Bill > SB404

This bill requires sellers of emotional support animals and related accessories to provide clear written disclaimers to buyers explaining the legal distinctions between service animals and emotional support animals. Specifically, sellers must inform buyers that emotional support animals do not have the specialized training required for service animals, do not enjoy the same legal rights and privileges, and that misrepresenting an emotional support animal as a service animal is unlawful. The disclaimers must be written in at least 12-point bold type and included on the receipt or attached to it. Sellers who fail to provide these disclaimers can be fined between $100 and $250 for a first violation, and at least $500 for subsequent violations. The bill aims to reduce confusion about the legal status of emotional support animals, which are different from service animals trained to assist individuals with specific disabilities. The goal is to ensure that consumers understand the limitations of emotional support animals and prevent fraudulent claims about an animal's service status. The legislation does not prevent other potential civil remedies that might arise from misrepresenting an animal's status.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=404&year=2026