Welcome, readers, to another edition of the CertaPet newsletter. This week, we’re headed to Wisconsin, where Governor Evers vetoed a bill that aimed to tighten the legal framework around the process for obtaining an emotional support animal. Read on to learn more.
Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Bill On Account Of Lack of Consultation With People With Disabilities
Gov. Tony Evers on Friday rejected a proposal aimed at tightening Wisconsin’s regulations surrounding emotional support animals and service animals. The legislation was introduced by two Republican lawmakers from Northeast Wisconsin, State Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara of Fox Crossing and State Rep. Paul Tittl of Manitowoc.
The bill sought several changes. It would have permitted housing providers to request a prescription (or letter) from a licensed health professional before allowing tenants to keep an emotional support animal. It also proposed creating new forfeitures for both individuals and licensed health professionals connected to the issuance of documentation for emotional support animals.
Under the bill, a person would need an established relationship of at least 30 days with the provider issuing the letter (a requirement which is currently in place in other states), and online-purchased ESA letters would be deemed invalid.
Additional provisions included amending the definition of “service animal” under public accommodations law and establishing penalties for knowingly misrepresenting a service animal in places of public accommodation or amusement.
The proposed penalties would have included a $200 fine for an initial violation, with subsequent offenses potentially rising to $500. The measure also required the Department of Workforce Development to create signage (and other informational materials) for businesses, working in consultation with an external animal service organization.
In a memo to fellow legislators, Cabral-Guevara and Tittl stated that the bill did not interfere with federal rights granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Instead, they said it aimed to support “responsible and verifiable use” of those protections within Wisconsin. “This bill is not intended to ‘go after’ folks who legitimately need a service or support animal. In fact, it’s quite the opposite,” Cabral-Guevara said.
She also added that the idea emerged from conversations with business owners and service animal advocates who felt that fraudulent claims were harming individuals who genuinely rely on assistance animals.
The proposal passed both chambers of the Wisconsin Legislature, but ultimately met rejection at the governor’s desk. “While I share the goal of preventing fraudulent representation of emotional support and service animals, I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the creation of unnecessary barriers for individuals with legitimate disability-related needs,” Evers wrote in his veto message.
He further stated that the bill could restrict access to essential services and destabilize housing for people who depend on emotional support animals.
The governor also emphasized that there was a lack of meaningful collaboration with disability advocates and relevant stakeholders in the composition of the bill. “Therefore, I must veto this bill,” he concluded.
Source: Fox11
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
While the veto is good news for members of the emotional support and service animals community, it leaves some of the concerns regarding fraudulent misrepresentations unresolved. Experts and activists alike call for a greater collaboration leading to guidelines that create a healthy balance between accessibility and accountability. We’ll keep an eye on the situation to let our readers know of new developments.
Getting an emotional support animal as part of your treatment care plan has never been easier. If you’re living with emotional or mental health challenges, an ESA could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your ESA letter in no time.