MA H1534

Establishes a 17-member special legislative commission to study the use and training of service animals compared to emotional support animals and their impact on tenants and property owners in Massachusetts

Commission membership includes chairs of the joint committees on housing and judiciary, appointees from legislative leadership, the governor, attorney general, Massachusetts Office on Disability, Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, and representatives from real estate, legal services, disability advocacy, and service dog organizations

Study scope includes reviewing federal, state, and local laws on emotional support animals; examining benefits for individuals with disabilities; investigating fraud and misrepresentation including online for-profit verification sources; and researching practices in other jurisdictions

Commission must recommend potential changes to emotional support animal laws, including definitions and verification/training requirements, and assess feasibility of certifying, registering, or licensing emotional support animals

Report due by April 1, 2027 to the clerks of the House and Senate, Ways and Means committees, and the Joint Committee on Housing