HB 5440 - Service Animals Summary

• Aligns Connecticut state law with federal definitions of "service animal" and "disability" by referencing 28 CFR 35.104 and 28 CFR 35.108, and explicitly includes animals in training.

• Grants state and municipal employees with disabilities who have been employed for at least 12 consecutive months up to 20 days of paid sick leave to participate in service animal training with accredited organizations.

• Requires transportation network company drivers to accommodate service animals without additional charges and prohibits discrimination against riders with disabilities.

• Expands public accommodation protections to allow persons with disabilities and service animal trainers to access public places with service animals without additional fees, and establishes liability for damages if unleashed dogs attack service animals.

• Directs the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to provide educational materials distinguishing service animals, emotional support animals, and therapy animals, and clarifies rights and responsibilities under state and federal law.