Walz Signs Bill Expanding Housing Access for Service Dogs-in-Training
Governor Tim Walz held the first bill signing of this legislative session Thursday morning. This bill, aimed at helping service dog trainers, is one that has plenty of local support.
The bill ensures that service dogs-in-training are exempt from homeowners’ association and apartment rules that don’t allow dogs.
The bill’s authors in both the state House and Senate are from the CCX News coverage area, Sen. Bonnie Westlin of Plymouth and Rep. Cedrick Frazier of New Hope. They both said the bill is a step to make Minnesota more accessible.
Walz holds up the signed bill. During the signing session, he said he is grateful to all the partners who made this a priority.
“This achievement is a result of a deeply collaborative effort among local service dog organizations, volunteers and individuals with disabilities. Together, we’ve taken a significant step toward a more accessible and compassionate Minnesota,” Westlin said.
The bill was supported by Can Do Canines, a New Hope nonprofit that trains service dogs. Executive Director Jeff Johnson said the nonprofit’s volunteers take in and train these dogs without being paid.
“Our volunteers are amazing,” Johnson said. “The biggest challenge that we have is finding volunteers to do that for us, because it is not a small ask at all.”
Also present at the bill signing were Lydia, a Hamline student, with her service dog Flint, alongside Jessica, with her service dog Jessie. They both spoke about the difference service dogs make in their life.
Johnson also brought along Mato, a service dog-in-training.
Flint sits at his owner’s side during the session. He is a working service dog who comes from Can Do Canines in New Hope.
Also See: Can Do Canines Trains Dogs That ‘Fundamentally Change Lives’
