Establishes a three-year pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.

The bill establishes a three-year pilot program within the Department of Education to evaluate the academic and health benefits of using therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. The Commissioner of Education will select two districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the state, aiming for a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. Participating school districts must submit an application detailing their plans for using therapy dogs to promote student wellness.

Establishes a three-year pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.

The bill establishes a three-year pilot program within the Department of Education to evaluate the academic and health benefits of using therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. The Commissioner of Education will select two districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the state, aiming for a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas. Participating school districts must submit an application detailing their plans for using therapy dogs to promote student wellness.