Plain English Breakdown
The official digest confirms the bill was enacted but does not provide the specific fine amounts or prison sentences for violations, only stating penalties are provided.
HB668: Updating Laws to Use the Term 'Service Dog'
This law changes Georgia rules to use the term 'service dog' instead of 'assistance dog' or 'guide dog', creates criminal penalties for harming these dogs, and sets penalties for falsely claiming a need for one.
What This Bill Does
- Changes legal references from 'assistance dogs' and 'guide dogs' to 'service dogs'.
- Creates a criminal penalty for anyone who causes death or physical harm to a service dog.
- Sets penalties for people who falsely claim they need a service dog.
- Revises provisions relating to the use and training of service dogs.
- Provides definitions and conforming changes.
Who It Names or Affects
- People with disabilities who rely on service dogs
- Individuals or businesses that interact with service dogs in public spaces
Terms To Know
- Service dog
- The updated legal term used to replace 'assistance dog' and 'guide dog' in Georgia law.
- Misrepresenting the need
- Falsely claiming that a person needs a service dog when they do not, which is subject to penalties under this bill.
Limits and Unknowns
- The official summary does not list specific dollar amounts or jail times for the new penalties.
- The exact details of how training rules are revised are not described in the provided text.
- This law takes effect on July 1, 2026.