Introduced
by
To expand a law that authorizes criminal penalties for falsely claiming to have a disability that makes a person eligible to have a “certified” service animal, so that it also applies to a bona fide “emotional support animal." The bill would establish procedures and requirements for a person with a disability to get an emotional support animal certification, which among other things would require a health care professional who has been treating the individual for at least six months to attest to the validity of the need. This is all related to a 2015 law that requires the Department of Civil Rights to create an identification card, tag, and vest for a service animal (like a seeing-eye dog), which permits the owner to bring the animal into public accommodations where dogs are usually not allowed.
Referred to the Committee on Local Government
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the bill pass.
Passed in the Senate 36 to 1 (details)
Referred to the Committee on Health Policy
