The Civil Justice Subcommittee voted unanimously to send House Bill 762 to full Judiciary; the bill permits certified facility dogs to accompany victims and witnesses during court proceedings.

Representative Littleton, sponsor, cited scientific evidence that petting a dog lowers cortisol and can increase hormones that promote well-being and bonding, saying the presence of trained facility dogs can help victims and witnesses provide more accurate testimony. The bill was brought by the district attorneys' conference, the sponsor said.

Committee members had no additional questions. The clerk reported 8 ayes, 0 nos; the chair announced the ayes prevailed and HB 762 goes to full Judiciary.

Why it matters: Allowing trained facility dogs in court is intended to reduce stress for vulnerable witnesses and victims during testimony. Implementation details such as certification, supervision and courtroom procedures were not detailed in the committee record.

What happened next: HB 762 advances to full Judiciary.