DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 113 Original 2020 Regular Session Amedee
Abstract: Allows for R.S. 15:284 to be referred to and cited as "Duvall's Law"
Present law requires the court to allow a witness who is either under 18 years of age or who has a
developmental disability to have a facility dog, if available, accompany them while testifying in
court.
Present law authorizes the court to allow the use of facility dogs in cases involving all other
witnesses.
Present law requires notice to the court and provides for jury instructions regarding the role of the
facility dog.
Present law defines "facility dog" as a dog that is certified and a graduate of an assistance dog
organization that is accredited and is specially trained to provide emotional support to witnesses
testifying in judicial proceedings without causing a distraction during the proceedings.
Proposed law retains present law and allows for present law to be referred to and cited as "Duvall's
Law".
(Adds R.S. 15:284(F))