MA H1686

Establishes a 17-member special legislative commission to study service animal use in Massachusetts, co-chaired by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary chairs

Commission membership includes representatives from the Governor's office, Attorney General, Massachusetts Office on Disability, Commission Against Discrimination, municipal police training committee, mental health legal advisors, Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Assistance Dogs International-accredited organizations, Tanglewood, and retail associations

Study scope covers reviewing federal, state, and local service animal laws; examining benefits of service animals for individuals with disabilities; investigating fraud and misrepresentation prevalence; and researching deterrent practices from other jurisdictions

Commission must evaluate potential changes to service animal laws, including the definition of "service animal," whether to create civil penalties for service animal fraud, and the feasibility of certification, registration, or licensing systems

Final report due to the legislature by April 1, 2026