SD HB1231

Defines "assistance animal" broadly to include emotional support, service, and therapy animals that are necessary for an individual's health due to a disability

Landlords may require documentation for assistance animals unless the tenant's disability or need is readily apparent or already known; exemptions apply to owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units and certain single-family home rentals

Documentation must be issued within one year, come from a licensed health care provider with a professional relationship with the tenant, include an individualized assessment, and be on official letterhead with the provider's license number

Telehealth documentation is permitted if the provider attests in writing that an individualized determination was made of the tenant's disability-related need

Tenants who knowingly make false disability claims or provide fraudulent documentation may be evicted and assessed a damage fee up to $1,000