NJ S1656

Bill

Establishes certain animal abuse offenses committed in manner manifesting extreme indifference to value of animal's life as crime of second degree; designated as "River's Law."

Introduced
01/09/2024

In Committee
01/09/2024

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes as a crime of the second degree a violation of paragraph (1) of subsection c. of R.S.4:22-17 committed against a domestic companion animal in a manner manifesting extreme indifference to the value of the animal's life. Paragraph (1) of subsection c. of R.S.4:22-17 makes it unlawful to purposely, knowingly, or recklessly torment, torture, maim, hang, poison, unnecessarily or cruelly beat, cruelly abuse, or needlessly mutilate a living animal or creature. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. These offenses would constitute aggravated animal abuse. The bill is designated as River's Law in recognition of River, an animal that suffered this type of aggravated abuse committed in a manner manifesting extreme indifference to the value of the animal's life.

AI Summary

This bill, known as "River's Law," establishes a new crime of the second degree for animal abuse committed against a domestic companion animal when the act is done with extreme indifference to the animal's life. This means that if someone purposely, knowingly, or recklessly torments, tortures, maims, poisons, cruelly beats, cruelly abuses, or needlessly mutilates a domestic companion animal in a way that shows they don't care if the animal lives or dies, they can face severe penalties. A crime of the second degree carries a potential prison sentence of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. These offenses are considered aggravated animal abuse and are named in honor of River, an animal that suffered from such extreme cruelty.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (3)

Declan O'Scanlon (R)*, Tony Bucco (R), Kristin Corrado (R),

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1656

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1656
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1656_I1.HTM
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S2000/1656_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A132	Establishes certain animal abuse offenses committed in manner manifesting extreme indifference to value of animal's life as crime of second degree; designated as "River's Law."	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee	Same As
A4664	Establishes certain animal abuse offenses committed in manner manifesting extreme indifference to value of animal's life as crime of second degree; designated as "River's Law."	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee	Carry Over
S633	Establishes certain animal abuse offenses committed in manner manifesting extreme indifference to value of animal's life as crime of second degree; designated as "River's Law."	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S1656

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary