2019 House Bill 4910

Criminalize false emotional support animal claim

Introduced in the House

Sept. 3, 2019

Introduced by Rep. Matt Hall (R-63)

To make it a crime to falsely represent to a housing provider that a person has a disability or is in possession of an emotional support animal prescribed by a licensed medical service professional, and permit a housing provider to require reliable documentation from the individual's health care provider to confirm this status. The bill would also establish procedures, standards and required credentials (including state licensure) for a medical professional prescribing an “emotional support animal.” Falsely claiming this status, or falsely prescribing for it, would be subject to fines, jail or community service.

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

Dec. 3, 2019

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Judiciary with the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted.

Referred to the Committee on Judiciary

March 3, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 17, 2020

Substitute offered by Rep. Matt Hall (R-63)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 59 to 33 (details)

Received in the Senate

April 16, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

Dec. 3, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 18, 2020

Passed in the Senate 23 to 14 (details)

To make it a crime to falsely represent to a housing provider that a person has a disability or is in possession of an emotional support animal prescribed by a licensed medical service professional, and permit a housing provider to require reliable documentation from the individual's health care provider to confirm this status. The bill would also establish procedures, standards and required credentials (including state licensure) for a medical professional prescribing an “emotional support animal.” Falsely claiming this status, or falsely prescribing for it, would be subject to fines, jail or community service.

Received in the House

Dec. 21, 2020

Passed in the House 66 to 36 (details)

Vetoed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Dec. 30, 2020