This bill mandates the Department of Health to create an identification card for owners of guide or service dogs, which can be obtained simultaneously with the application for a dog license and registration tag. The application for the identification card must include an affidavit from the owner confirming that the dog has been trained as a guide or service dog, with a civil penalty of $500 for submitting a false affidavit. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to clarify that the identification card does not expire and will be recognized by all municipalities as proof of the dog's training.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that owners of guide or service dogs will not incur any fees for obtaining the identification card or for licensing their dogs. It also includes a provision that dogs in foster homes for training as guide or service dogs are exempt from licensing requirements during their training period. To support the implementation of these provisions, the bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Health.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:19-15.2, 4:19-15.3