MD SB37

Revises disqualification criteria for participants in the Maryland Children's Service Animal Program, Maryland Disability Service Animal Program, and Maryland Veterans Service Animal Program

Standardizes the definition of "direct threat" across all three programs by adopting the federal Americans with Disabilities Act definition

Changes disqualification language from "is a direct threat to the health and safety of others" to "presents a direct threat to others" for consistency across programs

Clarifies that disqualification applies when a participant's involvement presents a direct threat to the "mental or physical well-being" of service dogs, support dogs, or therapy horses

Effective date: October 1, 2026