Legal Advocacy Issues

State of Indiana

Note to Karen Shirk from Claudia M., May 2009 The law passed and contains some very favorable language (includes specifically "autism service animals"). I was not able to get three-person-teams included in the language but my state representative supports that addition and may propose that addition next session. Thought you'd like to know.

Note from Karen Shirk: Claudia and family have been working with law makers and we helped with language and they did get the law changed to include specifically SCHOOLS and Autism Assistance Dogs. This is Indiana State law. So now we have Jake's Law in Maryland (Jake and Service Dog, Sienna) and Bekah and Grizwald's family changed the law in Virginia. And the Oda family (Donnie and service dog, Marble) changing Ohio law! ONE STATE AT A TIME.

State of Virginia

March 10, 2008  A link to the first law passed as a result of 4 Paws families advocating for change, including the three-unit team as a LEGAL service dog team under the law! CHAPTER 506. An Act to amend and reenact ? 51.5-44 of the Code of Virginia, relating to service dogs; training. [H 853] Approved March 10, 2008.  Kudos Virginia!

State of Maryland

May 27, 2008   Seizure alert dogs, owners will now get equal access.  Kudos Maryland!

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