S 854 New Jersey Senate · 2024-2025 Regular Session

Permits dogs to visit at State veterans' residential facilities.

S 854 allows dogs, including emotional support dogs, to temporarily visit residents at New Jersey's State veterans' residential facilities (like veterans' homes and Veterans Havens). Family members of residents and approved groups (animal shelters, nonprofits, veterans' organizations) may bring dogs for visits, provided they follow specific rules: dogs must be leashed indoors, have current vaccinations (except service dogs), and be under handler control. Facilities must consider residents' health needs, can deny access for safety risks (like uncontrolled dogs or health hazards), and aren't responsible for dog care during visits. This bill does not permit permanent dog stays or overnight access.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2024
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 9, 2024 Last action Jun 19, 2025
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
2
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Jun 19, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
upper
Jan 9, 2024
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
upper
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors