New bill could criminalize misrepresentation of service animals in Oklahoma

A new bill introduced in the Oklahoma Legislature aims to crack down on the misuse of service animals by individuals who do not have disabilities.

House Bill 1178, authored by Rep. Marilyn Stark, R-Bethany, would make it a misdemeanor for anyone without a disability or who is not actively training a service animal, to use one in order to gain treatment, services, or benefits reserved for individuals with disabilities.

The measure also targets those who knowingly misrepresent any animal, including therapy animals, as a service animal to obtain rights or privileges designated for people with disabilities. Violators would face misdemeanor charges if convicted.

Under current federal and state laws, service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which defines them as dogs trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.

HB 1178 seeks to preserve these protections while penalizing those who take advantage of them.

If passed, individuals convicted of violating the bill would face penalties typical for a misdemeanor, though the exact fines or punishments have not been specified in the current version of the bill.

HB 1178 is currently awaiting committee review and, if approved, will move forward for further consideration in the House.