SB2973 Summary

• Prohibits Housing Authorities from restricting tenants from owning or maintaining one or more common household pets within their dwelling units under the Housing Authorities Act.

• Requires tenants of housing financed with Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund money designated for low and very low-income families to be allowed to keep one or more common household pets (dogs, cats, regardless of breed, size, or weight) in accordance with applicable laws.

• Exempts service animals, service animals in training, and dogs deemed dangerous or vicious under the Animal Control Act from pet ownership restrictions.

• Establishes enforcement policies for pet-related provisions including noise and sanitation standards, pet registration, restraint in common areas, timely waste removal, vaccination and sterilization requirements, and violation enforcement.

• Shields housing providers from liability for injuries caused by permitted pets on their property and preserves existing protections for reasonable accommodations for service animals assisting individuals with disabilities.