[§621-30] Use of a facility dog. (a) For purposes of this section:
"Facility dog" means a dog that is a graduate of an assistance dog organization that is accredited by Assistance Dogs International or a similar internationally recognized organization whose main purpose is to grant accreditation to assistance dog organizations based on standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training, and placement. A "facility dog" shall be specially trained to provide emotional support to witnesses testifying in judicial proceedings without causing a distraction during the proceedings.
"Vulnerable witness" means a witness whose ability to testify in a judicial proceeding will be hampered or ineffective without the assistance of a facility dog, for reasons including but not limited to intellectual or emotional disability, intimidation, or age.
(b) A court may permit the use of a facility dog in a judicial proceeding involving the testimony of a vulnerable witness if the court determines that there is a compelling necessity for the use of a facility dog to facilitate the testimony of the vulnerable witness.
(c) Before the use of a facility dog in a judicial proceeding, the moving party shall file a motion certifying to the court:
(d) To the extent necessary, the court may impose restrictions, or instructions to the jury, regarding the presence of the facility dog during the proceedings. [L 2016, c 178, §1]