This bill amends the existing law regarding the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training. The current law requires three elements to be established for a person to be charged with this offense: (1) the person must intentionally misrepresent an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training to obtain rights or privileges, (2) the person must have received a prior warning about the illegality of such misrepresentation, and (3) the person must know that the animal is not a service animal or service-animal-in-training. The bill proposes to remove the second and third elements, simplifying the criteria for prosecution.

As a result of these changes, a person can be charged with the offense of intentional misrepresentation solely based on the first element, which focuses on the act of misrepresentation itself. The bill maintains that this offense is classified as a simple misdemeanor, punishable by confinement for up to 30 days and a fine ranging from $105 to $855. This legislative change aims to streamline the enforcement of laws protecting the integrity of service animals and their training.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 216C.11