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'Therapy’ Dog Bill For Children Goes To Gov. Scott

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

A bill is headed to Gov. Rick Scott that would allow the use of "therapy" and "facility" dogs in courts to help provide support for children who testify in cases involving child abuse, abandonment or neglect.

Senators on Thursday voted unanimously to approve the measure (HB 151), which also unanimously passed the House last week. The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, and Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, would expand a law that allows the use of therapy dogs when children testify in cases involving sexual offenses.

Therapy and facility dogs are specially trained to provide therapy and support to people.