) the defendant's business or establishment is a place of public accommodation; (3) they were discriminated against by receiving treatment that was not comparable to theFell v. Spokane Transit Auth, 128 Wn.2d 618, 637, 911 P.2d 1319 (1996). In this case, there is a dispute as to whether defendants operate places of public accommodation under the WLAD.
level of designated services provided to individuals without disabilities by or at the place of public accommodation; and, (4) the disability was a substantial factor causing the discrimination.
Plaintiff states that WASPC "operates a place that makes a charge for rendering personal services (electronic home monitoring)[,]" while "King County operates many places (including its district courts and its jails where people gather for public purposes, one of the definitions of public accommodation set forth in RCW 49.60.040(2).[)]" (Dkt. 42 at 7.) However, as argued by defendants, the Court finds no basis for concluding that plaintiff satisfies the requirement to establish that defendants - in relation to the specific claim at issue in this case - operate places of public accommodation subject to the WLAD.
As observed by defendants, "RCW 49.60.215 is Washington's analogue to Title of the ADA, prohibiting "discrimination against . . . disabled individuals in public accommodations." Weyer v. Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp., 198 F.3d 1104, 1118 (9th Cir. 2000). Public accommodations under Title III of the ADA "are actual, physical places where goods or services are open to the public, and places where the public gets those goods or services." Id. at 1114. The Washington Supreme Court has found it "very clear that the reach of the [WLAD's definition of public accommodation] extends to places and facilities, not services." Fell, 128 Wn.2d at 638 & n.24 (noting Washington courts have found places of accommodation to include restaurants, parks and public resorts, movie theaters, a weight control clinic, and barbershops).
While plaintiff notes King County's operation of courts and jails, he does not allege h e was subjected to discrimination in such places, or any other actual, physical place or facility operated by King County. Nor does he identify a physical place in which WASPC denied him accommodation. Instead, plaintiff alleges the discriminatory denial of a service, or some other program or activity; namely, the provision of EHM. As stated above, the WLAD does not extend to services. Id. The Court finds no basis for concluding that the denial of EHM by defendants can be considered as an unfair practice in a place of public accommodation as defined under RCW 49.60.215. See, e.g., Weyer, 198 F.3d at 1119 (finding "an administrator of an employer-provided disability insurance fringe benefit is not a 'place of public accommodation' under RCW 49.60.215."); Fell, 128 Wn.2d at 638-39 (finding plaintiff's argument that the "entire service area" of the Spokane Transit Authority was a place of accommodation not supported by the WLAD's definition of public accommodation, which would include "park and ride lots, bus shelters, transit centers and buses on scheduled fixed routes[]" and "extends to places and facilities, not services.")
Also, the service at issue was necessarily to be provided in plaintiff's home. As this Court has previously found, "the WLAD was not intended to equate 'place of public accommodation' with a private person's home." Patrice v. Murphy, 43 F. Supp. 2d 1156, 1162 (W.D. Wash. 1999) ("The use of the word 'public' was clearly meant to outlaw discrimination by those who make money serving the masses. The statute does not intrude into the purely private sphere. Since plaintiff's house cannot be considered a place of public accommodation, RCW 49.60.030(1)(b) does not apply.")
Finally, plaintiff fails to support his claim even if more broadly construed as identifying King County courts and/or correctional facilities as the relevant places of accommodation. First, plaintiff's claim cannot be reasonably read to support the conclusion that he was denied accommodation in the physical place of King County District Court. Second, even if plaintiff's claim could be construed as asserting a denial of accommodation in the physical place where he served the final months of his sentence, he provides an absence of any authority for the conclusion that correctional facilities are considered places of public accommodation under the WLAD. As noted by King County, courts have found to the contrary. See, e.g., Kral v. Benton County, No. CV-09-5014-RHW, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 105165 at *12-13 (E. D. Wash. Nov. 10, 2009) ("The Court finds that extending RCW 49.60.215 to courthouses and jails would be a significant and wholly unsupported leap from the types of facilities identified in the case law to date."); Brown v. King County Dep't of Adult Corrections, No. C97-1909W, 1998 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 20152 at *16-17 (W.D. Wash. Dec. 9, 1998) (stating that the WLAD's statutory definition "strongly suggests that a 'place of public . . . accommodation' does not encompass a prison environment[,]" and finding no basis presented to conclude a county jail constituted "a place of 'public accommodation' under R.C.W. § 49.60.215").
Courts have also found Title III of the ADA inapplicable to correctional facilities. See, e.g., Johnson v. Fed. Bureau of Prisons, No. 08-6017-HA, 2011 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 4539 at*6 (D. Or. Jan. 18, 2011) (finding ADA inapplicable given that "Title III does not include the Bureau of Prisons, or any other federal entity, among its exhaustive list of public accommodations operated by private entities within the coverage of that Title."); Edison v. Douberley, No. 2:05-cv-307-FtM-2 9SPC, 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 68152 at *12-13 (M.D. Fla. Sept. 9, 2008) (finding the categories regarded as places of public accommodation under Title III "do not arguably encompass a penal facility.") The Supreme Court has, however, held that prisons fall squarely within the statutory definition of "public entity" as considered in relation to Title II of the ADA. Yeskey, 524 U.S. at 209-12; accord Armstrong v. Wilson, 124 F.3d 1019, 1022-25 (9th Cir. 1997).
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In sum, the Court concludes plaintiff fails to make a sufficient showing on an essential element of his case with respect to which he has the burden of proof. Defendants are, therefore, entitled to dismissal of plaintiff's WLAD claim on summary judgment.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons explained above, the Court GRANTS in part and DENIES in part the motions for summary judgment filed by King County and WASPC, and DENIES plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment. Plaintiff's claim under the WLAD is hereby DISMISSED, while plaintiff's ADA claim may not be resolved on summary judgment. Plaintiff is hereby ORDERED to submit, within fifteen (15) days of the date of this Order, an amended complaint identifying the proper ADA title - Title II - in relation to his claims against WASPC.
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Mary Alice Theiler
United States Magistrate Judge