Alaska council weighs Capitol animal rules, $100 repeat fine

The Alaska Legislative Council on Tuesday considered a rewritten animal policy for legislative buildings. The policy would replace rules adopted by the Legislative Council on Feb. 1, 2007.

The rewrite bars pets, comfort animals, therapy animals, emotional support animals and companion animals from legislative buildings. Fish or birds may stay in offices unless they raise maintenance, sanitation, allergen, safety or operational concerns. Legislative housing is exempt under lease terms. Repeat violations may draw a $100 fine per incident.

Service animals, meaning dogs and in limited cases miniature horses, remain permitted in public areas. Staff may ask only two questions: whether the animal is required because of a disability, and what task it performs. They may not ask for documentation. Handlers must cover any sanitation or damage costs. An animal may be removed only if it is out of control or not housebroken. Legislators and staff who need an accommodation must complete a workplace accommodation process.

The Legislative Affairs Agency requested approval of the rewrite in an Aug. 10 memo from human resources manager Stacie Bentley to Rep. Sara Hannan, the council's chair. "The updates ensure the legislature's policy aligns with current ADA requirements," Bentley told the council.