HB460 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Isaac Whorton

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Facility dog, defined, permitted with child victim or witness in certain cases

Summary

HB460, Willow's Law, would let certified facility dogs assist victims or witnesses in certain court proceedings when allowed by the judge, with defined training and handling rules.

What This Bill Does

It defines what a certified facility dog is and sets training criteria. The court may allow such a dog to accompany a victim or witness during testimony to reduce stress and improve the accuracy of testimony, if the dog is available and the judge approves. The dog must be led by a certified handler who is trained on legal proceedings; if a jury is present, the dog and handler stay outside the jury’s view and the jury is informed of the dog’s presence but not its appearance, to avoid prejudice. The court may verify credentials of the dog and handler upon request.

Who It Affects

• Victims or witnesses in legal proceedings, who may be permitted to have a certified facility dog accompany them to reduce emotional distress and aid testimony when allowed by the judge.
• Certified facility dogs and their certified handlers, who must meet defined training and credential requirements and follow courtroom protocols.

Key Provisions

• Defines a certified facility dog as an expert, trained working dog from an assistance dog organization that is a member of Assistance Dogs International, with two years of specialized training and the same public access test as a service dog.
• Allows a judge to permit a certified facility dog to accompany a victim or witness during testimony to reduce stress and improve the likelihood of full, accurate testimony, if the dog is available.
• Requires the presence to be with a certified handler trained by a ADAI-accredited organization, who understands legal protocols and ensures no interference with evidence collection or justice administration.
• If a jury is present, the dog and handler must be kept out of the jury’s sight, with the jury informed of the dog's presence and instructed that it should not prejudice any party.
• Permits the court to examine the credentials of the certified facility dog and the certified handler upon request, under applicable Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval, and is named Willow's Law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Facility Dog