SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1032

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: JUNE 6, 1996

      The Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 1032.

      The Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 1032. This bill would revise and clarify the law regulating the sale and purchase of wildlife and wildlife parts and products. The bill would impose a general prohibition on the sale or purchase of wildlife, including parts and products, except as provided in the bill, by other law, or by rule or regulation adopted by the Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. Specific provisions for white-tailed deer are included in the bill. The bill also includes a list of wildlife species generally excluded from the general prohibition against sale or purchase.

      The bill prescribes significant civil and criminal penalties for violations. In addition, it repeals two sections of law concerned with the sale of certain kinds of fish.

      Finally, the bill updates the general definition section for the fish and game laws to reflect changes in terminology and governmental organization.

      The sale of wildlife, including parts and products thereof, is a business that must be carefully monitored to ensure that the State's wildlife resources are not negatively impacted. This bill provides the necessary framework for the State to protect those resources while allowing for their commercial use under certain conditions.