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

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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.

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: 5

Senate vote • 2/19/2026