SF 4928
Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 04/10/2026 08:59 a.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to commerce; requiring a person who sells emotional support dogs to
provide notice that the dog is not a service dog; increasing criminal penalties for
misrepresenting service animals; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section
609.833, subdivision 3; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 325F.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
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[325F.793] SALE OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOGS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Definitions. new text end
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(a) For the purpose of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
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(b) "Emotional support dog" means a dog that senses an event or helps alleviate symptoms
of a disability.
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(c) "Service dog" means a dog specially trained to perform specific tasks for a person
with a disability.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Written notice requirement. new text end
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(a) A person that sells or provides a dog for use
as an emotional support dog must provide written notice to the buyer or recipient of the dog
that states:
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(1) the dog does not have the special training required to qualify as a service dog;
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(2) the dog is not entitled to the rights and privileges provided by law to a service dog;
and
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(3) a person that intentionally misrepresents that the person is the owner or trainer of a
qualified service dog violates section 609.833.
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(b) The written notice must be (1) made in at least 12-point bold type, and (2) provided
on the purchase receipt for the emotional support dog or on a separate piece of paper.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Enforcement. new text end
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The attorney general may enforce this section under section
8.31.
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Sec. 2.
Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 609.833, subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3.
Penalty.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person who violates
subdivision 2 is guilty of a deleted text begin pettydeleted text end misdemeanor.
(b) A person who violates subdivision 2 a second or subsequent time is guilty of a new text begin gross
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end
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This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to crimes
committed on or after that date.
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