All Roll Calls
Yes: 177 • No: 0
MarylandSB 00372026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Maryland Service Animal Programs - Participant Disqualification - Revisions
Sponsored By: Bryan W. Simonaire (Republican)
Signed by Governor
DisabledChildrenState Government - Agencies, Offices, and OfficialsChildren (4-12)DisabilitiesDisciplineDogsFederal GovernmentHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.HorsesMental and Behavioral Health -see also- Aut; Cogn; Dev; etc.Nonprofit OrganizationsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Service AnimalsThreatsVeterans
Your PRIA Score
Score Hidden
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Service animal help for children with safeguards
Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland runs a children's service animal program. A child qualifies with trauma history, PTSD, or a Title V developmental disability with special health needs. Nonprofit trainers, picked by the Department, provide animals and training. Trainers can remove a participant who endangers self, others, or the animal, or fails training. They must use the ADA 'direct threat' test, and families can leave at any time.
Service animal support for people with disabilities
Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland runs a service animal program for people with disabilities. A service animal must be individually trained to do tasks for a person with a disability. Animals used only for comfort or crime deterrence do not qualify. Nonprofit trainers can disqualify someone who endangers self, others, or the animal, or fails training. They must use the ADA 'direct threat' test, and participants can leave at any time.
Veterans' service animals and therapy with rules
Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland runs a veterans service animal program with nonprofit trainers for veterans and eligible family members. A veteran qualifies if they live in Maryland or get VA or DoD care here. A support dog must be trained, and a medical professional must document benefit for sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or mental disabilities. A therapy horse must come from a state-licensed PATH member stable or a stable with EAGALA-certified staff. Trainers can remove a participant who endangers self, others, or the animal, or fails training. They must use the ADA 'direct threat' test, and participants can leave at any time.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Bryan W. Simonaire
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/8/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Senate vote • 2/19/2026
Third Reading Passed
Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 5
Actions Timeline
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 334
4/28/2026Returned Passed
4/9/2026SenateThird Reading Passed (135-0)
4/8/2026HouseFavorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/8/2026HouseFavorable Report by Health
4/8/2026HouseHearing 3/24 at 1:00 p.m.
3/19/2026HouseReferred Health
2/20/2026HouseThird Reading Passed (42-0)
2/19/2026SenateSecond Reading Passed with Amendments
2/17/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments {453222/1 Adopted
2/17/2026SenateFavorable with Amendments Report by Finance
2/16/2026SenateHearing 1/27 at 2:30 p.m.
1/19/2026SenateFirst Reading Finance
1/14/2026SenatePre-filed
6/2/2025Senate
Bill Text
Third Reading
2/17/2026
First Reading
1/14/2026
Related Bills
SB 1007 — Prior Authorizations of State Debt - Alterations
SB 0940 — Environment - Water Quality Testing - Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels Action Plan
SB 0915 — State Board of Physicians - Delegation of Duties - Alterations
SB 0777 — Labor and Employment - Workforce Development - Hospital Employee Retraining and Placement Program and Workforce Development and Local Workforce Development Boards (Local Workforce Solutions Investment Act)
SB 0772 — Maryland Department of Health - Employment Training and Opportunity Database
SB 0742 — Maryland Medical Assistance Program and Developmental Disabilities Administration - Home- and Community-Based Services Eligibility Determinations (Maryland Protecting People With Disabilities Act)
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in