GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A bill expanding the use of therapy dogs in Michigan courtrooms has been signed into law.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill Monday, records show. It’s expected to take effect in the coming months.
Bill would expand use of therapy dogs in Michigan courtrooms
The bill was first passed by the Michigan Senate in June 2023 and then sent to the House of Representatives, where it languished in committee for months. The House passed it in November 2024, the Senate gave it final approval Dec. 12 and it was sent to Whitmer’s desk Dec. 19.
Currently, court herapy dogs are only available to victims 15 years and younger, those with a developmental disability and vulnerable adults. Under the new law, they would be available to those 17 and younger…