Bill > SB2853

This bill requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals, as well as those who issue documentation verifying a disability-related need for such an animal, to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient. This notice must clearly state that emotional support animals are not service animals because they lack the specific training required by law, and therefore, their users are not entitled to the same legal rights and privileges as service animal users. The bill also mandates that anyone selling certificates, vests, or identification tags for emotional support animals must provide similar written notice to the buyer, clarifying that these items do not qualify the animal as a service animal. Furthermore, all these notices must explicitly warn that knowingly misrepresenting an animal as a service animal is unlawful. Failure to comply with these notice requirements can result in civil penalties, with fines increasing for subsequent violations. The bill aims to educate the public about the distinction between service animals and emotional support animals, as defined by federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, and to prevent misrepresentation.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2853&year=2026