45119730670F28C78725839F00788E24 Hearing Summary

Representative Sullivan, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1144, concerning allowing a court facility dog to accompany a child witness during testimony in trial proceedings.  Representative Sullivan explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1144:

Mr. Gregory Staritsky, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Staritsky explained how dogs accompanying child witnesses might taint a jury.

Ms. Maureen Cain, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Cain explained why the matter addressed by the bill should be the purview of the court and not state law, and discussed problems that could arise with animals in the courtroom. Discussion ensued regarding Ms. Cain's testimony, and the ownership of dogs used under the bill. Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding potential challenges to the use of dogs with child witnesses based upon prejudice.

Mr. Gary Dawson, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in support of HB 19-1144. Mr. Dawson discussed the benefits of using dogs for comfort in a court setting, and the dog used in his district.

Ms. Amber Urban, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Urban discussed the use of a dog in the district. Discussion ensued regarding the necessity of HB 19-1144 considering judicial discretion. Ms. Urban responded to questions regarding funding for the dog in the Eighteenth Judicial District, and the potential for other animals to be brought into courtrooms for comfort purposes. Discussion returned to dogs in courtrooms as a matter of judicial discretion. Mr. Dawson responded to questions regarding other states that have dog-in-courtroom statutes. Ms. Urban responded to questions regarding the frequency of use of a dog in Eighteenth Judicial District court proceedings. Mr. Dawson responded to questions regarding standards for allowing dogs in a courtroom, and the age limit in the bill. Discussion followed regarding why the sponsor chose the standard contained in the bill.

Ms. Valarie Finks, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District and the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of HB 19-1144.  Ms. Finks discussed support provided to victims in court, and the benefits of using dogs for such support.

Ms. Beth Wilson, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Wilson discussed some cases that point to the benefits of using dogs in court.

Ms. Amanda Keil, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience in using a dog in court. Discussion ensued regarding the standard for allowing comfort dogs in a courtroom.

Ms. Lori Greenstone, representing Colorado Voters for Animals, testified in support of HB 19-1144. Ms. Greenstone discussed the calming benefits of therapy dogs.

Mr. Robert Chase, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Chase suggested that dogs in courtrooms is prejudicial. Mr. Dawson returned to respond to questions regarding caselaw surrounding the use of dogs in courtrooms.

Representative Sullivan requested that HB 19-1144 be postponed indefinitely in lieu of additional forthcoming legislation on the matter.