Lying to your landlord about needing an emotional support animal could become a crime in the state. As Cheyna Roth reports, bills in the state House would make it a misdemeanor.
Concerns over the bills include a potential “chilling effect” on people with mental health problems getting emotional support animals.
Democratic Representative Sara Cambensy is a bill sponsor. She doesn’t think that would be a problem.
“I think the people that need them will seek them out, regardless of our bill package.”
The bills would also add regulations for getting a prescription for an emotional support animal. For example, the doctor would have to be licensed in Michigan and have been treating the patient for at least six months.
Lawmakers are considering changes to the bills before they move out of a House committee.
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—Cheyna Roth is a reporter for the Michigan Public Radio network. Contact WEMU News at 734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
