Bill
Bill > S2883
NJ S2883
NJ S2883"Chloe's Pet Access Law"; permits dogs in outdoor seating areas of restaurants under certain circumstances; codifies current requirements concerning live animals in food establishments.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill permits dogs in the outdoor dining areas of food establishments, provided that certain conditions are met. The bill also allows animals in food establishments under certain circumstances. The bill codifies the current requirements regarding the presence of live animals in food establishments as set forth in the New Jersey Administrative Code at N.J.A.C.8:24-6.5. The bill is designated as "Chloe's Pet Access Law," to recognize the dog belonging to the family who advocated for the measures in the bill. Specifically, the bill allows a live animal on the premises of a food establishment under limited conditions if the presence of the live animal would not result in the contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils, and linens, and unwrapped single-use articles. Live animals are allowed on the premises of a food establishment in aquariums and display tank systems, when accompanying police or security officers as patrol dogs, when used as service animals, and in common areas of group residences. The bill also includes additional specific conditions that would apply when pet dogs are allowed in outdoor dining areas. The bill also allows for the storage of live or dead fish bait on the premises of the food establishment, if the storage would not result in the contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils, and linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles.
AI Summary
This bill, known as "Chloe's Pet Access Law," permits pet dogs in the outdoor seating areas of restaurants under specific conditions, while also codifying existing rules about live animals in food establishments. The law clarifies that animals are generally not allowed in food establishments unless they are edible fish in aquariums, police patrol or security dogs, service animals assisting individuals with disabilities, pets in common areas of group residences under strict separation rules, or pet dogs in outdoor dining areas. For pet dogs in outdoor dining areas, restaurants must opt-in, ensure dogs enter without going through the establishment, and dogs cannot be on furniture; the outdoor area cannot be used for food preparation, and any food or water for dogs must be in disposable containers. Food service employees are prohibited from direct contact with pet dogs while on duty, and any contamination must be cleaned and sanitized, with dogs always requiring leashes or carriers and owners responsible for local ordinance compliance. The bill also allows for the storage of fish bait if it doesn't contaminate food or supplies.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S2883 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2883_I1.HTM |
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