The bill amends existing laws regarding the documentation and approval process for emotional support animals (ESAs) in housing. It establishes that tenants with disabilities can request to keep an ESA as a reasonable accommodation, and landlords may deny such requests only under specific conditions, such as if the animal poses a direct threat to health or safety. Notably, the bill mandates that supporting information for the ESA request must come from a health care practitioner who has established a client-provider relationship with the tenant at least 30 days prior to the request. This information must include the practitioner's license details and the specific support the animal provides. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from requesting information that reveals the tenant's disability diagnosis or severity.

The bill also clarifies definitions related to emotional support animals and health care practitioners, emphasizing that an ESA does not require training or certification. It specifies that emotional support animal registrations alone do not suffice to establish a tenant's need for an ESA. Furthermore, the bill includes a provision stating that the required documentation does not compel landlords to allow the presence of an ESA if they comply with applicable laws. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the clarity and process surrounding emotional support animals while ensuring tenant rights and landlord responsibilities are balanced.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(1): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(2): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(3): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(4): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(5): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(6): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(7): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(8): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1(9): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_1: 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(1): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(10): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(11): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(12): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(2): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(3): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(4): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(5): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(6): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(7): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(8): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2(9): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_2: 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(1): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(10): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(11): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(12): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(2): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(3): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(4): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(5): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(6): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(7): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(8): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3(9): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_3: 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_X(1): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_X(2): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_X(3): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_X(4): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_X(5): 70-24-114, 70-33-110
SB0149_X: 70-24-114, 70-33-110