Bill
Bill > S4447
NJ S4447
NJ S4447Allows dog owners to procure identification cards for guide or service dogs; appropriates $100,000.
summary
Introduced
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
In Committee
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the Department of Department of Health (DOH) to develop and make available to the clerk of a municipality or other official designated by a governing body to license dogs, a card that can be used to identify a person's dog as a guide or service dog. The person who owns the guide or service dog may request to apply for the identification card, and the application is to include the owner's name and address and any other information prescribed by the DOH. The bill amends section 2 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C4:19-15.2) to allow the owner of a guide or service dog, at the same time the owner applies for a dog license and registration tag or renews the license and registration tag, to apply for and procure the identification card. The application is to include an affidavit signed by the owner attesting that the dog has been trained as a guide or service dog. A person who knowingly submits a false affidavit with the application is liable to a civil penalty of $500. The bill also amends section 3 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.3) to stipulate that an identification card issued to a guide or service dog owner does not expire and is to be accepted by all municipalities as evidence that the dog has been trained as a guide or service dog. The bill provides that a guide or service dog owner who applies for an identification card is not to be charged a fee to procure the card.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new process for dog owners with guide or service dogs to obtain an official identification card through their local municipal clerk. The Department of Health will develop a standardized card that includes the owner's name and address, which can be requested when applying for or renewing a dog license. The identification card will serve as permanent proof that the dog has been trained as a guide or service dog and must be accepted by all municipalities. Owners can obtain the card for free, and the application must include an affidavit attesting to the dog's training. If someone knowingly submits a false affidavit, they will be subject to a $500 civil penalty. The legislation defines guide and service dogs according to existing state law and provides $100,000 in funding to the Department of Health to implement the new identification card system. The bill aims to provide a standardized, official method for owners of guide and service dogs to easily prove their dog's status across different municipalities in New Jersey.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 05/19/2025)
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/S4447 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4447_I1.HTM |
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