1. (a) In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
2. (b) “Department” means the Department of Disabilities.
3. (c) “Eligible individual” means a resident of the State with a disability, as defined in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. § 12102.
4. (d) “Fund” means the Maryland Disability Service Animal Program Fund.

5. (e) “Nonprofit training entity” means a corporation, a foundation, or any other legal entity that:

   1. (1) is tax-exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
   2. (2) engages in the training of service animals for use by eligible individuals; and
   3. (3) has been selected by the Department to provide services under this subtitle.
6. (f) “Program” means the Maryland Disability Service Animal Program established under this subtitle.
7. (g) “Program participant” means an eligible individual who participates in the Program.

8. (h)

   1. (1) “Service animal” means an animal that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

   2. (2) “Service animal” does not include an animal that:

      1. (i) as a result of the animal's presence, is meant to deter crime; or
      2. (ii) provides only emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship to an individual.
9. (i) “Successful Program participant” means a Program participant who successfully completes the training protocol specified by a nonprofit training entity.

<Section effective upon occurrence of contingency specified in Acts 2025, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 6, § 2; Acts 2025, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 13, § 2.>

Added by Acts 2025, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 6, § 1, eff. Jan. 15, 2026; Acts 2025, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 13, § 1, eff. Jan. 15, 2026.