HB 303 Summary

• Prohibits places of public accommodation from preventing individuals with disabilities from using service animals, with limited exceptions for animals that are out of control or not housebroken.

• Defines "service animal" as any dog individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to an individual's disability, excluding other animal species.

• Allows miniature horses trained to assist individuals with disabilities to access public accommodations if reasonable modifications can be made, considering the animal's size, handler control, housebreaking status, and facility safety requirements.

• Makes it illegal for persons to falsely claim an animal is a service animal to gain access to public accommodations, and establishes a second degree misdemeanor penalty for violations.

• Amends the Ohio Civil Rights Commission's authority to enforce service animal requirements while prohibiting the commission from adopting rules governing service animal use at public accommodations.