SB485 Summary

• Amends Section 21-7-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to require service animals in public or private K-12 schools to be certified by a trainer before being allowed on school property
• Requires a service certificate to be provided to the school principal or headmaster prior to the service animal accessing school property
• Defines service animals as dogs individually trained to perform work or tasks for individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind, hearing-impaired, or diagnosed on the autism spectrum
• Maintains existing protections allowing persons with disabilities to be accompanied by service animals in public places without extra charges, while preserving handler liability for damages caused by the animal
• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor