Bill
Bill > A1649
NJ A1649
NJ A1649Allows dog owners to procure identification cards for guide or service dogs; appropriates $100,000.
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 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 requires the Department of Health (DOH) to create and distribute identification cards for guide or service dogs, which are animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities. Owners of these specially trained dogs can apply for this identification card when they license their dog, and the application will require a signed affidavit confirming the dog's training; submitting a false affidavit carries a $500 penalty. Importantly, these identification cards will not expire and must be accepted by all municipalities as proof of the dog's training, and owners will not be charged a fee for the card. The bill also appropriates $100,000 to the DOH to cover the costs of implementing these provisions.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Aging and Human Services 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/A1649 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1649_I1.HTM |
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