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IA SF234
IA SF234A bill for an act relating to the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training.
summary
Introduced
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
In Committee
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
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. Under the proposed changes, a person commits this offense if they intentionally misrepresent an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training for the purpose of obtaining rights or privileges granted by state or federal law. The bill removes two previous requirements: that the person had received a prior warning about misrepresentation and that they knowingly misrepresent a non-service animal. The offense remains classified as a simple misdemeanor, which carries a potential punishment of up to 30 days in confinement and a fine ranging from $105 to $855. By eliminating the additional elements, the bill makes it easier to prosecute individuals who fraudulently claim an animal is a service animal, thereby protecting the rights of individuals with genuine service animals who rely on these animals for assistance.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Withdrawn. S.J. 834. (on 04/21/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF234 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF234.html |
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