Wisconsin Senate Bill SB327

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/12/25
• Refer: 6/12/25

Caption

Emotional support animals in housing; falsely claiming that an animal is a service animal; and providing a penalty. (FE)

Impact

This legislation aims to strengthen the rights of property owners and rental agencies concerning the documentation required from individuals claiming a need for emotional support animals. By mandating that such individuals provide reliable documentation and prescriptions from licensed health professionals, the bill intends to prevent misuse of emotional support animal claims, thereby protecting the interests of landlords and ensuring that regulations are not exploited. However, this could raise concerns over accessibility for those genuinely in need of emotional support animals, potentially complicating the process for these individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill 327 addresses the provisions surrounding emotional support animals and service animals in housing and public accommodations. The bill clarifies the definitions and requirements for individuals seeking to keep emotional support animals, while also establishing penalties for individuals and health professionals who provide false documentation regarding their need for such animals. It specifically delineates a service animal as a dog or a miniature horse trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, aligned with federal definitions under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB327 include the balance between protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and the need for landlords to have legitimate grounds for their requests for documentation. Critics may argue that the bill could create additional barriers for individuals seeking to keep emotional support animals, thus negating some of the protections afforded under previous laws. Furthermore, the bill imposes penalties for misrepresentation, including forfeitures on individuals and health professionals, which may spark debates on the fairness and enforcement of such penalties.