(TRENTON) - A bill sponsored by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) that will permit the use of service animals in school for students who are eligible for special education programs and services for certain developmental disabilities was signed into law today.

This legislation (S1797), similar to laws permitting seeing-eye dogs for blind students, would allow students with autism or other developmental disabilities to bring certified service animals into school to assist with their learning needs. Parents of eligible students would be required to receive written recommendation from a physician, establishing the need for a medically-recommended animal.

"By allowing children to use medically-recommended service animals in school, we are taking a large step towards making sure our students can reach their educational potential," said Senator Norcross. "New Jersey's disabled students should absolutely be afforded a safe and secure learning environment."

A recent study from the University of Montreal showed that trained service dogs can help reduce anxiety and enhance the socialization skills of children with autism-related disorders. It also reported that parents experienced less problematic behaviors from their child at home when a dog was present.

The bill passed both houses of the Legislature in December of 2011, and was signed into law today by Governor Christopher Christie.

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