Bill > HB0762

This bill establishes comprehensive guidelines for the use of certified facility dogs in Tennessee courtrooms, defining a "certified facility dog" as a specially trained working dog that has completed at least two years of training, passed a public access service dog test, maintains current veterinary health certification, and carries liability insurance. The bill allows courts to permit these dogs to accompany victims or witnesses during testimony to help reduce stress and improve the quality of testimony. When a certified facility dog is used during a jury trial, the dog must be accompanied by a certified handler who remains within view of the witness stand, and the court must inform the jury about the dog's presence while instructing them not to draw prejudicial conclusions from its presence. The bill requires the dog to wear visible identification, and mandates that any party wanting to use a certified facility dog must first file a motion with the court and have the dog's and handler's credentials examined and confirmed. A "certified handler" is defined as someone trained by an assistance dog organization in legal proceeding protocols and the dog's specific role. The legislation aims to provide support for witnesses while maintaining the integrity of court proceedings.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0762&ga=114