Expands list of animals prohibited from use in traveling animal acts; limits certain exceptions to apply only at educational institutions.
This bill expands New Jersey's "Nosey's Law" to prohibit the use of rabbits, hares, and rodents in traveling animal acts, while removing previous exemptions for domestic animals like cattle, horses, and dogs. It bans wild or exotic animals (including newly added lagomorphs and rodents) from performances requiring mobile transport, such as circuses or carnival acts. Exceptions for educational outreach are now limited exclusively to programs at schools or universities, eliminating broader allowances for permanent institutions or government entities. The law aims to restrict animal performances in mobile settings, directly affecting traveling entertainment venues and performers using these animals.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026
Last action Jan 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Gabe Rodriguez
DDemocratic
Co
Marisa Sweeney
DDemocratic
Co
Shama Haider
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 497
Scope: NJ
Hi! I can help you understand A 497. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline