Witnesses - As enacted, establishes procedures for the use of certified facility dogs during witness testimony and other court proceedings; establishes standards for certified facility dogs. - Amends TCA Title 24; Title 36; Title 37 and Title 40.
SB 391 allows certified facility dogs to accompany witnesses - especially trauma victims - in court to reduce stress and improve testimony accuracy. It sets strict requirements: dogs must have 2+ years of training, vet health certificates, $500,000 insurance, and visible markings, while handlers must be certified in legal protocols. Courts must approve requests via motion, require handlers to stay visible to witnesses but out of jury view during testimony, and instruct juries not to view the dog as prejudicial. The law, effective April 11, 2025, applies to all Tennessee court proceedings involving witness testimony.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Feb 10, 2025
Signed Apr 11, 2025
Floor votes · Senate Mar 17, 2025
How they voted
37–0
Passed
Total votes 37
Mar 17, 2025
D
Democratic6
100% Yea
R
Republican31
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
18
Key actions
7
Committee
3
Apr 11, 2025
Signed into law
Signed by Governor.
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Signed by Senate Speaker
upper
Apr 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
Signed by H. Speaker
lower
Mar 31, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed H., Ayes 93, Nays 0, PNV 2
lower
Mar 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate, Ayes 32, Nays 0
upper
Mar 11, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommended for passage, refer to Senate Calendar Committee
lower
Mar 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Judiciary Committee calendar for 3/11/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Tom Hatcher
RRepublican
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