Bill
Bill > S3989
NJ S3989
NJ S3989Expands list of animals prohibited from use in traveling animal acts; limits certain exceptions to apply only at educational institutions.
summary
Introduced
12/19/2024
12/19/2024
In Committee
12/19/2024
12/19/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would amend section 1 of P.L.2018, c.141 (C.23:2A-16), known as "Nosey's Law," by expanding the list of animals covered under the law. Nosey's law prohibits the use of "wild or exotic animals" in a traveling animal act. Currently, domestic species such as cattle, bison, domestic dogs, domestic cats, domestic horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules are excluded from the definition of "wild or exotic animals" under the law. This bill would remove the exclusions from the definition. Additionally, two new animal classifications would be added to the definition of "wild or exotic animals," lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) and rodentia (rodents). This bill would make it illegal to use these animals in a traveling animal act. Finally, the bill would limit the exceptions provided in the current law to provide that the prohibition on the use of certain animals in a traveling exhibition would not apply only when outreach programs for bona fide educational or conservation purposes are conducted at an educational institution.
AI Summary
This bill amends "Nosey's Law" by expanding the definition of "wild or exotic animals" in traveling animal acts and removing previous exemptions for certain domestic species. The bill eliminates exclusions for domestic animals like cattle, horses, dogs, and cats from the list of prohibited animals, and adds two new animal classifications - lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) and rodentia (rodents) - to the list of animals that cannot be used in traveling performances. The law defines a "traveling animal act" as any performance requiring an animal to be transported to or from a location in a mobile housing facility, such as a truck or trailer. The bill also modifies existing exceptions, specifically limiting educational or conservation outreach programs to only those conducted at educational institutions. Violations of this law would still be subject to penalties outlined in existing wildlife regulations, though criminal penalties would not apply. The goal appears to be further protecting animals from potentially stressful or harmful traveling entertainment contexts by significantly expanding restrictions on which animals can be used in such acts.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 12/19/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3989 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4000/3989_I1.HTM |
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