Prohibits harassing or taking of certain wildlife at competitive event; establishes penalties.
This bill prohibits the harassment or capture of specific animals, such as bobcats, raccoons, and squirrels, during competitive events where participants are rewarded for taking wildlife. It also bans individuals from organizing or participating in such events if they involve harming these animals, with the only exception being licensed field trials. Violators face criminal charges and a five-year suspension of their hunting licenses and wildlife possession privileges. Additionally, the law mandates that any injured animals be treated by professionals and requires the state to take ownership of remains from illegal events. Law enforcement agencies and wildlife officials are authorized to enforce these new restrictions.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced May 14, 2026
Last action May 14, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
May 14, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Carol Murphy
DDemocratic
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about A 5065
Scope: NJ
Hi! I can help you understand A 5065. 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