This bill addresses the sale of emotional support dogs and aims to clarify the distinction between emotional support dogs and service dogs. It mandates that sellers provide written notice to buyers, informing them that emotional support dogs do not possess the specialized training required for service dogs and are not entitled to the same legal rights and privileges. The notice must be clearly presented in bold type on the purchase receipt or a separate document. Additionally, the bill empowers the attorney general to enforce these requirements.

Furthermore, the bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.833, to increase the penalties for misrepresenting service animals. Specifically, it changes the classification of the offense from a petty misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor for individuals who violate the law a second or subsequent time. The new provisions will take effect on August 1, 2026, and will apply to offenses committed on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.833