NY State Senate Bill 2013-S4865A

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Codes Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

View Actions

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Apr 29, 2014	defeated in codes
Mar 10, 2014	notice of committee consideration - requested
Jan 08, 2014	referred to codes
Nov 15, 2013	print number 4865a
Nov 15, 2013	amend and recommit to codes
Apr 29, 2013	referred to codes

Votes

- Apr 29, 2014 - Codes Committee Vote
  S4865A
  
  6
  
  Aye
  
  10
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Codes Committee Vote: Apr 29, 2014
      
      aye (6)
      
      Espaillat
      
      Hoylman-Sigal
      
      Krueger
      
      O'Brien
      
      Perkins
      
      Squadron
      
      nay (10)
      
      Avella
      
      Boyle
      
      DeFrancisco
      
      Flanagan
      
      Gallivan
      
      Golden
      
      Griffo
      
      Lanza
      
      Nozzolio
      
      O'Mara

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2013-S4865 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A7159
Current Committee:: Senate Codes
Law Section:: Criminal Procedure Law
Laws Affected:: Add Art 67 §§67.00 & 67.10, CP L
Versions Introduced in 2015-2016 Legislative Session:: S341, A389

2013-S4865 - Summary

Relates to providing witnesses with facility dogs.

2013-S4865 - Sponsor Memo

                                BILL NUMBER:S4865

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in relation
to providing witnesses with facility dogs

PURPOSE:  To facilitate testimony the truth finding process through fair
and accurate testimony by providing a judge with the discretion to allow
certain witnesses the ability to testify in the presence of a facility
dog.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of the bill entitles the bill "Rosie' s Law."

Section 2 of the bill sets forth the legislative intent,

Section 3 of the bill adds a new article sixty-seven to the criminal
procedure law to allow a judge at their discretion to permit either a
victim or witness of a crime of violence or sexual assault, a child or
physically, mentally or psychologically impaired person to have a facil-
ity dog present while testifying.

Section 4 of the bill sets forth that the bill will take effect imme-
diately.

JUSTIFICATION:  The purpose of a trial is to get to the truth of a

matter, However, participating in courtroom or other legal proceedings
(e.g., depositions, forensic interviews) is arguably one of the most
emotionally trying events that most people experience. The stress is
compounded for certain individuals. The presence of a well trained dog
can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with these experiences
thereby improving the efficiency and quality of a persons communi-
cations.

The use of dogs in the courtroom has expanded rapidly in the United
States and is now spreading worldwide, as a mechanism for calming and
supporting individuals involved in courtroom proceedings. The scientific
evidence for the physical and mental calming effects of appropriately
bred and trained dogs is now overwhelming, and includes both physical
and psychological effects across short and long time frames

For instance, there is strong evidence of short-term physical effects:
petting an animal produces short-term decreases in blood pressure and/or
heart rate In fact, these effects may be seen even in individuals simply
in the presence of a dog Of less relevance to this discussion are the
many studies illustrating pronounced long-term positive effects on phys-
ical health as well.

There are also well-documented short-term (and long-term) effects on
psychological health, including positive effects on social communication
and ability to make social contacts, reduction in feelings of loneliness
and isolation, and improvements in depression and self-esteem.

The use of facility dogs can help bring about an important change in how
we meet the emotional needs of all involved in the criminal justice
system.

This law is named for Rosie who was the first Assistance Dog allowed by
a New York State court to accompany a witness into the witness box
during testimony. During the testimony, Rosie lied motionless on the
floor of the witness stand, using only her snout to press into the
teen's lower leg to bring calm when needed. Rosie enabled the child
victim to testify in court against the man who had repeatedly abused
her. Rosie, a beautiful Golden Retriever, who became known worldwide as
"Rosie the Courthouse Dog" passed away on November 12, 2012 at the age
of 13. This law will honor Rosie and ensure that more courthouses are
opened to facility dogs such as Rosie to allow for a more efficient,
effective and compassionate justice system.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: New bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  This act will take effect immediately.

2013-S4865 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  4865

                       2013-2014 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                             April 29, 2013
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen.  GIPSON -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed to the Committee on Codes

AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law,  in  relation  to  providing
  witnesses with facility dogs

  THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. This act shall be known and  shall  be  cited  as  "Rosie's
Law".
  S  2.  Legislative  intent.  Testifying  in court is an unfamiliar and
stressful event for most people and certain individuals are at a greater
predisposition to be impacted by the stress. The stress can  hamper  the
ability  of a witness to provide testimony in a proceeding and interfere
with the truth finding process. It has  been  shown  that  when  certain
individuals are permitted to have a facility dog assist them in a court-
house setting it helps reduce victim or witness anxiety.  The purpose of
this legislation is to facilitate the truth finding process through fair
and accurate testimony. If in order to facilitate testimony that is fair
and  accurate,  the  court determines by a preponderance of the evidence
that a victim or witness who is either under the age of  18,  physically
or  mentally  impaired  or a victim or witness of a crime of violence or
sexual assault could suffer emotional distress while testifying in court
that could impair the ability of the victim or  witness  to  effectively
communicate,  the  court may order that a facility dog or the equivalent
thereof, if available, may  accompany  the  victim  or  witness  to  the
witness stand or be visible to the victim or witness in the courtroom.
  S  3. The criminal procedure law is amended by adding a new article 67
to read as follows:
                               ARTICLE 67
               USE OF FACILITY DOGS FOR CERTAIN WITNESSES
SECTION 67.00 DEFINITIONS.
        67.10 USE OF FACILITY DOGS; GENERAL RULE.

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD10376-02-3

S. 4865                             2

S 67.00 DEFINITIONS.
  AS  USED IN THIS ARTICLE "FACILITY DOG" MEANS A DOG THAT IS A GRADUATE
FROM AN ASSISTANCE DOG ORGANIZATION ACCREDITED BY ASSISTANCE DOG  INTER-
NATIONAL.  A  FACILITY DOG MUST BE PARTNERED WITH A WORKING PROFESSIONAL
FACILITATOR, BE SKILLED AT MAINTAINING A  CALM  MANNER,  AND  HAVE  GOOD
SOCIAL  BEHAVIOR  IN A VARIETY OF ENVIRONMENTS. A FACILITY DOG MUST ALSO
BE ACCUSTOMED TO INTERACTING WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH  PHYSICAL,  EMOTIONAL
AND/OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.
S 67.10 USE OF FACILITY DOGS; GENERAL RULE.
  1.  A COURT SHALL PERMIT THE USE OF A FACILITY DOG WHEN, IN A CRIMINAL
PROCEEDING INVOLVING THE PROSECUTION OF AN OFFENSE COMMITTED AGAINST  OR
WITNESSED  BY A PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, OR PSYCHOLOGICALLY IMPAIRED PERSON
OR A CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN OR A VICTIM OR WITNESS OF  A  CRIME
OF  VIOLENCE  OR SEXUAL ASSAULT, THE COURT DETERMINES BY A PREPONDERANCE
OF THE EVIDENCE THAT IT IS LIKELY THAT SUCH WITNESS WILL  BE  UNABLE  TO
EFFECTIVELY  COMMUNICATE  IF REQUIRED TO TESTIFY WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF
SUCH FACILITY DOG AND THAT THE PRESENCE OF SUCH FACILITY DOG WILL FACIL-
ITATE SUCH TESTIMONY.
  2. WHEN THE COURT DECLARES THAT THE USE OF A FACILITY DOG IS APPROPRI-
ATE, IT SHALL INSTRUCT THE JURY THAT THE FACILITY DOGS  ARE  USED  IN  A
COURTHOUSE  SETTING TO HELP REDUCE VICTIM OR WITNESS ANXIETY AND THAT NO
SIGNIFICANCE SHOULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DOG'S  PRESENCE,  NOR  DOES  IT
SUGGEST THE COURT'S OR COUNSEL'S ENDORSEMENT OF THE TESTIFYING VICTIM OR
WITNESS.
  S 4. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

View additional co-sponsors

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A7159
Current Committee:: Senate Codes
Law Section:: Criminal Procedure Law
Laws Affected:: Add Art 67 §§67.00 & 67.10, CP L
Versions Introduced in 2015-2016 Legislative Session:: S341, A389

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Summary

Relates to providing witnesses with facility dogs.

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                BILL NUMBER:S4865A

TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the criminal procedure law, in
relation to providing witnesses with facility dogs

PURPOSE:  To facilitate the truth finding process through fair and
accurate testimony by providing a judge with the discretion to allow
vulnerable witnesses the ability to testify in the presence of a
facility dog.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 entitles the bill "Rosie's Law."

Section 2 sets forth the legislative intent.

Section 3 adds a new article sixty-seven to the criminal procedure
law. Section 67.00 defines facility dog and "vulnerable witness" for
the purpose of this new Article. Section 67.10 sets forth the
procedure for use by a judge to allow at their discretion to permit a
vulnerable witness to have a facility dog present while testifying.

Section 4 provides that this act shall take effect immediately.

JUSTIFICATION:  The purpose of a trial is to get to the truth of a
matter. However, participating in courtroom or other legal proceedings

(e.g., depositions, forensic interviews) is arguably one of the most
emotionally trying events that most people experience. The stress is
compounded for certain individuals. The presence of a well-trained dog
can significantly reduce the anxiety associated with these experiences
thereby improving the efficiency and quality of a person's
communications.  The use of dogs in the courtroom has expanded rapidly
in the United States and is now spreading worldwide, as a mechanism
for calming and supporting individuals involved in courtroom
proceedings. The scientific evidence for the physical and mental
calming effects of appropriately bred and trained dogs is now
overwhelming, and includes both physical and psychological effects
across short and long time frames.  For instance, there is strong
evidence of short-term physical effects:  petting an animal produces
short-term decreases in blood pressure and/or heart rate In fact,
these effects may be seen even in individuals simply in the presence
of a dog Of less relevance to this discussion are the many studies
illustrating pronounced long-term positive effects on physical health
as well.  There are also well-documented short-term (and long-term)
effects on psychological health, including positive effects on social
communication and ability to make social contacts, reduction in
feelings of loneliness and isolation, and improvements in depression
and self-esteem.  The use of facility dogs can help bring about an
important change in how we meet the emotional needs of all involved in
the criminal justice system. Courthouse dogs have already been
successfully utilized in courtroom in Dutchess County, New York and in
the states of Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, and Washington.  This
law is named for Rosie who was the first Assistance Dog allowed by a
New York State court to accompany a witness into the witness box
during testimony. During the testimony, Rosie lied motionless on the
floor of the witness stand, using only her snout to press into the
teen's lower leg to bring calm when needed. Rosie enabled the child


victim to testify in court against the man who had repeatedly abused
her. Rosie, a beautiful Golden Retriever, who became known worldwide
as "Rosie the Courthouse Dog" passed away on November 12, 2012 at the
age of 13.  This law will honor Rosie and ensure that more courthouses
are opened to facility dogs such as Rosie to allow for a more
efficient, effective and compassionate justice system.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: This is a new bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  This bill will take effect immediately.

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 4865--A

                       2013-2014 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                             April 29, 2013
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sens.  GIPSON,  AVELLA, BALL, CARLUCCI, PARKER, SAMPSON,
  SAVINO -- read twice and ordered  printed,  and  when  printed  to  be
  committed  to  the  Committee  on  Codes -- committee discharged, bill
  amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said  commit-
  tee

AN  ACT  to  amend  the criminal procedure law, in relation to providing
  witnesses with facility dogs

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section  1.  This  act  shall  be known and shall be cited as "Rosie's
Law".
  S 2. Legislative intent. Testifying in  court  is  an  unfamiliar  and
stressful event for most people and certain individuals are at a greater
predisposition  to be impacted by this experience. Stress can hamper the
ability of a witness to provide testimony in a proceeding and  interfere
with  the truth finding process. Scientific evidence has shown that calm
dogs reduce stress in humans. When certain individuals are permitted  to
have a facility dog assist them while testifying during a court proceed-
ing  it  helps  reduce their stress so that they can better communicate.
The purpose of this legislation is to facilitate the truth finding proc-
ess through fair and accurate  testimony.  If  in  order  to  facilitate
testimony  that  is fair and accurate, the court determines by a prepon-
derance of the evidence that a vulnerable witness could suffer emotional
distress while testifying in court that could impair the ability of  the
victim or witness to effectively communicate, the court may order that a
facility  dog or the equivalent thereof, if available, may accompany the
vulnerable witness to the witness stand or be visible to the  vulnerable
witness in the courtroom.
  S  3. The criminal procedure law is amended by adding a new article 67
to read as follows:

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD10376-05-3

S. 4865--A                          2

                               ARTICLE 67
               USE OF FACILITY DOGS FOR CERTAIN WITNESSES
SECTION 67.00 DEFINITIONS.
        67.10 USE OF FACILITY DOGS; GENERAL RULE.
S 67.00 DEFINITIONS.
  AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE THE FOLLOWING TERMS SHALL HAVE THE MEANINGS AS
INDICATED:
  1.  "FACILITY  DOG"  MEANS A DOG THAT IS A GRADUATE FROM AN ASSISTANCE
DOG ORGANIZATION ACCREDITED BY ASSISTANCE DOGS INTERNATIONAL. A FACILITY
DOG MUST BE  PARTNERED  WITH  A  WORKING  PROFESSIONAL  FACILITATOR,  BE
SKILLED AT MAINTAINING A CALM MANNER, AND HAVE GOOD SOCIAL BEHAVIOR IN A
VARIETY  OF  ENVIRONMENTS.  A  FACILITY  DOG  MUST ALSO BE ACCUSTOMED TO
INTERACTING WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH PHYSICAL,  EMOTIONAL  AND/OR  DEVELOP-
MENTAL DISABILITIES.
  2. "VULNERABLE WITNESS" MEANS A VICTIM OR WITNESS WHO IS DETERMINED BY
THE  COURT  TO  BE  UNABLE  TO  EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE ON THE STAND FOR
REASONS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LANGUAGE, INTELLECTUAL OR EMOTIONAL
DISABILITY, ANXIETY, FEAR, INTIMIDATION, OR AGE.
S 67.10 USE OF FACILITY DOGS; GENERAL RULE.
  1. A COURT SHALL PERMIT THE USE OF A FACILITY DOG WHEN, IN A  CRIMINAL
PROCEEDING  INVOLVING  THE  TESTIMONY OF A VULNERABLE WITNESS, THE COURT
DETERMINES BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE THAT  IT  IS  LIKELY  THAT
SUCH  WITNESS  WILL  BE UNABLE TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE IF REQUIRED TO
TESTIFY WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF SUCH FACILITY DOG AND THAT THE  PRESENCE
OF SUCH FACILITY DOG WILL FACILITATE SUCH TESTIMONY.
  2.  A  FACILITY DOG IS EQUALLY AVAILABLE TO THE DEFENSE OR PROSECUTION
WITNESSES FOR THIS PURPOSE.
  3. UPON MOTION OF THE PARTY WISHING TO USE A FACILITY DOG,  THE  COURT
SHALL  CONDUCT  A HEARING. IT SHALL BE THE BURDEN OF THE MOVING PARTY TO
DEMONSTRATE TO THE COURT BY A PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE THAT THE USE
OF SUCH A FACILITY  DOG  IS  A  REASONABLE  ACCOMMODATION  BECAUSE  SUCH
WITNESS  MAY  BE  HAMPERED  OR  UNABLE  TO PROVIDE TESTIMONY WITHOUT THE
ASSISTANCE OF THE FACILITY DOG.
  4. A JURY INSTRUCTION SHALL BE GIVEN BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE APPEAR-
ANCE OF THE FACILITY DOG WITH THE WITNESS AND AT THE CONCLUSION  OF  THE
TRIAL.  SUCH  INSTRUCTION SHALL INCLUDE THAT THE DOG IS A HIGHLY TRAINED
PROFESSIONAL WHO IS PROPERLY REFERRED TO AS A "COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOG."
INCLUDED IN THIS SHALL BE THE EMPHASIS THAT THE DOG IS NOT A PET, IS NOT
OWNED BY THE WITNESS AND IS EQUALLY AVAILABLE TO  BOTH  THE  PROSECUTION
AND  DEFENSE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES. SUCH INSTRUCTION SHALL INCLUDE
THAT THE PRESENCE OF THE FACILITY DOG IS IN NO WAY TO BE INTERPRETED  AS
REFLECTING  ON  THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE TESTIMONY OFFERED. SUCH INSTRUC-
TION SHALL ALSO INCLUDE THAT THE PRESENCE OF THE  DOG  IS  A  REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATION  TO THE WITNESS IN ALLOWING THEM TO FULFILL THE OBLIGATION
OF TESTIFYING IN A COURT OF LAW.
  5. THE POTENTIAL UNAVAILABILITY OF A FACILITY DOG SHALL NOT BE CONSID-
ERED BY THE COURT TO BE PREJUDICIAL IN ANY WAY TO EITHER THE PROSECUTION
OR DEFENSE. THE USE OF SUCH A DOG SHALL NECESSARILY BE DETERMINED BY THE
AVAILABILITY AND REASONABLE EFFORTS NECESSARY TO SECURE  THE  ASSISTANCE
OF  A FACILITY DOG. SHOULD THE COURT DEEM THAT THE SECURING OF AN APPRO-
PRIATE FACILITY DOG WOULD BE AN UNREASONABLE BURDEN, THEN THE  TESTIMONY
OF  THE  WITNESS  SHALL  PROCEED WITHOUT THE ACCOMMODATION OF A FACILITY
DOG.
  S 4. This act shall take effect immediately.

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Senate Bill S4865A

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Codes Committee

Apr 29, 2014 - Codes Committee Vote

Codes Committee Vote: Apr 29, 2014

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2013-S4865 - Details

2013-S4865 - Summary

2013-S4865 - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4865 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Details

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

Senate Bill S4865A

Share this bill

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Codes Committee

Bill Amendments

co-Sponsors

2013-S4865 - Details

2013-S4865 - Summary

2013-S4865 - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4865 - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Details

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4865A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments