All Roll Calls
Yes: 41 • No: 0
TennesseeSB 0391114th General Assembly (2025-2026)Senate
AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 24; Title 36; Title 37 and Title 40, relative to certified facility dogs.
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Witnesses
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Witnesses can get certified dog support
Effective upon enactment, Tennessee courts can approve certified facility dogs to accompany victims or other witnesses during testimony or other proceedings. This support aims to reduce stress and help witnesses give accurate, complete testimony. The requesting party must file a motion, and approval is up to the court. Dogs need proof of graduation from a nonprofit assistance dog organization that sets training and care standards. They must complete at least two years of training and pass the service dog public access test. They also need a current annual health certificate from a Tennessee-licensed veterinarian and proof of at least $500,000 in liability insurance. Handlers need training from an assistance dog organization and training on court rules to avoid interfering with evidence or testimony. The court can check both the dog's and handler's credentials. During jury trials, the handler must escort the dog to and from the witness stand outside the jury's presence. The handler must stay in the courtroom within view of the witness stand during testimony. Courts must take all reasonable steps to hide the dog from jurors as much as possible. Courts must also tell jurors about the dog and instruct them not to let its presence prejudice any party. Working dogs must wear visible markings identifying them as certified facility dogs.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/17/2025
FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 3/17/2025
Yes: 32 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/11/2025
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
Yes: 9 • No: 0
Bill Text
Enrolled / Public Chapter
Fiscal Note
Introduced
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