This bill aims to enhance protections for service animals and their handlers by establishing specific offenses related to harassment, harm, and unauthorized control of service animals. It defines key terms such as "service animal" and "value," and outlines the penalties for individuals who engage in behaviors that jeopardize the safety of service animals or their handlers. Offenses include continuing harmful behavior after receiving notice, negligently causing harm or death to a service animal, and unauthorized control over a service animal. Convictions for these offenses can result in misdemeanor charges and fines, as well as mandatory restitution for damages incurred by the service animal handler.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the liability of dog owners in cases where their dogs attack service animals, ensuring that service animals are included in the definition of individuals who can be harmed. It also reinforces the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by service animals in various public spaces without incurring additional charges, while holding them accountable for any damages caused by their service animals. The amendments to sections 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, and 49-4-214 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) reflect these changes, including the insertion of specific language to protect service animals and their handlers.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_1(1): 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_1(2): 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_1(3): 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_1(4): 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_1(5): 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_1: 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_X(1): 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_X(2): 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214
SB0300_X: 7-23-2109, 27-1-715, 49-4-214