New Jersey Assembly Bill A3042

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Requires certified animal control officers and animal cruelty investigators to engage in continuing education.

Impact

The enactment of A3042 is expected to elevate the standards and professionalism of animal control operations across New Jersey by ensuring that officers remain current on laws, techniques, and issues related to animal welfare and cruelty. By formalizing continuing education, the bill addresses the need for continuous training in a field that is constantly evolving due to new challenges and changes in legislation.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3042 mandates that certified animal control officers and animal cruelty investigators in New Jersey engage in ongoing education to maintain their certification. The bill requires each officer to complete 15 contact hours of approved continuing education courses annually, which will be overseen by the Commissioner of Health in consultation with the New Jersey Certified Animal Control Officers Association. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the inactivation of their certification, prohibiting them from performing their duties until compliance is achieved.

Contention

While supporters argue that the bill will enhance the effectiveness of animal control by ensuring officers are better trained, opponents may raise concerns about the costs associated with continuing education and the potential burden on smaller municipalities to provide these resources. It remains to be seen how the implementation of these educational requirements will be managed and funded, particularly in relation to the use of dog licensing fees to support training programs, as stipulated in the bill.