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Bill > S4165
NJ S4165
NJ S4165Directs DOH to establish food bank for pets pilot program; appropriates $1 million.
summary
Introduced
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
In Committee
03/03/2025
03/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill directs the Department of Health (DOH) to develop and implement, in cooperation with, and with the participation of, selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations, a "Food Banks for Pets Pilot Program" to provide food for cats and dogs to pet owners who are facing financial challenges in providing for their pets without assistance. The bill provides for the pilot program to be operated for at least a one-year period after it is implemented, but the bill would also authorize the DOH to extend the term of the pilot program if funding permits or if the DOH determines that the pilot program, after one-year of operations, continues to be operable and is achieving its goals. The bill directs the DOH, no later than one year after the pilot program is implemented, to submit to the Governor and the Legislature a written report on the implementation of the pilot program, including a recommendation on establishing the Food Banks for Pets Pilot Program as a permanent program, in, but not of, the Department of Health, or disbanding the program. The bill authorizes the DOH to select non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations for participation in the pilot program, to delegate implementation of the pilot program to those selected groups and organizations, to coordinate the establishment and operation of food banks for pets with municipalities and selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations, and to take any other actions necessary to implement the bill's provisions. The bill further authorizes the DOH to collect and deposit moneys necessary to fund the costs of implementing the pilot program, including, among other expenses, the costs of awarding grants to selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations to finance their delegated implementation of the pilot program. The bill provides that persons donating pet food, in good faith, and selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations receiving and distributing donated pet food, in good faith, pursuant to the bill's provisions, will be immune from liability for damages resulting from consumption of the donated pet food. The bill appropriates $1 million to the DOH for the purposes of the pilot program.
AI Summary
This bill directs the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a Food Banks for Pets Pilot Program to help pet owners facing financial challenges provide food for their cats and dogs. The program will involve collaboration with selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups, who will be responsible for obtaining, collecting, and distributing pet food in municipalities across the state. The pilot program will operate for at least one year, with the potential for extension if it proves successful and funding is available. The DOH will have broad authority to select participating organizations, develop eligibility criteria, create informational materials, and coordinate program implementation. After one year, the DOH must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature recommending whether to make the program permanent or disband it. The bill provides liability protection for pet food donors and organizations participating in good faith, and creates a special "Food Banks for Pets Fund" to receive and manage program funding. The legislation appropriates $1 million to the DOH to support the pilot program, with funds available for various purposes such as advertising, grant-making, and offsetting program costs. The bill aims to help pet owners keep their animals during financial hardships by ensuring access to pet food through a coordinated, community-based approach.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 03/03/2025)
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/S4165 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4165_I1.HTM |
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