Senate Bill 239 aims to extend protections against discrimination in public accommodations to dog handlers accompanied by search and rescue dogs in hotels, inns, and motels. The bill introduces new definitions for "dog handler" and "search and rescue dog," clarifying that a dog handler is an individual 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 bill prohibits lodging establishments from denying access or charging higher fees to dog handlers accompanied by search and rescue dogs, provided the dogs are identifiable by a harness or cape and are leashed.

Additionally, the bill mandates 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. However, accommodations can be denied if the presence of the search and rescue dog would fundamentally alter the nature of the services or jeopardize safety. The bill also holds dog handlers responsible for any damage caused by their search and rescue dogs, ensuring that they maintain sanitation and care for the dogs during any necessary separation.