This bill amends Louisiana's law regarding the use of facility dogs in court, specifically for witnesses who are under eighteen years old, have a developmental disability, or are involved in trials for sex offenses. The amendments allow any of these witnesses to be accompanied by a facility dog while testifying, enhancing their comfort during the legal process.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions to ensure that the presence of the facility dog does not influence the jury's perception of the testimony. The court may order that the dog's presence be obscured from the jury and is required to ensure that the dog is a trained animal. Furthermore, the entry and exit of the facility dog from the courtroom must occur outside the jury's view, with precautions taken to maintain this obscurity. The bill is also referred to as "Duvall and Karissa's Law."

Statutes affected:
HB126 Original: 15:284(A)
HB126 Engrossed: 15:284(A)
HB126 Reengrossed: 15:284(A)
HB126 Enrolled: 15:284(A)
HB126 Act 616: 15:284(A)