NJ S4230

Bill

Establishes transporting for slaughter, selling or otherwise providing for slaughter, or slaughtering gestating cow as crime of fourth degree; establishes criminal and civil penalties therefor; designated as Brianna's Law.

Introduced
03/03/2025

In Committee
03/03/2025

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes under the State animal cruelty statutes that transporting for slaughter, selling or otherwise providing for slaughter, or slaughtering a gestating cow is a crime of the fourth degree, and provides for the imposition of a minimum fine of $3,000 to a maximum of $10,000 for each conviction. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, an ordinary fine of up to $10,000, or both. It also establishes a civil penalty for a violation of $3,000 to $5,000 for each gestating cow or carcass of a slaughtered gestating cow. This bill is designated as Brianna's Law in honor of the pregnant cow that gave birth to her calf two days after escaping a truck transporting her to a slaughterhouse and being found trotting down Route 80 on December 27, 2018. The cow was named Brianna and her calf, Winter.

AI Summary

This bill, known as Brianna's Law, establishes a new criminal offense related to the treatment of pregnant cows in New Jersey. Specifically, it makes it illegal to transport for slaughter, sell, provide for slaughter, or slaughter a gestating cow (a cow that is pregnant). Individuals who commit these actions will be charged with a fourth-degree crime, which carries potential penalties of up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine between $3,000 and $10,000. Additionally, the bill introduces a civil penalty of $3,000 to $5,000 for each gestating cow involved in such actions. The law is named after Brianna, a pregnant cow who escaped a truck heading to a slaughterhouse in December 2018 and gave birth to a calf named Winter two days after her escape, drawing attention to the treatment of pregnant livestock. By amending existing animal cruelty statutes, the bill aims to protect gestating cows from being transported or slaughtered, recognizing the unique vulnerability of pregnant animals and the potential harm to both the mother and unborn calf.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Benjie Wimberly (D)*,

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 03/03/2025)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4230

(2 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4230
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4230_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A2380	Establishes transporting for slaughter, selling or otherwise providing for slaughter, or slaughtering gestating cow as crime of fourth degree; establishes criminal and civil penalties therefor; designated as Brianna's Law.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee	Carry Over
A3284	Establishes transporting for slaughter, selling or otherwise providing for slaughter, or slaughtering gestating cow as crime of fourth degree; establishes criminal and civil penalties therefor; designated as Brianna's Law.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee	Same As

Bill > S4230

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

bill summary

bill summary