HF1827

This bill (H.F. No. 1827) proposes a new law in Minnesota regarding the use of service animals in schools to support students with disabilities. The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Student Access to Service Animals: School districts cannot deny a student access to their service animal if it is considered a related service under the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students have the right to make autonomous decisions regarding their service animal in an educational setting.

2. Definitions:

   • Related services include assistance for students with disabilities to use service animals if needed.
     
   • Service animal refers to a dog or other trained animals that perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.

3. Service Animal Practices and Procedures:

   • Schools must ensure that policies comply with federal regulations allowing service animals for students with disabilities.
     
   • If a student has a paraprofessional, that staff member must help the student with tasks related to their service animal, such as tethering, providing water, issuing commands, and navigating the school.
     
   • School staff must be trained by service animal trainers to understand and properly handle the service animal.

4. Service Animal Control:

   • The service animal must be under the control of its handler using a harness, leash, or other control methods.
     
   • A district cannot untether a service animal from a student without parental or adult student consent, except in urgent situations.

5. Care and Supervision: The school district is not responsible for the care of the service animal, including feeding, grooming, toileting, or veterinary needs.

6. Handler Responsibilities: The student with a disability is assumed to be the handler of their service animal, and districts cannot require the student to provide a separate handler.

7. Policy Modifications: By August 1, 2025, school districts must update their policies and procedures to align with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal regulations to permit the use of service animals for students with disabilities.

This bill aims to ensure that students with disabilities can access and use their service animals in schools without unnecessary restrictions, supporting their educational needs and independence.