LANSING, Mich. — Earlier this year, state Sen. Dan Lauwers introduced legislation to expand the use of therapy dogs in Michigan courtrooms as a way to help victims of traumatic crimes during court proceedings. On Wednesday, the legislation received unanimous approval from the Michigan Senate, advancing the bill to the next phase in the legislative process.
“Testifying in court in front of a group of strangers is a challenging enough experience for most people but can be particularly difficult for young victims of abuse or sexual assault,” said Lauwers, R-Brockway Township. “Updating this law would provide additional support for victims who are already facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances.”
Currently, Michigan law allows for an alleged victim — who is a child under age 16, a person over age 16 with a developmental disability, or a vulnerable adult who is testifying in a case involving child abuse and neglect or physical or sexual assault — to have a court-provided support dog sit with them during their testimony. Until 2018, there was no statutory allowance for the use of a support dog in Michigan. These dogs are typically provided by courts or law enforcement agencies.
Lauwers’ bill, which received bipartisan co-sponsorships and support in the Senate, would increase the age for individuals to be eligible for a support dog to 18 years old. A person over the age of 18 with a developmental disability or a vulnerable adult who is testifying in a case involving child abuse and neglect or physical or sexual assault would also be permitted to use a support dog.
“This is nothing more than a matter of human decency and kindness for those struggling with a difficult situation,” Lauwers said. “The prosecution relies on testimony and other information while working toward a conviction, but places this unreasonable restriction, especially on younger victims, that can make the process very difficult and uncomfortable for them.
“This is a simple, yet meaningful change that allows room for empathy in the legal process.”
Senate Bill 248 will now move to the Michigan House of Representatives for further consideration.
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