Provides for the creation of a Louisiana Service Dog Registry and licensure of service dog trainers. (8/1/16) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Impact
The implications of SB 440 on state law are significant. By formalizing the registration process for service dogs and the trainers, it establishes clear criteria and qualifications for both parties. This can enhance accountability in the training of service dogs, ensuring that those who rely on these animals receive adequate support and protection under the law. Furthermore, veterans and military personnel seeking to become trainers are specifically recognized, promoting opportunities for this demographic while creating a system that potentially improves the quality of service dogs in Louisiana.
Summary
Senate Bill 440, introduced by Senator Perry, aims to establish a Louisiana Service Dog Registry and set forth regulations for the licensure of service dog trainers. The bill mandates the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs to create the registry, which would issue identification cards for service dog owners and patches for properly trained service dogs. This initiative reflects an effort to formalize the recognition of service dogs, especially in the context of aiding individuals with disabilities stemming from military service. Successful registration requires documentation proving the dog's training and the owner's disability status.
Sentiment
General sentiment around SB 440 appears to be supportive, particularly among disability advocates and veteran organizations. Many view it as a necessary step toward better regulation of service dog training and recognition. By establishing a formal registry, it aims to reduce the instances of fraudulent claims regarding service dogs. However, as with any legislative proposal, concerns regarding the potential administrative burden for the state and the implications for service dog owners in terms of accessibility and costs may arise.
Contention
One notable point of contention involves the requirements for registration and the potential barriers they may impose. Critics may argue that while the intentions of SB 440 are positive, there could be unintended consequences for individuals who need service dogs but face challenges in navigating the registration process. Additionally, the bill's stipulations on who qualifies as a trainer and what constitutes acceptable documentation for registration could invite debates on how best to balance regulatory oversight with accessibility for those needing service animal assistance.
Further providing for definitions; establishing the trained service animal card; providing for the documentation of service dogs and for admittance of registered service animal to public accommodations; establishing a trained service animal card database; providing for immunity from liability; and making editorial changes.
Provides for the Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA). (7/1/21) (Item #44) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX See Note)
Consolidates the functions of the Louisiana Emergency Response Network and the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services into the the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services and Response Network. (gov sig) (2/3 - CA7s2.1(A)) (OR -$251,678 GF EX See Note)
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.