HI HCR157

Urges U.S. Congress to examine the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 as it relates to emotional support or comfort animals and prevent abuses of these protections.

Notes that emotional support animals are permitted in public housing under Fair Housing Amendments Act protections, and housing providers may request documentation from mental health professionals but not medical records.

Expresses concern that residents are falsely claiming animals are emotional support animals to circumvent pet rental policies and that some medical professionals may issue improper documentation.

States that misrepresentation of animals as emotional support animals harms individuals with legitimate needs for such animals.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Hawaii's congressional delegation.