2015 Senate Bill 298 / Public Act 144

Expand scope of service dog law

Introduced in the Senate

April 28, 2015

Introduced by Sen. David Knezek (D-5)

To expand the scope of a law that originally permitted places of public accommodation to allow seeing-eye dogs, and later was amended to require this and expanded to include other specific types of “service dogs.” This bill would expand this law to include service animals employed by individuals with a broad range of physical or mental impairments. It would expand a mandate that places of "public accommodation" must allow service dogs or miniature horses used for this purpose, if they are housebroken and under control.

Referred to the Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Homeland Security

June 16, 2015

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

June 18, 2015

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

Received in the House

June 18, 2015

Referred to the Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs

Sept. 10, 2015

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Oct. 7, 2015

Passed in the House 106 to 0 (details)

To expand the scope of a law that originally permitted places of public accommodation to allow seeing-eye dogs, and later was amended to require this and expanded to include other specific types of “service dogs.” This bill would expand this law to include service animals employed by individuals with a broad range of physical or mental impairments. It would expand a mandate that places of "public accommodation" must allow service dogs or miniature horses used for this purpose, if they are housebroken and under control.

Received in the Senate

Oct. 8, 2015

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Oct. 19, 2015