HB5486 Summary

• Amends MCL 750.502c to require public accommodations to allow service animals to accompany trainers and animal raisers for purposes of training or socializing the animals.

• Expands the definition of "service animal" to include miniature horses individually trained to perform work or tasks for persons with disabilities.

• Adds "trainer" and "animal raiser" as categories of individuals who may bring service animals into public accommodations, with trainers defined as employees of accredited service animal agencies.

• Permits public accommodations to request documentation from animal raisers showing the animal is being socialized to perform service animal tasks, while maintaining restrictions on documentation requests from persons with disabilities.

• Maintains existing prohibitions on removing service animals due to allergies or fear, and requires public accommodations to offer alternative services when service animals are properly excluded for safety or control reasons.