SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 766

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 24, 2020

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 766, with committee amendments. 

      This bill, designated as “Chloe’s Pet Access Law,” would permit dogs in the outdoor dining areas of food establishments, provided that certain conditions are met.  The bill would also allow animals in food establishments under certain circumstances. The bill codifies the current requirements regarding the presence of live animals in food establishments as set forth in the New Jersey Administrative Code at N.J.A.C.8:24-6.5.  

      Specifically, the bill would allow a live animal on the premises of a food establishment under limited conditions if the presence of the live animal would not result in the contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-use articles. Live animals would be allowed on the premises of a food establishment in aquariums and display tank systems, when accompanying police or security officers as patrol dogs, when used as service animals, and in common areas of group residences. 

      The bill also includes additional specific conditions that would apply when pet dogs are allowed in outdoor dining areas.  Finally, the bill would allow for the storage of live or dead fish bait on the premises of a food establishment if the storage would not result in the contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-service and single-use articles. 

      The committee amendment to the bill specify that the owner of a pet dog in an outdoor dining area would be responsible for cleaning any surfaces that have been contaminated by dog excrement or other bodily fluids. 

      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.