HB19-1144 Summary

• Allows courts to permit child witnesses under 12 years old to testify accompanied by a court facility dog during trial proceedings upon motion by a party or the court's own motion.

• Requires court facility dogs to graduate from an accredited assistance dog organization and receive specialized training to support witnesses without causing trial distraction.

• Court may only authorize a facility dog if the judge determines the child would suffer serious emotional distress or trauma preventing reasonable communication, and the arrangement would not interfere with efficient proceedings.

• Parties seeking to use a facility dog must file a written motion at least 14 days before trial, and the judge retains authority to terminate the dog's accompaniment at any time during testimony.

• Requires the court to instruct the jury that the facility dog is a trained animal and its presence should not influence their judgment or reflect on witness credibility; effective July 1, 2019.