TN HB0762

Courts may allow certified facility dogs to accompany victims or witnesses while testifying to reduce stress and enhance the ability to obtain full and accurate testimony

Certified facility dogs must be graduates of an assistance dog organization, have at least 2 years of training, pass the service dog public access test, hold a current veterinarian health certificate, and carry minimum $500,000 liability insurance

Certified handlers must receive training from an assistance dog organization on legal proceeding protocols to ensure no interference with evidence collection or administration of justice

In jury trials, the court must inform jurors of the dog's presence, instruct them it should not prejudice any party, and take precautions to obscure the dog's presence as much as possible

Parties seeking to use a certified facility dog must file a motion with the court, which may examine and confirm credentials of both the dog and handler before approval