This bill amends Section 216C.11 of the Iowa Code to expand the rights of individuals with disabilities regarding access to service animals. It clarifies that a person with a disability, along with those assisting or training service animals, has the right to be accompanied by a service animal or service-animal-in-training in any location where such animals are permitted by law. The bill adds language to include "any other place where a service animal or service-animal-in-training is otherwise permitted or allowed by law," thereby broadening the scope of access beyond the previously listed locations.

Additionally, the bill maintains that individuals are not required to pay extra fees for having a service animal or service-animal-in-training, while also holding them liable for any damage caused by these animals. The existing penalty for knowingly denying or interfering with the rights of individuals accompanied by service animals remains a simple misdemeanor. Overall, this legislation aims to enhance the accessibility rights of individuals with disabilities and ensure they can utilize their service animals in a wider range of settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 216C.11