SB485 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Service animals, to be certified by trainer and service certificate provided to principal or headmaster of K-12 school before allowed on property, Sec. 21-7-4 am'd; Act 2011-578, 2011 Reg. Sess., am'd

Summary

This bill would require service dogs accompanying K-12 students with disabilities to be certified by a trainer and to have a service certificate provided to the school before the animal can be on campus.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds a certification requirement and a certificate-gift to school officials for service animals in K-12 settings, while preserving the students' right to have service animals in school and other public places. It keeps that the animal's work must relate to the handler's disability and that aides assisting disabled children (including those with autism) work with the service animal. It also states the handler is responsible for damages caused by the service animal and sets an effective date for the act.

Who It Affects

• Students with disabilities who use service animals, as they must now have their animal certified and a certificate provided to the school before attendance with the animal.
• School principals/headmasters and the school system, which must verify and hold the service certificate and enforce the certification requirement.

Key Provisions

• Requires service animals to be certified by a trainer before being allowed on K-12 school property.
• Requires a service certificate to be provided to the principal or headmaster prior to the animal's presence on campus.
• Preserves the right of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by service animals in public places, including schools, with no extra charges.
• In cases of disabled children (including autism), requires aides to be trained with the service animal in basic commands to work as a team.
• Maintains the handler's liability for damages caused by the service animal.
• Amends Section 21-7-4 and sets the act to take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Service Animals