Oklahoma 2022 2022 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1223 Introduced / Bill

Filed 01/07/2022

                     
 
 
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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   
 
 
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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