North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

North Dakota Senate Bill SB2222

Introduced
1/17/25  
Refer
1/17/25  
Refer
1/23/25  

Caption

A BILL for an Act to create and enact two new sections to chapter 25-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact sections 25-13-01.1 and 47-16-07.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to 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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ND SB2222

A BILL for an Act to create and enact two new sections to chapter 25-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact sections 25-13-01.1 and 47-16-07.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals and disability documentation for a service or assistance animal in a rental dwelling; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2193

Definitions associated with assistance animals; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2193

A BILL for an Act to create and enact two new sections to chapter 25-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact section 25-13-01.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2231

Covered services for medical assistance.

ND SB2231

A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 50-24.1-45 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to covered services for medical assistance.

ND HB1231

Clarify documentation requirements for assistance animals in rental dwelling units.

ND HB1612

The establishment of the North Dakota center for aerospace medicine for mental health support and certification assistance; and to provide an appropriation.

ND HB1612

AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 15-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the establishment of the North Dakota center for aerospace medicine for mental health support and certification assistance; and to provide an appropriation.

ND SB2078

The North Dakota state hospital.

ND SB2078

AN ACT to amend and reenact sections 25-01.1-07, 25-02-01.1, and 25-02-03 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the North Dakota state hospital.

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ND SB2222

A BILL for an Act to create and enact two new sections to chapter 25-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact sections 25-13-01.1 and 47-16-07.5 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals and disability documentation for a service or assistance animal in a rental dwelling; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2193

Definitions associated with assistance animals; and to provide a penalty.

ND SB2193

A BILL for an Act to create and enact two new sections to chapter 25-13 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the certification and sale of assistance animals; to amend and reenact section 25-13-01.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions associated with assistance animals; and to provide a penalty.

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