SB273 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jimmy Holley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Courts, therapy dogs authorized in courtroom under certain conditions, judge authorized to use discretionary funds for

Summary

SB273 would allow registered therapy dogs to assist victims or witnesses in certain court proceedings, with judges able to offset related costs for the handlers.

What This Bill Does

In legal proceedings where a judge allows it, a registered therapy dog may accompany a victim or witness to help reduce emotional distress and improve the quality of testimony. The bill defines what counts as a registered therapy dog, a registered handler, and an active therapy dog team, including health and identification requirements and minimum prior therapy work. The court may verify credentials under the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure if requested, and a judge may use discretionary funds to offset some costs for the handler. The dog’s presence must be managed so it does not interfere with evidence collection or prejudice any party, and the jury will be informed appropriately.

Who It Affects

• Victims and witnesses who may experience less distress and provide fuller, more accurate testimony when a registered therapy dog assists in court as permitted by a judge.
• Registered therapy dog teams (handlers and dogs) who must meet defined criteria and may receive financial support from a judge's discretionary funds to cover some costs.

Key Provisions

• Allows a registered therapy dog to accompany a victim or witness in court, depositions, or initial interviews when permitted by the judge, to reduce distress and enhance testimony.
• Defines terms: active member (teams with recent visits), registered handler (volunteer, no disqualifying convictions, registered by a therapy dog organization, oath of confidentiality; officers may be handlers only if there is no state expense), and registered therapy dog (health certificate, markings, ID badge, 18 months of visits, and a qualifying test; $50,000 liability insurance).
• Provides for alternative testing by a certified Alabama law enforcement canine officer for handlers of suitable temperament.
• Requires a qualifying therapy dog organization (501(c)(3), active for at least three years, 100+ active teams nationwide, with Alabama members).
• Allows the judge to award costs from the judge's discretionary fund to offset some of the financial costs for using the dog and handler in proceedings.
• Subject to the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, the court may examine and confirm the credentials of the registered therapy dog and handler if requested.
• During testimony with a jury, the dog and handler accompany the witness outside the jury, and the court informs the jury that the dog's presence should not prejudice any party.
• The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage (effective date).

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