North Dakota Senate Bill SB2222

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/23/25
• Report DNP: 2/14/25

Caption

Definitions associated with assistance animals and disability documentation for a service or assistance animal in a rental dwelling; and to provide a penalty.

Impact

If passed, SB2222 will impose strict requirements on health care providers regarding the provision of documentation for individuals who claim to need assistance animals. Health care providers will be mandated to conduct thorough assessments and have multiple sessions with the individual before preparing any documentation related to an assistance animal. This ensures that only individuals genuinely requiring assistance animals receive proper validation, potentially reducing misuse of assistance animal designations.

Summary

Senate Bill 2222 pertains to the certification and sale of assistance animals, aiming to establish clear definitions and documentation processes surrounding these animals in North Dakota. The bill modifies existing laws by defining 'assistance animals' and 'therapeutic relationships,' specifically targeting how health care providers document the need for assistance animals and the sale of such animals. This legislation highlights the importance of a legitimate clinical evaluation by health care providers and ensures accurate representation of an individual's disability in relation to their need for an assistance animal.

Contention

However, there are potential points of contention with this bill. Some advocates may argue that the stringent requirements could create barriers for individuals with legitimate needs, as not everyone has immediate access to health care resources required for documentation. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for violations concerning the sale and use of assistance animals, sparking discussions about how these penalties might be perceived by those needing assistance animals in emergency or urgent situations.