NY A11468

Amends Transportation Law Section 147 to require common and contract carriers (motor vehicle passenger services) to permit therapy dogs, in addition to guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs, to accompany persons with disabilities on vehicles at no charge.

Amends Civil Rights Law Section 47 to prohibit denial of admittance to public facilities based on a person's disability when accompanied by a therapy dog, guide dog, hearing dog, or service dog.

Defines "therapy dog" as any dog certified and trained by a recognized therapy dog training center or professional trainer to perform specific tasks for persons with special needs, autism, drug addiction, distress from emotional or physical abuse, clinical depression, or bipolar disease.

Permits owners, handlers, and licensed trainers of therapy dogs to access public places and public transportation alongside the dogs they work with.

Takes effect immediately upon enactment.