SB168 Summary

• Establishes state policy recognizing the special role of service dogs and protects persons with disabilities' right to use service dogs without interference or injury.

• Creates three criminal offenses: harassing a service dog after notice (Class C misdemeanor), causing injury to a service dog (Class B misdemeanor with reckless disregard, Class A misdemeanor if intentional), and causing death or permanent disability to a service dog (Class A misdemeanor).

• Requires persons convicted of violations to make full restitution for damages including medical expenses, replacement and retraining costs, veterinary care, lost wages of the service dog user, and other economic losses directly caused by the violation.

• Allows service dog users to bring civil lawsuits in the county where they reside or where the violation occurred, with courts authorized to award costs and reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.