State Rep. Donni Steele on Thursday voted for a plan to allow all children access to courtroom support dogs. The plan passed the House with broad bipartisan support.

“A child testifying in court faces an incredibly foreign and intimidating atmosphere while also having to relieve horrific past traumas in front of a room filled with strangers. Offering trained support dogs during these situations gives children a much-needed distraction during some of the most difficult times of their lives,” said Steele, R-Orion Township. “I’ve seen first-hand how impactful these support dogs can be. Law enforcement in my community frequently uses trained support animals for themselves, to de-escalate situations, and create a sense of security for young people during tense times; expanding these services to all children in courtrooms is an important next step.”

Under current law, only children under the age of 16 are eligible to have support dogs in court. Senate Bill 248 expands that provision to allow courtroom support dogs for all children 18 and under.

The plan now returns to the Senate for further consideration.

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