HB393 Alabama 2017 Session

Sponsors

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Animals, permitting therapy dogs in courtroom with vulnerable witness, authorize judge to use discretionary funds

Description

<p class="bill_description"> Under existing law, service dogs for people with disabilities are permitted in public areas</p><p class="bill_description"> This bill would allow for the use of a registered therapy dog, as defined, in legal proceedings when permitted by the judge to assist a victim or witness, to reduce unnecessary emotional distress experience by a victim or witness and allow full and factual testimony</p><p class="bill_description"> This bill would authorize a judge to use discretionary funds to offset the costs for a registered handler of a registered therapy dog used in a legal proceeding</p><p class="bill_entitled_an_act"> To allow for the use of a registered therapy dog in certain legal proceedings involving a witness or victim when permitted by the judge; to provide for the definition and criteria of a registered therapy dog and a registered handler; and to allow a judge to use discretionary funds to offset the costs for a handler of a registered therapy dog used in a legal proceeding. </p>

Subjects

Courts