New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5237

Introduced
2/27/23  

Caption

"Kangaroo Protection Act of 2022"; prohibits sale or barter, or offering for sale or barter, of dead kangaroos and any products made from kangaroo.

Impact

If enacted, A5237 will have significant implications for state laws relating to animal welfare and commerce. The bill will create a new legal category of offenses specifically targeting kangaroos, classifying violations as disorderly persons offenses, which can result in criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. This regulatory change aims to discourage illegal wildlife trade and promote ethical treatment of animals within the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5237, known as the "Kangaroo Protection Act of 2022," is designed to prohibit the sale, bartering, and offering for sale of dead kangaroos, their parts, or products made from kangaroo. This legislation is aimed at protecting kangaroos from commercial exploitation and is modeled after similar laws found in California and pending federal legislation in Congress. The law stipulates specific penalties for violations, reinforcing the seriousness of wildlife protection.

Contention

The discussion surrounding A5237 may involve contentious debates about balancing wildlife conservation with commercial interests. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a critical step towards animal protection, while opponents may express concerns regarding the impact on businesses that utilize kangaroo products. Furthermore, there are implications for enforcement and interpretation of the term 'knowingly,' especially concerning retailers who might inadvertently sell such products, which could lead to legal ambiguities.

Companion Bills

NJ S3291

Same As "Kangaroo Protection Act of 2022"; prohibits sale or barter, or offering for sale or barter, of dead kangaroos and any products made from kangaroo.

Previously Filed As

NJ SB1212

Endangered wildlife: kangaroos.

NJ HB1992

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025

NJ SB2162

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025

NJ A03150

Prohibits the importing, possession, or sale of any part or product of the skin or body of a kangaroo for commercial purposes.

NJ S05709

Prohibits the importing, possession, or sale of any part or product of the skin or body of a kangaroo for commercial purposes.

NJ S2946

Prohibits sale of cosmetic products and personal care products containing 1,4-dioxane.

NJ HB2567

Enacting the safe battery collection and recycling stewardship act and prohibiting the sale of covered batteries or battery-containing products unless the producer is part of a battery stewardship organization with an approved plan.

NJ SB2121

Public health and safety; prohibiting sale distribution or production of cultivated meat products. Effective date

NJ SB2116

Public health and safety; prohibiting sale, distribution or production of cultivated meat products. Effective date.

NJ S01949

Relates to prohibiting the sale, trade or bartering or possession with intent to sell, trade or barter of certain wild animals or wild animal products and to the penalties imposed therefor.

Similar Bills

US HB1992

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025

US SB2162

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025

CA SB1212

Endangered wildlife: kangaroos.

HI SB407

Relating To Employee Benefits.

HI SB407

Relating To Employee Benefits.

CA AB892

Captive wild animals: direct contact: prohibition.

CA SB949

Environmental protection: Natural Resources Agency: resource of statewide significance: Santa Cruz Mountains.

IL SB1192

DANGEROUS ANIMAL-DEFINIT-VET