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HB 128

County Boards of Education - Therapy Dogs - Policy for Handling and Use in Schools

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Vogel

Maryland schools must create therapy dog policies addressing handling, training, and safe use to standardize practices across county education boards.

Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 128

Legislative bill overview

HB 128 requires county boards of education in Maryland to develop and implement policies governing the use of therapy dogs in schools. The bill establishes standards for handling, training, and deployment of these animals in educational settings to ensure student safety and appropriate use.

Why is this important

Therapy dogs have become increasingly common in schools for stress relief and emotional support, but lack of standardized guidelines creates inconsistency in how they're managed across districts. Clear policies protect both students (allergies, fear of dogs, safety concerns) and schools from liability while maximizing the therapeutic benefits when implemented responsibly.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Developing comprehensive policies and potentially certifying/training therapy dogs requires financial resources that some smaller school districts may struggle to allocate
  • Allergies and accessibility: Mandatory policies must address students with severe dog allergies or phobias, raising questions about accommodation requirements and whether some students could be excluded from shared spaces
  • Vague standards: The bill doesn't specify what minimum training, temperament testing, or handler qualifications should be required, leaving room for inconsistent or inadequate standards across counties

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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