S.B. 2200 Summary

• Requires licensed health care providers (under chapters 453, 453D, 457, 459, 465, or 467E) to provide written findings documenting whether a patient has a disability and whether an assistance or service animal is needed to alleviate disability-related symptoms.

• Establishes three conditions that must be met before a provider can make such a finding: the provider must have met with the patient in person or via telehealth, be personally familiar with the patient and their disability, and be legally and professionally qualified to make the determination.

• Directs the civil rights commission, in consultation with the department of the attorney general, to adopt rules and create a standardized form containing only two yes/no questions: whether the person has a disability and whether the assistance animal need is disability-related.

• Allows landlords and private entities to deny pet policy exceptions if a person without a readily apparent disability fails to provide documentation of disability and disability-related need for an assistance animal.

• Clarifies that the bill does not limit other means by which persons with disabilities may demonstrate disability or disability-related need for assistance animals under state or federal law.