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Bill

AB 238

Relating to: prohibiting hotels, inns, and motels from discriminating against dog handlers who are accompanied by search and rescue dogs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Deb Andraca and 4 co-sponsors

Prohibits lodging operators from discriminating against SAR dog handlers; allows verifying SAR status to access lodging.

Published 4-3-2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 238

Bill summary — AB 238 (prohibiting discrimination against search-and-rescue dog handlers)

Note: multiple bills numbered AB 238 exist in different jurisdictions. This summary covers the bill described in the provided materials that would prohibit hotels/inns/motels from discriminating against handlers accompanied by search‑and‑rescue dogs (text and amendment memo in Document 41). Where the record conflicted on committees or status, those differences are highlighted below.

Purpose / intent

To prohibit commercial lodging operators from discriminating against individuals who are accompanied by certified search‑and‑rescue (SAR) dogs. The intent is to ensure lawful access and equal treatment for SAR dog handlers when seeking lodging related to deployment, training, or other SAR activities.

Key provisions (as reflected in available amendment memo)

  • Prohibits specified lodging providers (hotels, motels, inns) from discriminating against a dog handler because the handler is accompanied by a search‑and‑rescue dog. Examples of prohibited actions include:
    • refusing entrance or patronage;
    • charging higher prices or imposing additional fees;
    • otherwise communicating that the patronage of the dog handler is unwelcome because of the SAR dog.
  • Extension (Assembly Amendment 1): the prohibition explicitly extends to tourist rooming houses.
  • Documentation and verification:
    • Under the bill, a dog handler may be asked to produce certification or other credentials verifying that the dog is a search‑and‑rescue dog.
    • The amendment clarifies that, in addition to credentials/certification, the handler may present documentation from a law enforcement agency, fire department, or emergency management service to establish that the dog is a legitimate SAR dog.

Who is affected

  • Covered lodging establishments: hotels, motels, inns, and (per amendment) tourist rooming houses.
  • Individuals who handle or accompany certified search‑and‑rescue dogs (handlers responding to deployments, training, drills, or official duty).
  • Lodging staff and management who must change or confirm policies and training to comply.
  • Potentially local law enforcement, fire, or emergency management agencies when asked to verify SAR status.

Enforcement, exceptions and penalties

  • The amendment memo outlines verification rules but the available excerpt does not specify enforcement mechanisms, private right of action, administrative penalties, or exceptions (e.g., legitimate health/safety or property concerns). Those details would need to be confirmed in the full bill text.

Procedural status & timeline (from provided materials)

  • Introduced / read first time: (user-provided) January 13, 2025.
  • Committee referrals in provided materials vary; Document 41 indicates:
    • Assembly Amendment 1 offered Oct. 1, 2025.
    • Assembly Committee on Commerce recommended adoption of Amendment 1 and passage (Ayes 6; Noes 0) on Oct. 2, 2025.
  • The user-provided Bill Information also lists referral to a Judiciary and Public Safety committee; because materials conflict, confirm current committee assignment and the most recent legislative status on the official legislative website for the relevant jurisdiction.

Notes / potential impacts

  • Positive: clarifies access for SAR handlers and supports emergency response readiness.
  • Practical considerations: lodging operators will need procedures to verify SAR dogs while not imposing undue burdens; staff training will be necessary.
  • Legal interactions: check interplay with Americans with Disabilities Act (if in the U.S.), state animal/assistance‑animal laws, and any public‑safety exceptions.
  • Missing details: penalties, complaint procedures, and precise definitions (what counts as “search‑and‑rescue dog” certification) are not included in the amendment memo and would materially affect implementation.

If you want, I can:
- Locate and summarize the full bill text (including definitions, enforcement/penalties, and exceptions) for the exact jurisdiction and current version; or
- Draft a one‑page implementation checklist for lodging operators to comply with the bill as currently framed.

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

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