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Bill > A5347


NJ A5347

NJ A5347
Directs State Agriculture Development Committee to adopt agricultural management practice for housing certain full-time employees on commercial farms, and establishes such housing as eligible for "Right to Farm" protection.


summary

Introduced
03/23/2023
In Committee
03/23/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/08/2024

Introduced Session

2022-2023 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill amends and supplements the "Right to Farm Act," P.L.1983, c.31 (C.4:1C-1 et seq.), to allow housing for resident farm employees on a commercial farm to be a permissible activity and eligible for Right to Farm protections. The bill directs the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to adopt an agricultural management practice (AMP) that permits the housing of resident farm employees. The AMP would: (1) authorize, notwithstanding any local health code or zoning ordinance to the contrary, the construction, installation, and provision of housing for a resident farm employee; (2) specify the requirements of allowable housing and provide that the housing may be on a permanent or nonpermanent foundation; and (3) identify the types of farm animals that require the presence of a farm employee on a full-time, year-round basis, thereby requiring a resident farm employee. The bill defines "resident farm employee" as a person employed by the owner or operator of a commercial farm on a full-time, year-round basis to provide proper care and ensure the safety of farm animals on the commercial farm. The term does not include a migrant, seasonal, or temporary employee, or a full-time, year-round equine-related farm employee.

AI Summary

This bill amends the "Right to Farm Act" to allow housing for resident farm employees on commercial farms to be a permissible activity and eligible for Right to Farm protections. The bill directs the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to adopt an agricultural management practice (AMP) that permits the housing of resident farm employees, which would authorize the construction and provision of such housing, specify the requirements, and identify the types of farm animals that require a resident farm employee. The bill defines a "resident farm employee" as a full-time, year-round employee who provides care and ensures the safety of farm animals, excluding migrant, seasonal, or temporary workers, and full-time equine-related employees.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee (on 03/23/2023)

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