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Bill > A369


NJ A369

NJ A369
Establishes Domestic Violence Shelter Pet Grant Program to provide funds to house pets in shelters with their owners.


summary

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

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill establishes the Domestic Violence Shelter Pet Grant Program to provide funds to house pets in domestic violence shelters with their owners. Specifically, the bill establishes the program in the Department of Human Services to provide funds to domestic violence shelters to allow the pets of victims of domestic violence to reside concurrently with their owners within domestic violence shelters. Grants are to be awarded to domestic violence shelters to defray the costs of purchasing food, medication, toys, cat litter, leashes, and other supplies necessary for the health and well-being of domesticated animals, as well as for needed veterinary care during the residency of a victim of domestic violence at a domestic violence shelter. To qualify for a grant award under the program, a domestic violence shelter is required to submit an application to the Commissioner of Human Services (commissioner), in accordance with application procedures and requirements prescribed by the commissioner When awarding grants, preference is to be given based on the number of pets housed at a shelter. Grants shall be awarded by the Commissioner in amounts determined by thecommissioner, not to exceed $50,000 to each qualifying shelter. Pursuant to this bill, the sum of $1,000,000 is allocated from the General Fund.

AI Summary

This bill establishes the Domestic Violence Shelter Pet Grant Program within the Department of Human Services to provide financial assistance to domestic violence shelters, enabling them to house pets alongside their owners who are victims of domestic violence. The program will award grants, with a maximum of $50,000 per shelter, to cover essential pet care costs such as food, medication, toys, and veterinary services, prioritizing shelters that house a larger number of pets. To be eligible, shelters must apply to the Commissioner of Human Services, who will establish the application procedures and criteria. A total of $1,000,000 is allocated from the General Fund to support this initiative, which aims to ensure that victims of domestic violence do not have to choose between their safety and their beloved pets.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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