HF688

This legislative bill, introduced by Representatives Frazier and Noor in Minnesota, aims to modify existing laws related to service dogs in housing for people with disabilities. Specifically, it seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes section 256C.025 in two main ways:

1. It provides a clearer definition of what constitutes homeowners associations and housing accommodations with respect to service dogs.

2. It introduces a new provision regarding service dogs in training. Under this new provision, dogs that are actively being trained as service dogs (under the supervision of an accredited organization) are allowed in all housing accommodations without extra charges. However, the trainer is responsible for any damages caused by the dog. Landlords or homeowners associations can ask for written proof from the training organization to verify the dog’s training status. This accommodation for the service dog in training ends once the training is completed.

The purpose of the bill is to ensure that individuals who are training service dogs have the same rights to access housing as those with fully trained service dogs, with protections in place for property owners.