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Bill > A497
NJ A497
NJ A497Expands list of animals prohibited from use in traveling animal acts; limits certain exceptions to apply only at educational institutions.
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 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 expands the list of animals prohibited from use in traveling animal acts, which are performances requiring animals to be transported in mobile housing. Specifically, it removes existing exemptions for domestic animals like cattle, bison, dogs, cats, horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules from the definition of "wild or exotic animals" and adds rabbits, hares (lagomorphs), and rodents (rodentia) to this prohibited category, making it illegal to use them in such acts. Furthermore, the bill narrows the exceptions to this prohibition, meaning that certain animals can now only be used in outreach programs for genuine educational or conservation purposes if these programs are conducted at an educational institution.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources 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/A497 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/497_I1.HTM |
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