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HF 4390

Person who sells emotional support dogs required to provide notice that the dog is not a service dog, and criminal penalties for misrepresenting service animals increased.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kaela Berg and 26 co-sponsors

The bill requires sellers of emotional support dogs to disclose that the dog is not a service dog, and it tightens penalties for misrepresenting a animal as a service dog.

Introduction and first reading, referred to Commerce Finance and Policy
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Bill Summary · HF 4390

Summary of HF 4390 (Minnesota, 2025-2026)

High-level purpose

HF 4390 aims to regulate the sale of emotional support dogs by requiring sellers to disclose to buyers that the dog is not a service animal. The bill also tightens penalties for misrepresenting a animal as a service dog. The core intent is to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of service animal assistance by clarifying distinctions between service dogs and companion/emotional support animals.

Key provisions and changes

  • Notice requirement for sellers

    • Any person or business that sells an emotional support dog (often marketed as a “service animal” or “assistance animal”) must provide explicit notice that the animal is not a service dog.
    • The notice likely must be in a clear, conspicuous format and delivered prior to purchase, and potentially in writing or a standardized disclosure form (exact language not provided in available materials).

  • Penalties for misrepresentation

    • The bill increases criminal penalties for misrepresenting an animal as a service dog.
    • Penalty enhancements may apply to certain actors (e.g., sellers, trainers, or handlers) who knowingly misrepresent an animal’s status as a service animal to the public or customers.
    • Specific sanctions (e.g., fines, imprisonment terms, or probation) and thresholds are not detailed in the available summary but would be defined in the bill’s text.

  • Scope and definitions

    • The bill distinguishes between emotional support dogs and service dogs (the latter typically trained to perform tasks for a disabled person).
    • It targets sellers of emotional support dogs, potentially including retailers, breeders, online sellers, and others who market such animals.

Who is affected

  • Sellers and marketers of emotional support dogs

    • Businesses and individuals who sell dogs marketed as emotional support or similar may be required to provide the mandated disclosure.

  • Consumers and buyers

    • Individuals purchasing emotional support dogs would gain clearer information about the animal’s capabilities and limitations, reducing the potential for confusion or deception.

  • Service dog users and the public

    • By strengthening penalties for misrepresentation, the bill seeks to preserve the legitimacy of bona fide service animals and reduce misuse.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading

    • Dated: March 16, 2026.
    • Referred to the Commerce Finance and Policy committee for consideration.

  • Sponsors

    • A broad group of co-sponsors, indicating cross-party and diverse legislative support. Notable co-sponsors include multiple representatives across districts, suggesting a coalition to address consumer protection and public safety concerns related to service animals and emotional support animals.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Consumer protection

    • Greater transparency about the nature of dogs marketed as emotional support animals, helping consumers make informed decisions and avoid misrepresentations.

  • Regulatory clarity

    • Establishes a clearer framework for disclosures and penalties, potentially reducing fraudulent claims that a dog is a service animal.

  • Enforcement

    • The effectiveness will depend on the exact language surrounding the disclosure requirements (format, placement, and timing) and the scope of enforcement mechanisms and penalties.

  • Implementation considerations

    • Businesses may need to adapt sales practices, train staff, and maintain documentation to comply with disclosure requirements.

If you’d like, I can pull and summarize the bill’s exact language, proposed penalties (fines, jail time, etc.), and any related definitions to provide a more precise, legally detailed outline.

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

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