A bill for an act relating to the offense of intentional misrepresentation of an animal as a service animal or service-animal-in-training.(See HF 615.)

House File 244 (HF 244) was a bill introduced in the Iowa General Assembly on February 6, 2025, aimed at addressing the intentional misrepresentation of animals as service animals or service-animals-in-training. The bill sought to establish penalties for individuals who falsely claim their pets as service animals, thereby ensuring that the rights and accommodations reserved for legitimate service animals are protected. HF 244 was subsequently renumbered as House File 615 (HF 615), which passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming support and was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 27, 2025. The law became effective on July 1, 2025.

Supporters of the legislation praised it for safeguarding the rights of individuals who rely on genuine service animals. They argued that the law would deter individuals from falsely representing their pets as service animals, thereby reducing instances of fraud and ensuring that public accommodations are reserved for those with legitimate needs. The bill's passage with near-unanimous support in both legislative chambers was highlighted as a testament to its broad approval.

Critics of the legislation expressed concerns that the law might inadvertently penalize individuals with disabilities who have non-traditional service animals or those in training. They worried that the enforcement of the law could lead to increased scrutiny and potential discrimination against individuals with legitimate service animals, especially in cases where the nature of the service animal's training or function is not immediately apparent.