SB 1493 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO SERVICE ANIMALS.

Summary

Requires sellers or providers of emotional support animals, as well as those issuing verifications of a disability related need for an emotional support animal, to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Requires persons or businesses that sell or provide certificates, vests, or identification tags that identify an animal as an emotional support animal to provide written notice to the buyer or recipient containing certain information. Establishes penalties. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Mar 2025

Senate Passage

Mar 2025

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 22, 2025 Last action Dec 8, 2025

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What changed between versions

SB1493 → SB1493_SD1 · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill expands its scope to cover not only the sale of emotional support animals but also the issuance of verification documents for their need. It clarifies that these animals do not qualify as service animals and are not entitled to the same legal accommodations. The bill also updates the effective date to July 1, 2050, and refines the specific wording of required disclaimers to ensure clarity for consumers and businesses.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include businesses that issue verification of a disability-related need for an emotional support animal, in addition to those selling the animals or their identification items.

SCOPE

Added requirements for businesses issuing verifications of a disability-related need for emotional support animals to provide specific disclaimers.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the required disclaimer language to explicitly state that verification items cannot be used to establish an animal as a service animal.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the Act from 'upon approval' to a fixed date of July 1, 2050.

DEFINITION

Added context regarding federal laws (ADA and Fair Housing Act) to clarify the distinction between service animals, emotional support animals, and assistance animals.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 6, 2025

Committee

Referred to CPC, JHA, referral sheet 19

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 352) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

upper

Feb 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Feb 27, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

upper

Feb 25, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC/WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-27-25 10:25AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.

upper

Feb 13, 2025

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM.

upper

Feb 13, 2025

Committee

Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 444) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC/WAM.

upper

Feb 4, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Richards.

upper

Jan 30, 2025

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on CPN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-04-25 9:35AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 27, 2025

Committee

Referred to CPN, JDC/WAM.

upper

Jan 23, 2025

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 22, 2025

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

6 primary · 1 co-sponsor