Bill > SB299

This bill requires county boards of education to allow the use of therapy dogs in public schools within their jurisdiction, provided certain conditions are met. A "handler" is defined as the individual responsible for the care and training of the therapy dog, and a "therapy dog" is a dog trained to offer emotional support to children in schools and is certified or registered as such. Each therapy dog must be accompanied by its handler when present in a school. Furthermore, each county board must establish a policy for the use and handling of these therapy dogs, which must include requirements for therapy dog certification or registration, guidelines for handlers, rules about where and when dogs can be in school buildings, procedures for notifying parents, students, and staff, and a plan for managing individuals with dog allergies or discomfort around dogs.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0299?ys=2026RS