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MarylandSB 00372026 Regular SessionSenate

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

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New removal rules for service-animal participants

Beginning October 1, 2026, nonprofit trainers can remove participants from Maryland’s Children’s, Disability, or Veterans Service Animal Programs for specified reasons. These include danger to the participant’s mental or physical well-being, direct threats to others, or failure to meet training requirements. Threats to a service animal’s, support dog’s, or therapy horse’s mental or physical well-being also qualify. “Direct threat” follows the federal Americans with Disabilities Act definition. In the Veterans Program, the direct-threat-to-others rule replaces the former rule about actual or potential harm to animals or property. Participants can still leave at any time for any reason.

Service-animal training for Maryland residents with disabilities

Beginning October 1, 2026, Maryland’s Department of Disabilities runs the Maryland Disability Service Animal Program. It serves Maryland residents with disabilities as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Qualifying animals must be individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with a disability. Animals intended only to deter crime or provide emotional support, comfort, well-being, or companionship do not qualify. The Department selects tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit trainers, which must generate revenue and reinvest proceeds in program growth and development. The law names a program fund but sets no funding amount, participant fees, or subsidies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bryan W. Simonaire

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 177 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 2/19/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 42 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 334

    4/28/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (135-0)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/8/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Health

    4/8/2026House

  6. Hearing 3/24 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/19/2026House

  7. Referred Health

    2/20/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (42-0)

    2/19/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    2/17/2026Senate

  10. Favorable with Amendments {453222/1 Adopted

    2/17/2026Senate

  11. Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance

    2/16/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 1/27 at 2:30 p.m.

    1/19/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Finance

    1/14/2026Senate

  14. Pre-filed

    6/2/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/28/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    2/17/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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