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S 3089

STOP Act

119th Congress Introduced by Bernie Moreno

Bill S 3089 allows courthouse facility dogs to support vulnerable witnesses, like children and trauma victims, reducing anxiety and improving their courtroom experience.

Introduced in Senate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3089

Summary of Bill S 3089: Courthouse Facility Dogs for Witnesses

Bill Number: S 3089
Introduced On: January 23, 2025
Current Status: Referred to Judiciary
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 3089 aims to enhance the support provided to witnesses in legal proceedings by allowing the use of courthouse facility dogs. These specially trained dogs are intended to assist witnesses, particularly vulnerable populations such as children or victims of trauma, during their testimony in court. The presence of a facility dog is designed to reduce anxiety and create a more comfortable environment, thereby improving the overall experience for witnesses.

Key Provisions

  • Authorization of Facility Dogs: The bill authorizes the use of courthouse facility dogs in judicial proceedings to assist witnesses.
  • Training and Certification: The bill outlines requirements for the training and certification of facility dogs, ensuring they meet specific standards for behavior and temperament.
  • Eligibility Criteria: It specifies which witnesses may benefit from the presence of a facility dog, focusing on those who may experience heightened stress or anxiety during testimony.
  • Judicial Discretion: Judges will have the discretion to permit the presence of a facility dog in the courtroom, based on the circumstances of each case.

Affected Parties

  • Witnesses: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are witnesses, especially children and victims of crime, who may find it challenging to testify in a traditional courtroom setting.
  • Judicial System: Courts and judges will need to adapt to the presence of facility dogs, which may involve changes in courtroom protocols and procedures.
  • Facility Dog Organizations: Organizations that train and provide facility dogs will play a crucial role in implementing this bill, as they will be responsible for ensuring that dogs meet the established standards.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 23, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is related to previous legislative efforts, including:
    • S 4616 (prior-session)
    • S 2289 (prior-session)
    • A 4380 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 3089 represents a significant step towards improving the experience of witnesses in the judicial system by incorporating the therapeutic benefits of facility dogs. By providing emotional support, the bill seeks to facilitate a more compassionate and effective legal process for those who may be vulnerable during court proceedings. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications for the judicial system and the welfare of witnesses will be closely monitored.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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