HB393 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Dexter Grimsley

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

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

Summary

This bill lets a registered therapy dog accompany a victim or witness in certain court proceedings, with the judge's permission, and allows the judge to use discretionary funds to help cover the handler's costs.

What This Bill Does

It creates definitions for what counts as a registered therapy dog, a registered handler, and a therapy dog organization. In a legal proceeding, the court may allow a registered therapy dog to accompany a victim or witness to reduce emotional distress and improve the quality of testimony, if the dog is available and the judge approves. The dog and handler must follow court protocols to avoid interfering with evidence collection, and the jury will be informed of the dog's presence and that it should not prejudice any party. The judge may use discretionary funds to offset some costs for the handler.

Who It Affects

• Victims or witnesses in trials or depositions who may experience less emotional distress and clearer testimony when a therapy dog is present, with the judge's approval.
• Registered therapy dog handlers and therapy dog organizations, who must meet defined standards and may receive funding support from the judge's discretionary fund to help cover costs.

Key Provisions

• Definition and criteria for Active Member, Registered Handler, Registered Therapy Dog, and Therapy Dog Organization, including health certificate, identification, 18 months of qualifying visits, and minimum liability insurance.
• In a legal proceeding, the court may allow a registered therapy dog to accompany a victim or witness to reduce stress and aid testimony, if the dog is available and permitted by the judge.
• The registered handler must have instruction from the district attorney's office on protocols and must ensure no interference with evidence collection or justice.
• If a jury is present, the therapy dog and handler stay outside the jury area initially and the jury is informed that the dog's presence should not prejudice.
• The court may verify credentials of the therapy dog and handler upon request, under applicable procedural rules.
• The judge may provide funds from the discretionary fund to offset some costs for the registered handler.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage/approval.

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

Subjects

Courts