NC H1130

Clarifies that persons with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by service animals in public places and on leased or rented premises, conforming state law with federal requirements.

Removes the requirement for service animals to display a registration tag issued by the Department of Health and Human Services, allowing animals to qualify based on training status alone.

Permits animals in training to become service animals to access public places when accompanied by a trainer and wearing identifying equipment (collar, leash, harness, or cape).

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services for the 2022-2023 fiscal year to develop and implement a public awareness campaign about disability rights.

Takes effect July 1, 2022.