Committee clarifies law to let trained parents serve as service‑dog handlers

A Senate committee on Thursday reported House Bill 1336, a bill that amends Code §51.5‑40.3 to explicitly allow an adult parent who has been trained to serve as the third‑party handler for a three‑person service dog team.

Sponsor Delegate Fowler said the bill "clarifies existing Virginia law" so that when a person cannot handle a service dog themselves, a trained parent may function as the handler in public spaces. "All this bill does is simply clarify that a parent can serve as the handler of the dog in public spaces," witness Matt Crites said, testifying with his son Charlie and their service dog Wendy.

Senator Jordan asked whether the bill had faced any opposition; the sponsor said none had been reported. The committee opened the roll and recorded a vote listed in the transcript as 'As 14 0 0' (14 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain) and reported the bill to the next stage.

Supporters framed the change as a technical clarification to ensure trained family members may assist individuals who cannot independently handle their service animals.