Senator Brian Simoner introduced Senate Bill 157 at the Senate Finance Committee’s first bill hearing on Jan. 15, saying the measure would create a grant program in the Department of Disabilities to support service animals. The bill is modeled after an existing service-animal program in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Simoner said, and passed the legislature unanimously last year.

Why it matters: Supporters told the committee the program would expand access to trained service animals for people with disabilities, and that private donations could help start operations. The sponsor said the bill contains no mandated ongoing state funding and estimated annual operating expenses around $8,000.

Details: Simoner said the proposal follows the veterans program’s structure and that fund-raising was already under discussion to support initial costs. He told the panel the bill allows private donations and that the operating budget would be modest. “This bill passed unanimously, no opposition,” Simoner said while introducing the measure.

Committee response: Committee members did not press for additional detail during the hearing; Simoner asked for the committee’s favorable consideration. No formal motions or votes were recorded in the transcript for this bill hearing.

Ending note: The Finance Committee proceeded to the next agenda item after Simoner concluded his remarks.