SB10 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Sections 21-7-1 to 21-7-9 to modernize service animal laws and expand protections for individuals with disabilities using service animals in public and housing accommodations.

• Establishes that service animals are limited to dogs or miniature horses for public accommodations and defines service animals as those trained to perform disability-related work or tasks, excluding emotional support animals.

• Requires public accommodations to permit service animal use without extra charges, allow trainers the same rights as handlers with disabilities, and impose specific identification requirements for animals in training.

• Makes it a Class C misdemeanor to knowingly misrepresent an animal as a service animal or oneself as a trainer, with penalties including 100 hours of community service; second violations are Class B misdemeanors with $100 fines.

• Prohibits public accommodations from charging deposits for service animals (even if required for pets), requesting disability information, or denying access based on allergies or fear; allows exclusion only for out-of-control animals or those posing direct threats to health and safety.