HB413 Summary

• Amends Section 13A-11-231 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to include therapy dogs in the definition of service dogs subject to criminal penalties for harassment or injury.

• Defines "therapy dog" as a trained emotional support dog tested and registered by a nonprofit national therapy dog organization that meets standards for health, welfare, task work, and oversight.

• Establishes that registered therapy dogs are covered under the law while performing duties in public facilities including libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, hospice, courthouses, and disaster areas.

• Requires therapy dog handlers to be members in good standing of a national therapy dog organization and clearly identified with authorized credentials.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, or when otherwise becoming law.