S 573 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Amends "Law Against Discrimination" to provide every person engaged in raising a dog for guide or service the right to access public facilities.

This bill amends New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to extend public access rights to volunteers raising guide or service dogs during their early training phase (typically 8 weeks to 18 months). It grants these volunteers the same access to public facilities (like restaurants or stores) as people with disabilities, provided the dog wears identifying apparel, remains leashed and under control, and the volunteer presents valid program credentials. The bill specifically covers volunteers raising dogs before formal training begins, addressing a gap where current law only protects professional trainers. These requirements ensure public safety while enabling volunteers to safely train dogs in community settings.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jim Beach
Jim Beach
DDemocratic
NJ
6