Req. No. 2467 Page 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 STATE OF OKLAHOMA 2nd Session of the 58th Legislature (2022) SENATE BILL 1223 By: Bullard AS INTRODUCED An Act relating to service animals; amending 4 O.S. 2021, Section 801, which relates to public accommodations; creating misdemeanor for improper use of service animal; and providing an effective date . BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 4 O.S. 2021, Section 801, is amended to read as follows: Section 801. A. For purposes of this section: 1. The terms “place of public accommodation ”, “public accommodation” and “service animal” shall have the same meaning as such terms are defined in 28 C.F.R., Section 36.104. “Service animal” does not include an emotional supp ort animal or a therapy animal; 2. “Emotional support animal ” means an animal selected to reside with an individual with a disability that does not work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual wi th a disability and does not accompany at all time s an individual with a disability; and Req. No. 2467 Page 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3. “Therapy animal” means a personal pet who is certified to make therapeutic visits with a trained volunteer to places including, but not limited to, nursing facilit ies, schools and hospitals to bring therapeutic be nefit, comfort and cheer to others. B. A public accommodation may adopt a policy to prohibit animals, except service animals, from entering the place of public accommodation. C. A public accommodation whi ch adopts such a policy shall post a sign in a conspicuous location outside the entrance of the place of public accommodation stating which animals or types of animals are prohibited. Such sign shall also state that service animals are permitted. D. If a public accommodation inquires into the qualificat ion of a service animal, the public accommodation shall comply with 28 C.F.R., Section 36.302(c)(6). E. Any person who is not an individual with a disability or is not trained to assist individuals with di sabilities, who uses a service animal in an attempt to gain treatment or benefits as an individual with a disability s hall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2022. 58-2-2467 JES 1/7/2022 4:26:34 PM