AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 36; Title 37 and Title 40, relative to certified facility dogs.
Summary
SB0391 creates a new Tennessee law governing the use of “certified facility dogs” in court proceedings. The bill defines what qualifies as a certified facility dog and a certified handler, including training, health certification, and liability insurance requirements. It allows a court to permit a certified facility dog to accompany a victim or other witness while testifying or participating in other proceedings when the dog is intended to reduce stress and help the witness provide full and accurate testimony.
The bill also sets procedural safeguards for trials, especially jury trials. If a certified facility dog is used while a jury is present, the dog must be accompanied by a certified handler, the court must inform the jury of the dog’s presence, and the jury must be instructed not to treat the dog’s presence as evidence against any party. Courts are directed to take precautions to minimize the jury’s awareness of the dog, the dog must wear visible identifying markings, and the party seeking to use the dog must file a motion so the court can review the dog’s and handler’s credentials.
Impact
The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 24 by adding a new section authorizing certified facility dogs in court settings and establishing standards for their use. Although the caption references Titles 36, 37, and 40, the operative text primarily creates courtroom procedures and evidentiary safeguards rather than broad changes to those titles. The practical effect is to give judges discretion to approve the use of trained support dogs for vulnerable witnesses, while imposing certification, handler-training, and notice requirements to protect the integrity of testimony and trial fairness.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong bipartisan support and little opposition. The Senate Judiciary Committee recommended passage unanimously, and the floor motion to adopt passed 32-0. No committee transcript objections are available, and the bill was enacted, indicating general agreement that the measure serves a supportive courtroom function without materially disrupting judicial process.
Contention
There is little recorded contention in the available materials. The main policy balance embedded in the bill is between helping victims and witnesses feel more comfortable in court and preserving fairness in jury trials. Any potential concerns would likely center on whether the presence of a dog could influence jurors or interfere with proceedings, which the bill addresses through handler requirements, jury instructions, and efforts to obscure the dog’s presence. The lack of dissenting votes or transcript debate suggests these concerns were either minimal or resolved through the bill’s procedural safeguards.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 48; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 8; Title 33; Title 36; Title 37; Title 48; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 62; Title 63 and Title 68, relative to health.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to weapons.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to weapons.
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 16; Title 36; Title 37; Title 38; Title 39; Title 40; Title 49; Title 55 and Title 65, relative to firearms.