Senate Bill 239 aims to enhance the rights of dog handlers accompanied by search and rescue dogs in Wisconsin by prohibiting hotels, inns, and motels from discriminating against them. The bill introduces new definitions for "dog handler" and "search and rescue dog," clarifying that a dog handler is someone trained to work with a search and rescue dog, which is defined as a dog trained by a recognized agency to locate lost individuals or disaster victims. The legislation mandates that these establishments cannot refuse service, charge higher fees, or communicate that such patrons are unwelcome based on their association with a search and rescue dog, provided the dog is identifiable by a harness or cape and is leashed.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of dog handlers, including liability for any damage caused by their search and rescue dogs and the requirement to arrange care for the dog if separation is necessary. It also emphasizes that hotels, inns, and motels must modify their policies to ensure that dog handlers and their search and rescue dogs can fully enjoy the facilities without segregation or separation. The bill thus seeks to ensure equal access and accommodation for dog handlers and their trained search and rescue dogs in public lodging establishments.