HB 1599 Summary

• Amends the definition of "service dog" in Hawaii Revised Statutes §347-2.5 by removing language that distinguished companion or comfort animals from service dogs.

• Creates a new statutory definition of "emotional support animal" as any animal that a medical professional has determined provides therapeutic benefit for an individual with a disability.

• Establishes a new criminal offense of misrepresenting the use of a disability animal, making it a misdemeanor to knowingly and willfully claim to be disabled to receive benefits and protections for service animals or emotional support animals under federal or state law.

• Addresses reported fraud and abuse in no-pet condominiums and homeowners associations where residents falsely claim pets are service or emotional support animals to circumvent pet restrictions.

• Takes effect upon approval.