S 1578 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Bars enforcement of provision in decedent's will that would require euthanasia of healthy domestic companion animal.

This bill prohibits enforcing any part of a deceased person's will that requires euthanizing a healthy pet. It applies to executors, trustees, and other fiduciaries managing estates. The law defines "domestic companion animal" as a pet kept for companionship (not for business or farming), making any will clause directing euthanasia of such an animal unenforceable. The policy change explicitly voids these provisions as against public policy, preventing fiduciaries from being legally compelled to end a pet's life. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
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
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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