AZ HB2375

Courts shall allow victims under 18 years of age to have a certified facility dog accompany them while testifying in court, contingent on filing notice with the dog's certification, certifier name, and proof of insurance.

Courts may, at their discretion, allow victims 18 years or older and witnesses to use a facility dog during testimony.

Courts must instruct juries about the facility dog's role and its training status to prevent the dog's presence from influencing jury perception or reflecting on testimony credibility.

Facility dog is defined as a dog graduated from an assistance dog organization that is a member of an organization focused on improving assistance dog training, placement, utilization, and standards of excellence.

Legislation applies to both child abuse cases (Title 8) and criminal proceedings (Title 13), and is enacted to protect crime victims' constitutional rights to fairness, respect, and dignity throughout the criminal justice process.