Bill > H1151

This bill, concerning service-trained dogs, aims to allow victims and witnesses who are minor children or adults with disabilities to have a trained service dog present with them in court during proceedings, including when they testify, in addition to a victim-witness advocate. This provision applies notwithstanding any other law and is intended to provide support to vulnerable individuals. The bill defines a "trained service dog" as a dog and its handler who possess a public access certificate from Assistance Dog International, have undergone at least two years of specialized training, and are handled by a professional working in victim services. The court can only prohibit the presence of the service dog if it makes written findings that the defendant's constitutional right to a fair trial would be prejudiced.