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July 26, 2026 – Illinois schools will soon be required to provide additional training on service animals under a new law sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner.
The measure expands existing Americans with Disabilities Act training for teachers, administrators and school staff to include guidance on the proper handling of service animals in school settings.
Turner says the law is designed to ensure students with disabilities who rely on service animals are treated with respect and have equal access to education.
The legislation was inspired by a Rochester High School student with Type 1 diabetes who uses a medical alert dog. The student reported repeated harassment of the dog by classmates, including pulling its tail, stepping on its legs and throwing food at it, saying the school failed to adequately protect the animal.
Turner says the new training will help school employees better understand the rights of students who depend on service animals and foster more inclusive learning environments.
Senate Bill 2761 was signed into law Friday and takes effect January 1.
