S 196 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Prohibits certain animal adoption centers from denying applicant for adoption of dog or cat solely due to applicant's age.

This bill prohibits animal rescue organizations, shelters, pounds, and foster homes in New Jersey from denying adoption applications for dogs or cats solely based on the applicant's age. It requires these facilities to update their adoption eligibility criteria to ensure age is not a barrier to adoption. The law applies immediately to all covered adoption centers and mandates they comply with this requirement. The policy change directly affects prospective adopters of dogs and cats who might have previously been rejected due to age alone.
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 Economic Growth Committee
upper
0 primary · 1 co-sponsor

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