A4204

Establishes pilot program in DOE to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.

Introduced·2/19/26
Introduced Text

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.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

See what it does, who it affects, and the critical issues in plain language. Free, 30 seconds.

Where it stands

Current
Education Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

D
1
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

Feb 19

Assembly

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee