This bill introduces a new section to South Dakota law that prohibits individuals from misrepresenting an animal as a service animal in public accommodations. Specifically, it makes it illegal for a person to intentionally misrepresent an animal in their possession as a service animal to gain rights or privileges that are reserved for individuals with legitimate service animals, as defined by state and federal law. The bill clarifies that a "service animal" is specifically a dog trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, and it explicitly states that emotional support or companionship does not qualify as a service task.

Violating this provision is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, which carries legal penalties. The bill aims to protect the integrity of service animal designations and ensure that individuals who genuinely require service animals can access the rights and privileges afforded to them without the interference of misrepresentation.