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Committee advances bill allowing facility dogs to accompany adult witnesses in court
Summary
The Judiciary B committee reported House Bill 126 favorably after testimony from prosecutors and handlers about courtroom 'facility dogs' that calm witnesses. The measure expands a 2018 law to allow dogs to accompany adult witnesses in trials with procedural safeguards suggested by defense and court stakeholders.
Representative Landry brought House Bill 126 to Judiciary B, asking lawmakers to expand a 2018 law that allows a facility dog — a trained service dog used for witnesses — to accompany witnesses during court proceedings. Landry said the change would let more victims benefit from courtroom support during trials.
Amy Files, a handler with the East Baton Rouge district attorney’s office, told the committee the dogs help witnesses stay calm while giving testimony. "They really calm down a witness to make sure we get the story out and identification out," Files said, describing training and matching procedures for handlers and dogs.
Zach Daniels, executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, said prosecutors have used the dogs to preserve a victim's demeanor so evidence and testimony are presented consistently. Daniels said courts typically require a judge to vet the dog’s training and utility before allowing it in the courtroom and that defense attorneys can request a contradictory hearing to ensure the animal will not influence jurors.
The Southern Poverty Law Center submitted a statement opposing the bill and asked that the record reflect their concerns; the representative did not speak at the table. Supporters told the committee that the program includes training protocols and measures to keep the dog out of jurors’ sight when appropriate.
Senator Talbot moved to report House Bill 126 favorably; the committee recorded no objection and reported the bill favorably.
What happens next: The bill advances from Judiciary B with committee approval. If it proceeds, sponsors said judges would retain discretion to hold hearings to determine whether a particular animal and handler meet courtroom standards.
