ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Maryland Legislature is introducing bill that allows certain service dogs to be assisted through veterans treatment courts for veterans participating in a rehabilitation process.

These dogs provide companionship and support to veterans to minimize the stress and anxiety that can come with legal proceedings.

“Knowing about veterans struggles with PTSD and other trauma, I thought this was a perfect fit,” said Senator Bryan W. Simonaire, R-Anne Arundel, the law’s primary sponsor, at a Senate Justice Committee hearing Tuesday.

To be considered a therapy or facility dog, several criteria must be met.

A facility dog ​​is a dog that has graduated from a nationally recognized assistance dog organization and has worked with a facility dog ​​handler.

A therapy dog ​​must have received training to provide affection and comfort to those in need of emotional support, and must have completed a program that certifies therapy dogs and their handlers.

Under this bill, a veteran conducting a status check with a judge, meeting with a lawyer or probation officer, court or trial manager would be eligible for dog assistance in counties that volunteer to participate in the program analysis .

“I see the potential of the bill as significant,” Bob Norton, president of the Maryland Military Coalition, told Capital News Service.

“This would be another door that would open a path for veterans,” added Norton.

The first Veterans Treatment Court opened in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. The courts are designed to help veterans rehabilitate and readjust themselves to civilian life, taking into account some of the mental health issues many of them face.

There are currently seven counties in Maryland that have veterans treatment courts, and in fiscal 2020, an analysis of state legislation found 133 people participating in these programs.

“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Agency estimates that one in five Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD or significant mental distress,” said Brian Smith, a Gulf War veteran, in support of SB0007 at a Senate Judicial Committee hearing Tuesday .

SB0007 and one from Del. Michael E. Malone, R-Anne Arundel, Sponsored Bill HB186 see the extension of the current program for Witnessing Dogs and Children in Court, which came into effect during the 2020 legislature.

This law allows dogs to sponsor child witnesses in courtrooms nationwide for those counties that elect to attend beyond the former Anne Arundel and Harford counties.

The voluntary nature of the program ensures that it is a low expense bill.

The volunteer aspect is one of its most important elements, as specially trained handlers and dogs are required for its implementation and effectiveness.

Establishments like Dogwood Acres Pet Retreat with two locations in Maryland are partnering with the court system to help provide some of the handlers and dogs required through the Caring Canines Pet Therapy Program.

The first pilot program for court, dog and child witnesses was launched in 2016 in front of both the Anne Arundel and the Harford County Circuit Courts.

In its infancy, the program only allowed witnesses of children who testified in criminal proceedings to be accompanied by a therapy or facility dog.

From 2016 to 2019, however, it was expanded to include child witnesses in civil proceedings and renamed the pilot program for farm dogs and child witnesses.

“After several years of observation, we believe there are sufficient resources to expand the program and serve veterans,” Simonaire told Capital News Service.

The further extension of the policy depends on the number of requirements and resources available.

The committee has not yet scheduled a vote, but Simonaire said he was confident it would be voted on in early February.

“Our veterans were there when our country called to be there for them in their time of need,” said Smith.

“Give a veteran a second chance and give a dog a job,” added Smith.

___

This article was made available to The Associated Press by the University of Maryland’s Capital News Service.