Bill > HB713

This bill requires county boards of education in Maryland to allow the use of therapy dogs in public schools. The bill defines a "therapy dog" as a dog that is trained to provide emotional support to students and is certified or registered as a therapy dog. The bill also requires each therapy dog to be accompanied by a handler, and it mandates that each county board adopt a policy for the use and handling of therapy dogs in their public schools. The policy must include requirements for therapy dog certification, guidelines for handlers, rules for when and where therapy dogs are allowed, notification procedures, and guidelines for managing students and staff with allergies or discomfort around dogs.

Budget and Finance

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0713?ys=2021RS