A Minnesota House committee on Feb. 26, 2025 approved HF688, a bill to extend housing protections to assistance dogs that are still in training.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Cedrick Frazier, DFL-New Hope, aims to remove barriers imposed by homeowners’ associations so more volunteers can participate in training programs for assistance dogs. Under fair housing law, including the federal Fair Housing Act and related guidance, housing providers are generally required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants and applicants with disabilities who use assistance animals, and many homeowners’ associations fall under these requirements.

Supporters told lawmakers the change would broaden access to teams that help people with disabilities. “This will open up a pool of volunteers who have been shut out for a long time,” Rep. Cedrick Frazier said, describing the intent behind HF688. By aligning HOA policies with the Fair Housing Act, these organizations can treat assistance animals as a reasonable accommodation, thus allowing exceptions to “no pets” rules.

Can Do Canines, a service dog training organization based in New Hope, provided examples of the tasks assistance dogs perform. Staff said these animals can turn on lights, open doors, pay retail clerks at tall counters, and alert someone with diabetes when their blood sugar levels are low. Approximately 71% of U.S. households have at least one pet, emphasizing the need for inclusive housing policies that address the needs of both animal owners and those relying on assistance animals.

Jeff Johnson, Executive Director of Can Do Canines, spoke about the impact on clients. “They literally transform their lives,” Johnson said, noting the practical difference trained dogs make for people with mobility and medical needs. He underlined that a more accommodating policy could not only help individuals but also potentially increase participation in training programs nationwide.

The organization highlighted a trainee named Tucker, who is in the final stage of training and is being prepared to assist a client who uses a power wheelchair. Can Do Canines says Tucker will be able to help do laundry, pick up around the house, and summon help in case of an emergency.

Backers argued that homeowners’ association rules—such as strict “no pets” clauses or limits on pets in common areas—have prevented some volunteers from hosting or working with training dogs. HF688 targets those restrictions by extending housing accommodations to dogs still undergoing formal training so trainers and volunteers can carry out placement and socialization work in community settings. By creating more inclusive policies, HOAs can significantly contribute to fulfilling the needs of those who rely on assistance animals.

The committee vote on 2/26/25 advanced the bill out of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee, a step supporters said will allow further consideration by legislators. The House published coverage of the committee action and the bill’s aims on its website.

Advocates emphasized practical outcomes for prospective handlers and people who depend on assistance dogs. Can Do Canines and similar training programs rely on volunteer hosts and community access to complete a dog’s socialization and skill training; HF688 is framed as a legislative fix to align housing practices with those operational needs.

The bill, HF688, carries the sponsor’s name and the endorsements of service dog trainers who described the real-world tasks trained dogs perform and the barrier-removing potential of the proposed housing protections.

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Original reporting: view the original article.