ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1587

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 14, 2020

      The Assembly Agriculture Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1587.

      As amended, this bill permits pet dogs in an outdoor farmers market under certain circumstances.

      Specifically, the bill, as amended, permits the owner or operator of an outdoor farmers market to allow pet dogs in the farmers market if:

      (1)  pet dogs are required to be on a leash or in a pet carrier;

      (2)  pet dogs are not allowed in areas in which food is prepared;

      (3)  pet dogs are not allowed on seats or tables in dining areas within the farmers market;

      (4)  employees who handle food are not permitted to touch pet dogs, and if they do so, they must wash their hands afterward;

      (5)  dining areas at the market are kept clean and are sanitized if they come into contact with dog excrement or other bodily fluids; and

      (6)  the owner or operator of the market complies with local ordinances related to public nuisance and sanitation.

      As amended, the bill would prohibit pet dogs in an indoor farmers market or any part of a farmers market that is indoors.

      As amended, this bill also requires each owner or operator of an outdoor farmers market to post signage on the premises of the farmers market notifying the public if pet dogs are permitted in the farmers market and the guidelines to be followed for the pet dog to be allowed in the farmers market.

      The provisions of the bill, as amended, would be enforced in the same manner as the State Sanitary Code.

      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.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments prohibit pet dogs in an indoor farmers market or any part of a farmers market that is indoors and make technical corrections consistent with that prohibition.