Senate Bill 327 aims to amend existing laws regarding emotional support animals and service animals in housing and public accommodations. The bill clarifies the definition of a service animal, limiting it to dogs or miniature horses that meet federal standards or are in training to become service animals. It also introduces stricter requirements for individuals seeking to keep emotional support animals, allowing housing representatives to request reliable documentation, including a prescription from a licensed health professional. Additionally, the bill imposes penalties for individuals who provide false documentation regarding emotional support animals and for licensed health professionals who issue prescriptions without a proper patient-provider relationship.

Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties for individuals who misrepresent themselves as having a service animal in public places, with fines escalating for repeated offenses. It mandates the Department of Workforce Development to create signage and informational materials for businesses to educate them about service animal laws and the consequences of misrepresentation. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity of service animal and emotional support animal classifications while protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 106.50(2r)(br)2, 106.50, 106.50(2r)(br)5, 106.50(2r)(br)6, 106.52(1)(fm), 106.52