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SB 1130

AN ACT CONCERNING INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION OF A DOG AS A SERVICE ANIMAL TO GAIN ACCOMMODATIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Christine Cohen and 3 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill criminalizes falsely claiming a pet dog is a service animal to gain public access rights, targeting misrepresentation that undermines legitimate service animal accommodations.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#fraud #serviceanimals
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1130

Legislative bill overview

SB 1130 creates criminal penalties for people who intentionally misrepresent a pet dog as a service animal to gain access to public spaces or accommodations where animals are normally restricted. The bill addresses the growing problem of fake "emotional support animals" being passed off as legitimate service dogs, which disrupts genuine service animal programs and creates safety concerns in businesses and public venues.

Why is this important

Legitimate service animals—trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities—rely on public access rights that are being undermined by fraudulent claims. When fake service dogs enter restaurants, stores, and other facilities, they can trigger conflicts, create health code violations, and reduce trust in actual service animal handlers. This bill aims to protect both business operators and people with disabilities who depend on genuine service animals.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition challenges: Determining what constitutes "intentional misrepresentation" versus someone genuinely but mistakenly believing their pet qualifies could be difficult to prosecute
  • Enforcement burden: Small businesses may lack resources to verify service animal legitimacy, potentially shifting investigative and legal costs to law enforcement
  • Emotional support animal gray area: The distinction between service animals (task-trained, regulated) and emotional support animals (providing comfort, less regulated) creates ambiguity about what claims the law targets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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