RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 16 (HB 113) 2020 Regular Session Amedee
Existing 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.
Existing law authorizes the court to allow the use of facility dogs in cases involving all other
witnesses.
Existing law requires notice to the court and provides for jury instructions regarding the role
of the facility dog.
Existing 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.
New law provides that existing law may be referred to and cited as "Duvall's Law".
Effective Aug. 1, 2020.
(Adds R.S. 15:284(F))