Panel hears bill to authorize therapy dogs in Maryland schools with local policies

Senator Katie Fry Hester described SB 299 as an enabling bill to provide consistent statewide guidance if school systems choose to allow therapy dogs. "If schools choose to have therapy dogs in the classroom, and if they are authorized, then there must be a policy," she said, describing the measure as an access and equity step.

Harriet Larensky Kuhn, a school psychologist and therapy dog handler, told the committee that Montgomery County has piloted therapy dog teams across schools and that handlers have been first responders to crises, including shootings and student deaths. She described therapy dogs’ use for emotional support, reading assistance, and rapid crisis intervention.

Ten‑year‑old Jordan Hamush told the committee that therapy dogs "help kids by helping kids learn to be good leaders" and that pets make students feel "happy and loved." Sponsor and witnesses said the bill as amended sets a state standard while preserving local flexibility and that memoranda of understanding and certification can govern safe programs.

What’s next: Lawmakers asked about timing and whether state guidance can be implemented in time for the next school year; sponsor described the bill as authorizing rather than mandating and requested a favorable report.