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Bill > S2754

NJ S2754

NJ S2754
Prohibits harassing or taking of certain wildlife at competitive event; establishes penalties.

summary

Introduced
02/15/2024
In Committee
02/15/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits the harassing or taking of certain wildlife (defined as "covered wildlife" in the bill) at a competitive event, except in conjunction with a field trial or field day authorized by a license issued pursuant to R.S.23:4-26. The bill also prohibits any person from organizing, sponsoring, promoting, conducting, or participating in a competitive event at which the participants harass or take covered wildlife, except in conjunction with such an authorized field trial or field day. "Covered wildlife" is defined as a bobcat, coyote, crow, fox, mink, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, squirrel, weasel, woodchuck, or the dead body or parts thereof. A person who violates the bill's prohibitions would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and, in addition to the penalties applicable pursuant to Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, would also be subject to the suspension, for a period of five years, of: 1) any license or permit issued to the person by the Division of Fish and Wildlife; and 2) all privileges to take or possess wildlife. A disorderly persons offense is subject to a penalty of up to six months of imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000, or both. This bill requires any covered wildlife injured as a result of a competitive event to be transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or State licensed veterinarian for proper treatment, or to be euthanized if necessary. The bill authorizes the Division of Fish and Wildlife to forfeit the remains of any covered wildlife killed at a competitive event held in violation of this bill or euthanized as a result of the competitive event. Forfeited remains would become property of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The bill directs municipal police officers, the State Police, and law enforcement officers in the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection to enforce the bill's provisions.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits the harassing or taking of certain wildlife, defined as "covered wildlife" (including animals like bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons, or their parts), at any "competitive event," which is defined as an organized activity where participants are encouraged to take wildlife and are rewarded. This prohibition does not apply to authorized field trials or field days. The bill also makes it illegal to organize, sponsor, promote, conduct, or participate in such competitive events. Violators face penalties for a disorderly persons offense, which can include up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, in addition to a five-year suspension of any wildlife licenses or permits and all privileges to take or possess wildlife. Any covered wildlife injured during a prohibited competitive event must be taken to a licensed rehabilitator or veterinarian for treatment or humane euthanasia, and the remains of any wildlife killed or euthanized due to such an event can be seized by the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Enforcement will be carried out by various law enforcement agencies, including municipal police, State Police, and officers from the Divisions of Fish and Wildlife and Parks and Forestry.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 02/15/2024)
(3 Companion Bills)

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