The bill amends South Dakota law regarding the documentation requirements for assistance animals in rental dwelling units. It clarifies the definitions of "assistance animal" and "disability," stating that an assistance animal is any animal that provides necessary support for an individual with a disability, while a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits major life activities. The bill allows landlords to require tenants to provide reliable supporting documentation if they assert a disability that necessitates an assistance animal, but it also specifies that documentation is not required if the disability is readily apparent to the landlord.

Additionally, the bill outlines the criteria for acceptable supporting documentation, which must confirm the tenant's disability and the need for the accommodation, be issued by a licensed healthcare provider, and include specific details such as the provider's contact information and medical license number. It also establishes that landlords may verify the authenticity of the documentation. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for penalties if a tenant is found to have made a false claim regarding their disability or provided fraudulent documentation, allowing landlords to evict tenants and seek damages up to one thousand dollars.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2026: 43-32-33, 43-32-34, 43-32-35, 43-32-36