Bill > A1231

Introduced Session

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 full-time, year-round 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 full-time, year-round 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 full-time, year-round 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 agricultural or horticultural production operations, or the types of farm animals that require the presence of farm employees on a full-time, year-round basis. The bill defines "full-time, year-round farm employee" as a person employed by the owner or operator of a commercial farm, whose presence is required on a full-time, year-round basis to conduct and maintain the agricultural or horticultural production operations of the commercial farm, including, but not limited to, providing proper care for, and ensuring the safety of, farm animals on the commercial farm. The definition provides that the term "full-time, year-round farm employee" would not include a migrant, seasonal, or temporary employee or a full-time, year-round equine-related farm employee.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document