ID S1312

Changes terminology throughout Idaho Code from "disabled person" to "individual with a disability" and updates related definitions to align with federal Americans with Disabilities Act standards (42 U.S.C. 12102 and 28 CFR parts 35 and 36).

Revises criminal penalties for interference with service dogs and assistance devices, changing the standard from "intentionally" to "knowingly" for certain offenses, with penalties ranging from $50-$1,500 in fines and up to six months to one year in county jail.

Expands the definition of "service dog" to include dogs trained to mitigate psychiatric, intellectual, and other mental disabilities in addition to physical disabilities, and clarifies that emotional support animals do not qualify as service dogs.

Establishes rights for individuals with disabilities and dog trainers to use service dogs and dogs-in-training in public accommodations without extra charges, subject to removal only if the dog is out of control or not housebroken.

Requires full restitution for veterinary bills and replacement costs when service dogs or dogs-in-training are injured or killed, and allows civil lawsuits with minimum punitive damages of $500 for intentional violations of disability protection statutes.