NC H680

Creates criminal penalties for assaulting emotional support animals: Class H felony for killing, Class I felony for causing serious harm, Class 1 misdemeanor for causing harm, and Class 2 misdemeanor for taunting or obstructing the animal.

Defines "emotional support animal" as an animal providing emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship that is not trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.

Allows persons with disabilities to be accompanied by emotional support animals in public places and on leased or rented premises upon showing official registration from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Requires annual registration of emotional support animals with no fee for initial or renewal registration; $10 fee charged for replacement registrations if original is lost.

Appropriates $200,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for fiscal year 2019-2020 to hire staff and implement registration requirements.