HB 2395 Summary

• Amends Arizona law to clarify that service animals (dogs and miniature horses trained to perform disability-related tasks) cannot be discriminated against in public places, and specifies that emotional support animals without trained tasks are not protected.

• Establishes a new service animal identification card program administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles, issued to handlers upon submission of attestation from a trainer or prescribing doctor and proof of identity.

• Specifies that the identification card must include the handler's name and address, service animal photograph and description, list of trained tasks, and emergency contact information, valid for five years or the service animal's period in service, whichever is shorter.

• Clarifies that possession of an identification card is optional and not required for a service animal to enter public places, and absence of a card does not create a presumption the animal is not a service animal.

• Makes it a Class 2 misdemeanor to discriminate against individuals with disabilities who use legitimate service animals, while allowing exclusion if the animal poses a direct threat, is out of control, or is not housebroken.