Bill > S1254

This bill establishes a special 15-member legislative commission to comprehensively study service animal use in Massachusetts. The commission will include representatives from various state agencies, legislative leaders, the attorney general's office, disability advocates, law enforcement, mental health advisors, restaurant association, and animal training professionals. The commission's study will explore current laws governing service animals, examine how individuals with disabilities use service animals, investigate potential fraud or misrepresentation of service animals, research approaches from other jurisdictions to prevent service animal misuse, and identify potential training and educational opportunities to improve public understanding of service animal regulations. By April 1, 2026, the commission is required to submit a report to legislative clerks that includes recommendations for potential legal changes, such as refining the definition of "service animal", exploring civil penalties for service animal fraud, and assessing the feasibility of creating a certification, registration, or licensing system for service animals in the state.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1254