Minn. bill would bar HOAs from blocking homes that raise assistance dogs in training

Representative Sam Frazier introduced legislation, House File 6808, to prohibit homeowners associations from enforcing rules that prevent volunteers from housing assistance dogs in training. The bill would extend existing protections that apply to fully trained assistance dogs to those still being raised and socialized, and would include language intended to prevent fraudulent claims that a pet is an assistance dog in training.

The proposal matters because assistance dog organizations rely heavily on volunteers who raise and socialize dogs for roughly two and a half to three years before final placement. Jeff Johnson, executive director of Can Do Canines, testified the group uses more than 1,000 volunteers statewide and that it costs about $45,000 to raise and train each dog. Johnson said three Minnesota organizations are certified by Assistance Dogs International and that some potential volunteers have been prevented from hosting dogs because HOA rules either bar dogs entirely or restrict breeds and weights.

Committee members asked how property damage, deposits and behavioral standards would be handled. Johnson said current law places liability for damage on the owner of a service dog and that the same approach would apply to dogs in training; he also said the dog must meet a behavioral standard for the protection to apply. Representative Dotzeth asked whether landlords or HOAs could require an additional rental deposit; Johnson replied they cannot. Representative Dassa expressed hesitation about the absence of deposit authority, noting concerns that even well-trained animals can cause unexpected damage.

Several members voiced support for the measure as a way to expand the volunteer pool. Representative Frazier told the committee he would work with the committee chair about committee routing and noted a desire to send the bill to the general register after a human services stop if needed. Following discussion, Chair Igoe moved House File 6808 to the Committee on Human Services; members indicated their assent by voice vote and the motion carried.

The bill text discussed in committee includes an anti-fraud provision to deter homeowners from falsely claiming a pet is an assistance dog in training; the committee did not discuss specific enforcement mechanisms or statutory citations during testimony. Further committee consideration and any amendments would occur in Human Services or at later legislative steps.