Senate advances bill to strengthen penalties and protections for service animals and handlers

Senators approved a bill intended to enhance legal protections for service animals and their handlers.

Senate Bill 300, introduced by Senator Logie, would establish offenses such as harassment or unauthorized control of a service animal and provide for restitution and penalties when a service animal is harmed or its handler is interfered with. Logie told the committee that the bill responds to incidents in which service animals were injured by loose dogs and described the long training and replacement costs for service animals — in some cases tens of thousands of dollars — and the loss of mobility and independence handlers suffer when a service animal is removed or disabled.

Logie characterized the measure as both educational and protective, noting service animals often serve as “life support” for people who rely on them. No amendments were offered in committee, and the motion recommending the bill do pass was approved; the committee recorded 48 yeas and 2 nays. Senate Bill 300 passed second reading as reported.

The bill’s provisions, as described in the hearing, include definitions, offense provisions for harm or unauthorized control of service animals, and restitution language to help owners replace trained animals when necessary. The committee record shows limited debate but unanimous emphasis on protecting disabled Montanans who rely on service animals.

The bill will move on to subsequent steps in the legislative process.