Establishes Animal Advocate Program in AOC.

S 282 establishes a temporary two-year Animal Advocate Program within New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). It allows courts to appoint a separate advocate in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare (such as cruelty under R.S.4:22-17 or dog fighting under P.L.2015, c.85) to represent the animal's best interests. The advocate monitors cases, reviews records from vets and animal control, shares information with attorneys, and makes recommendations to the court about the animal's care or placement. The program expires after two years, requiring the AOC to report to the Governor and Legislature on its implementation and whether to continue it.