Bill > H3850

This bill establishes the Massachusetts Veterans Service Dog Program, which creates a dedicated fund and comprehensive framework for providing service dogs to veterans with disabilities. The program, to be administered by the Executive Office of Veterans' Services, will assess veterans' needs for service dogs, partner with an accredited service dog organization in Massachusetts, and match trained service dogs with eligible veterans within one year. To qualify, veterans must be Massachusetts residents, have a documented disability that could benefit from a service dog, and obtain a recommendation from a licensed healthcare or mental health professional. The program defines a service dog as a specifically trained animal that helps persons with disabilities perform specific tasks, in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill mandates an annual report to the governor and legislative committees detailing program implementation, the number of veterans matched with service dogs, and the program's impact. Additionally, the bill waives licensing fees for service dogs and establishes a fund that can receive public and private donations, appropriations, and earn interest, with the money to be used exclusively for the service dog program and not subject to typical budget reversion rules.

Military Affairs and Security

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3850