S 405 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes Animal Advocate Program in AOC.

S 405 creates a two-year pilot program in New Jersey's courts to appoint advocates for animals in specific criminal cases involving animal welfare, such as cruelty or dog fighting prosecutions. Courts may appoint a volunteer advocate from a list maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to monitor cases, access animal-related records, and recommend the animal's best interests - including placement - to the court. The program targets cases under statutes governing animal cruelty (R.S. 4:22-17) or dog fighting (P.L. 2015, c.85), with advocates selected from qualified attorneys or law students familiar with animal welfare law. The program expires after two years, requiring a report on implementation and whether it should continue.
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 in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Brian Stack
Brian Stack
DDemocratic
NJ
33