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HB 1893

TO AUTHORIZE A PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNER OR BUSINESS OWNER TO BAN AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL FROM THE PRIVATE PROPERTY OR THE BUSINESS PREMISES; AND TO REGULATE LIABILITY ON PRIVATE PROPERTY RELATED TO EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Brown and 1 co-sponsor

Act 819 allows Arkansas property and business owners to ban emotional support animals, clarifying liability and balancing rights of owners and those needing support.

Notification that HB1893 is now Act 819
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Bill Summary · HB 1893

Summary of House Bill 1893 (Act 819)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1893, now known as Act 819, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly to amend existing laws regarding emotional support animals (ESAs). The primary intent of the bill is to grant private property owners and business owners the authority to prohibit emotional support animals from their premises, while also clarifying liability issues related to such animals.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the Arkansas Code, specifically under Title 20, Chapter 14, Subchapter 10:

  1. Authority to Ban Emotional Support Animals:

    • Private property owners can ban emotional support animals from their property unless prohibited by the Fair Housing Act or other federal laws.
    • Business owners may also ban emotional support animals from their business premises through:
      • Verbal notification to customers or visitors.
      • Posting a conspicuous sign at the entrance indicating that emotional support animals are not allowed.

  2. Liability Regulations:

    • The bill stipulates that private property owners and business owners will not be held liable for injuries caused by emotional support animals, except in cases of gross negligence.

Affected Parties

  • Private Property Owners: Individuals who own residential or commercial properties will have the discretion to allow or disallow emotional support animals.
  • Business Owners: Owners of businesses will have the authority to set policies regarding emotional support animals on their premises.
  • Customers and Visitors: Individuals who may wish to bring emotional support animals onto private property or business premises will be directly affected by these new regulations.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 28, 2025
  • Passed by House: April 1, 2025
  • Passed by Senate: April 14, 2025
  • Enrolled and Transmitted to Governor: April 15, 2025
  • Notification of Act: April 17, 2025

Conclusion

House Bill 1893 (Act 819) represents a significant shift in the regulation of emotional support animals in Arkansas. By allowing property and business owners to ban these animals, the bill aims to balance the rights of individuals who require emotional support with the rights of property owners to control access to their premises. The liability provisions also provide a measure of protection for property owners against potential legal claims related to emotional support animals.

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

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