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Bill > HF244


IA HF244

IA HF244
A bill for an act relating to the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training.(See HF 615.)


summary

Introduced
02/06/2025
In Committee
02/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training. Under current law, a person commits the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or a service-animal-in-training if the three following elements are established: (1) the person intentionally misrepresents an animal in one’s possession as one’s service animal or service-animal-in-training or a person with a disability’s service animal or service-animal-in-training whom the person is assisting by controlling to obtain any of the rights or privileges set forth in law for such animals, (2) the person was previously given a written or verbal warning regarding the fact that it is illegal to intentionally misrepresent an animal, and (3) the person knows that the animal in question is not a service animal or a service-animal-in-training. The bill strikes the second and third elements. A person who commits the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training commits a simple misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than 30 days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855.

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing Iowa law regarding the offense of intentionally misrepresenting an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training. Currently, a person could only be charged with this offense if they had previously received a warning and knowingly misrepresented a non-service animal. The bill simplifies the offense by removing those two additional requirements, meaning that anyone who intentionally misrepresents an animal as a service animal for the purpose of obtaining rights or privileges under state or federal law can now be charged. The offense remains classified as a simple misdemeanor, which carries potential penalties of up to 30 days in confinement and a fine ranging from $105 to $855. This change appears intended to make it easier to penalize individuals who fraudulently claim their pets are service animals, which can undermine the important role of legitimate service animals that assist people with disabilities.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Withdrawn. H.J. 660. (on 03/14/2025)

bill text


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