Courts: other; age requirement for the use of a courtroom support dog; modify. Amends sec. 2163a of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2163a).

This bill modifies the age requirements for children and adults with developmental disabilities to be eligible for courtroom support dogs during legal proceedings in Michigan. It specifically allows individuals under 18 with developmental disabilities to have a trained support dog sit with them while testifying, whereas the previous rule restricted this benefit to those under 16. The legislation applies to various criminal cases involving vulnerable witnesses, including child protection and assaultive crimes, and maintains existing rules that require advance notice for using a support dog during a trial. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the prosecutor's office assumes full responsibility for the dog while it is present in the courtroom.