Press release:

A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Gordon and Senator M. Teresa Ruiz that would permit service animals on school buses for students with disabilities was approved Thursday by the full Senate.

The bill, S-2601, builds on the existing law that allows a student with a disability to have a service animal in school buildings and on school grounds. This bill would permit a student with a disability to bring a service animal on a school bus.

“The use of service animals for students with disabilities is an important component to their everyday lives,” said Senator Gordon, D-Bergen, Passaic. “This bill would allow children easier access to their service companions, facilitating and enhancing their learning experience alongside their peers.”

“Whether on the bus or in the classroom, these service animals are a fundamental resource for many children with disabilities,” said Senator Ruiz, D-Essex. “Updating our laws to permit these aids on school buses is crucial to getting students to the building each day safely and ensuring a productive and healthy learning environment.”

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a trained dog or other animal that assist individuals with physical and mental impairments. This can include visual, hearing, and mobility disabilities as well as mental illnesses such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Several other states including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, and Connecticut have similar laws regarding rights for persons with disabilities to have guide dogs and/or service animals in any mode of transportation and public space including schools, according to the Animal Legal and Historical Center.

The bill was approved by a vote of 36-0. The Assembly approved it 73-0 in November. It now heads to the Governor’s desk.