Texas HB4563 allows therapy or facility dogs to accompany children or people with disabilities during testimony in certain criminal cases.

HB4563 amends the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to allow children or people with disabilities to have therapy or facility dogs accompany them during testimony in specific criminal cases. The court may permit this if the dog and handler are suitably qualified, and their presence is not likely to prejudice the trier of fact or cause undue disruption. The dog must be available within the judicial district, and the handler must have completed relevant training. The law applies to proceedings starting after its effective date of September 1, 2025.

Texas HB4563 allows therapy or facility dogs to accompany children or people with disabilities during testimony in certain criminal cases.

HB4563 amends the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure to allow children or people with disabilities to have therapy or facility dogs accompany them during testimony in specific criminal cases. The court may permit this if the dog and handler are suitably qualified, and their presence is not likely to prejudice the trier of fact or cause undue disruption. The dog must be available within the judicial district, and the handler must have completed relevant training. The law applies to proceedings starting after its effective date of September 1, 2025.