AL HB398

Creates criminal penalties for harassing, injuring, or causing the death of service dogs, with violations classified as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the level of intent and harm.

Harassment of a service dog after receiving notice is a Class C misdemeanor if done with malice or reckless disregard; allowing an uncontained dog to harass a service dog is also a Class C misdemeanor.

Causing injury to a service dog is a Class B misdemeanor with reckless disregard or a Class A misdemeanor if intentional or willful.

Causing death of a service dog or permanent disability preventing it from functioning is a felony punishable by 1-2 years imprisonment with reckless disregard, or 1-5 years if intentional or willful.

Requires convicted persons to pay full restitution for medical expenses, dog replacement costs, retraining expenses, lost wages of the service dog user, and other economic losses; allows service dog users to bring civil suits and recover attorney fees if they prevail.