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Bill > A5386
NJ A5386
NJ A5386Expands list of animals prohibited from use in traveling animal acts; limits certain exceptions to apply only at educational institutions.
summary
Introduced
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
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," a 2018 law regulating the use of animals in traveling performances, by expanding the definition of "wild or exotic animals" and removing previous exemptions for certain domestic species. The bill eliminates exclusions for domestic animals like cattle, horses, dogs, and cats from the existing law, meaning these animals would now be prohibited from being used in traveling animal acts. Additionally, the bill adds two new animal classifications to the definition of "wild or exotic animals": lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) and rodentia (rodents), which would also be banned from such performances. The legislation further clarifies that exceptions to the prohibition on using animals in traveling shows would now only apply to outreach programs conducted specifically at educational institutions, narrowing the previous broader exemptions. Violations of the law would still be subject to penalties outlined in existing regulations, though criminal penalties would not be applied. The bill aims to protect a wider range of animals from being used in potentially stressful or harmful traveling performance settings.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee (on 03/06/2025)
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/A5386 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5386_I1.HTM |
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