Establishes Animal Advocate Program in AOC.
This bill establishes a two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint an advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare - such as animal cruelty (R.S.4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L.2015, c.85) - to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors the case, reviews records from animal control and veterinarians, shares information with attorneys, and recommends placement or care to the court. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to submit a report on implementation and recommendations for continuation.
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 Judiciary Committee
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Annette Quijano
DDemocratic
Co
Anthony Verrelli
DDemocratic
Co
Aura Dunn
RRepublican
Co
Bob Auth
RRepublican
Co
Claire Swift
RRepublican
Co
Michele Matsikoudis
RRepublican
Co
Rob Clifton
RRepublican
Co
Robert Karabinchak
DDemocratic
Co
Sean Kean
RRepublican
Co
Shama Haider
DDemocratic
Co
Sterley Stanley
DDemocratic
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