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Bill > A3305


NJ A3305

NJ A3305
Requires certain consumer disclosures relating to rabies testing and establishes optional training for veterinarians.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill provides that it is a violation of the consumer fraud act for a veterinarian to intentionally misrepresent, including through the use of euphemisms, code words, or otherwise, the information required under current law to be provided to the owner of a dead domestic companion animal undergoing testing for rabies. An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. In addition, the bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to develop a poster and pamphlet with information relating to rabies vaccines and quarantine and testing protocols. Veterinarians are required to display the poster in office reception areas and to distribute the pamphlets to certain customers. Lastly, the bill requires the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a trauma-informed mental health protection training certification program for veterinarians and staff. The program is optional, and those who complete it are to receive a certification from the division.

AI Summary

This bill requires veterinarians to provide owners of deceased domestic companion animals undergoing rabies testing with specific information, including details about the testing protocol, handling and disposal of the animal's body, and the decapitation process, and prohibits veterinarians from intentionally misrepresenting this information, which is considered a violation of consumer fraud laws with penalties up to $20,000 for repeat offenses. The bill also mandates that the Division of Consumer Affairs create and distribute a pamphlet and poster about rabies vaccines, quarantine, and testing protocols, requiring veterinarians to display the poster and give the pamphlet to certain clients, and establishes an optional trauma-informed mental health training certification program for veterinarians and their staff, developed by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, to address mental health challenges within the veterinary industry.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (17)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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