By Bob Katzen
The House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a special commission to review current federal, state and local laws and procedures governing the use and misuse of service animals by individuals with disabilities in the Bay State. The commission would recommend the possible introduction of legislation prohibiting and civilly penalizing service animal fraud and determining the feasibility of certification, registration or licensing of service animals.
Supporters said that more than half the states in the nation already have laws prohibiting misuse of service animals. They argued it is time for Massachusetts to begin the step toward adopting a similar law. They noted that there are currently no penalties for people who misrepresent a non-service dog as being a service dog.
Sponsor Rep. Kim Ferguson (R-Holden) did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her to comment on passage of her bill.
(A Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes