Bill > H4835

This bill requires the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to establish and maintain a pet ownership program for residents of state-aided public housing, with comprehensive guidelines to ensure fair and responsible pet ownership. The bill mandates that housing facilities cannot have blanket prohibitions on dogs and cannot discriminate based on breed, size, or appearance, while allowing reasonable requirements such as pet deposits (not exceeding $160 or one month's rent), pet registration, and proof of adequate pet care. The legislation creates an advisory group composed of representatives from housing authorities, tenant organizations, animal welfare groups, and anti-discrimination agencies to help develop and refine pet ownership policies, including standardized application processes, emergency care plans, health and sanitation standards, and enforcement procedures. The bill aims to provide elderly and other public housing residents with more flexibility in pet ownership while ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and animals, and it establishes penalties for housing authorities that fail to comply with the new regulations.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Housing (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4835