CT HB06476

Allows tenants who are blind, physically disabled, or have a mental or intellectual disability to deduct the cost of food and veterinary care for service animals as a medical expense from gross family income when calculating rent in assisted housing.

Defines "service animal" as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person who has a disability.

Requires the Commissioner of Housing to exclude service animal maintenance costs from family income calculations when determining eligibility and rent levels for subsidized housing tenants with disabilities.

Applies to housing authorities and nonprofit corporations operating assisted housing projects under Connecticut General Statutes sections 8-30g, 8-45, 8-48, and 8-72.

Effective date: October 1, 2019.