Requires certain correctional facilities to allow service and companion animals to assist inmates with disability; makes appropriation.
This bill requires New Jersey state correctional facilities to allow inmates with disabilities to use service animals (trained to perform tasks) or companion animals (pets for emotional support) under a new program. Inmates must apply through the Department of Corrections, with requests for new animals evaluated within 30 days for feasibility and need. The program mandates vaccination documentation for animals and requires the Department of Corrections, with input from the Department of Human Services, to establish rules for animal care, safety, hours of use, and logistical procedures. The bill appropriates state funds to cover implementation costs.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024
Last action Jan 9, 2024
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
lower
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Gabe Rodriguez
DDemocratic
P
Reginald Atkins
DDemocratic
P
Shanique Speight
DDemocratic
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