HB 05288 - Service Animals Bill Summary

• Aligns Connecticut state law with federal law (28 CFR 35.104) by defining "service animal" to include animals in training and expanding coverage beyond just guide dogs to assist persons with any disability, effective July 1, 2024.

• Grants full-time state and municipal employees with disabilities who have worked 12+ consecutive months up to 20 days of paid sick leave to participate in service animal training with accredited organizations.

• Expands service animal protections in public accommodations, transportation, and housing by removing restrictive requirements (such as mandatory harnesses or orange leashes) and allowing service animals to accompany people with disabilities at no extra charge.

• Increases liability for dog owners whose unleashed dogs attack service animals, requiring payment for veterinary care, rehabilitation, replacement costs, and attorney's fees; creates infraction for failing to restrain dogs near service animals.

• Requires the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities to provide educational materials distinguishing service animals from emotional support and therapy animals, and permits businesses to inquire whether an animal is a service animal required because of a disability.