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Who cares
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Sponsors
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History
- Substituted by A6626
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.1045
- Referred to social services
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Authorizes service animals or therapy dogs to accompany victims of domestic violence at residential programs
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S5372
Title of bill
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to authorizing service animals or therapy dogs to accompany victims of domestic violence at residential programs
Purpose of bill
To ensure that victims of domestic violence can bring their service or therapy dog with them to residential shelters.
Summary of provisions
Section one amends section 459-b of the social services law, as amended by chapter 459 of the laws of 2012.
Section two authorizes the office of children and families to promulgate rules and regulations in order to implement this act.
Section three sets forth the effective date.
Justification
Victims of domestic violence who own service or therapy dogs are often reluctant to leave their abusers for the safety of a shelter without taking their animals with them. This reluctance is often due to the need to have their trusted companion with them as well as the fear that their abuser might also harm the animal. Without a guarantee that the animal can accompany them, victims will remain in abusive situations indefinitely. Only two State programs have specific policies permitting these animals to accompany their owners, and it is crucial that all shelters have the same policy.
In situations where a dog serves the dual purpose of being a service or therapy dog, as well as providing companionship to its owner, it is particularly important that residential domestic violence programs permit residents to bring their animal with them.
This legislation would require residential programs managed by the Office of Children and Family Services to allow domestic violence victims entering their shelters to be accompanied by their service or therapy dog.
Legislative history
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
Undetermined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.