Good morning, everyone! Welcome back to another edition of CertaPet’s newsletter. This week, we’re focusing on Minnesota’s new law that provides service dog trainers with housing protection from discrimination and other arbitrary charges. Read on to learn more about this development.
Gov. Walz Signs Bill Ensuring Housing Rights For Service Dog Volunteers
Service dogs and their trainers took center stage at the Minnesota State Capitol last month as a new piece of legislation was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz.
The law now protects individuals training service animals from discrimination or extra charges by landlords, marking a powerful step forward in accessibility and support for people with disabilities. However, the trainers remain responsible for any damages caused during the course of their dog’s training.
“They’re not pets. They’re super cute. We love them to death, but they change lives,” Governor Walz stated during the ceremony, talking about service animals.”
The legislation was championed in part by Can Do Canines, a nonprofit dedicated to training service animals. Executive Director Jeff Johnson explained that outdated housing policies had previously blocked potential volunteers from taking part in training programs on roughly 8 to 10 occasions in recent years.
The new law is expected to eliminate such barriers, expanding opportunities for both trainers and individuals who depend on service animals. Can Do Canines relies on a network of volunteers to prepare dogs for a wide range of assistance tasks, providing all training free of charge.
Johnson, who previously ran for Minnesota governor in 2014 and 2018, praised the dedication of the organization’s volunteers. He said, “[…] the biggest challenge that we have is finding volunteers.” because the organization relies on them to help train and socialize service dogs.
Lydia Roseth, a public health student at Hamline University, was present for the occasion. Her dog, Flint, not only assists with tasks like retrieving items and monitoring her blood pressure but also provides the emotional and physical support that allows her to thrive academically and socially. “He hasn’t just changed my life—he’s saved it,” Roseth shared.
The bill received bipartisan support, with sponsorship from Sen. Bonnie Westlin (DFL-Plymouth) and Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope). Several lawmakers across party lines, including House Speaker Lisa Demuth and Sen. Aric Putnam, voted in favor. Westlin emphasized that the new law demonstrates Minnesota’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all its residents.
CertaPet would like to take a moment to honor the memory of Democratic leader Melissa Hortman, who dedicated her time to personally training service dogs for veterans. A committed Minnesota lawmaker, Hortman was tragically killed alongside her husband in their home by a man impersonating a police officer. During her life, she actively supported organizations such as Helping Paws, which enlists volunteers to train service dogs for veterans.
Source: SCTimes
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
Providing service dog trainers and volunteers protection from housing discrimination is a highly commendable step. It’s a great way to ensure nonprofits working for the betterment of individuals with disabilities aren’t deprived of a vital network that makes these life-changing partnerships possible. Here’s hoping more states follow Minnesota’s example and reaffirm their commitment to accessibility, empathy, and equal opportunity for all.
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