ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 317

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 14, 2020

      The Assembly Agriculture Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 317.

      This bill requires animal and veterinary facilities to register with the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and to be inspected by the board on an annual basis.  The annual inspection would be in addition to, and would not be deemed to be satisfied by, an inspection conducted to investigate a complaint against the facility or a suspected violation by the facility involving an unlawful act or practice.  The registration and inspection requirements would apply to any fixed or mobile establishment, veterinary hospital, animal hospital, or premises wherein or whereon the practice of veterinary medicine or any part thereof is conducted.  The bill will take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.