MI HB4256

Requires public accommodations to allow service animals and service animals in training to accompany persons with disabilities and animal raisers/trainers in all public areas, including food preparation areas, unless the animal interferes with legitimate safety requirements like sterile hospital fields.

Permits public accommodations to remove service animals only if the animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action, or if the animal is not housebroken; prohibits removal based on allergies or fear.

For miniature horses specifically, allows public accommodations to assess whether accommodation is feasible based on the horse's type, size, weight, handler control, housebreaking status, and whether the horse compromises legitimate safety requirements.

Prohibits public accommodations from isolating persons with disabilities or animal raisers/trainers, charging additional fees, or treating them less favorably than other patrons; staff may only ask two questions (whether the animal is required because of disability and what work/tasks it performs) without requiring documentation or demonstrations.

Makes violation of these provisions a misdemeanor; establishes that animal raisers/trainers are liable for damage caused by their service animals in training, and includes veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or service-related disabilities within the definition of "person with a disability."