Establishes exemption from ban on importation of woodchucks under certain circumstances.

This bill (S 3239) creates a limited exemption to New Jersey’s ban on importing woodchucks (groundhogs) for counties or municipalities that need to replace their official groundhog after it dies, specifically to continue Groundhog Day celebrations. It requires that replacement woodchucks first be sourced from within New Jersey or from states without certain rabies variants, with the Division of Fish and Wildlife providing guidelines and oversight. The Division must establish procedures for local relocation requests, authorize out-of-state imports only when necessary, and set requirements for the animal’s housing and handling. The exemption applies solely to this ceremonial purpose, not general importation.