Bill > S3525

Introduced Session

This bill would amend current law to provide that no person, except the owner or lessee of the building and persons specifically authorized by the owner or lessee in writing, shall possess a nocked arrow for the purpose of hunting, taking, or killing wildlife while within 450 feet of an occupied building or a school playground. Current law prohibits hunting, taking, or killing of wildlife within 150 feet of an occupied building and within 450 feet of a school playground. In addition, the bill would require an owner of private property to provide written notice to neighboring property owners and occupants that hunting, taking, or killing of wildlife will occur on the property. This bill, named "Tonka's Law," is in response to the tragic death of Tonka, beloved pet of a family living in Hunterdon County. Tonka, an Alaskan shepherd, was mistakenly shot with an arrow by a deer hunter. Tonka's family was unaware that hunting was occurring on the adjacent property and, therefore, was unable to take extra precautions to protect him from harm. This bill seeks to prevent this type of tragedy from occurring again by prohibiting hunting with a bow and arrow within 450 feet of an occupied building or a school playground, and requiring that a private property owner provide written notice to neighboring property owners and occupants at least 24 hours prior to the occurrence of any hunting activity on the private property. The private property owner would be required to notify all property owners and occupants sharing a boundary with the property on which the hunting will occur, as well as with all owners and occupants of properties that share a boundary with the properties adjacent to the property on which the hunting will occur.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Raymond Lesniak (D)*, 

Senate Amendment (18-0) (Lesniak) (on 01/05/2018)

Official Document