New Jersey Senate Bill S1906

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Provides for payment to small municipalities, in certain cases, of certain penalty moneys assessed for violations of fish and game laws.

Impact

The legislation is targeted specifically at addressing the financial burdens that small municipalities, defined as those with a permanent population of less than 2,000, encounter when adjudicating fish and game law violations. Currently, all penalty moneys for these violations are directed entirely to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, ignoring the costs local governments incur in enforcing these laws. By allowing small municipalities to retain a portion of the penalties, the bill seeks to alleviate some of the financial strain on these local governments and provide them with necessary resources for their operations and enforcement efforts.

Summary

Senate Bill S1906 aims to amend existing laws concerning the assessment and distribution of penalty moneys related to violations of fish and game laws within small municipalities in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill proposes that when a court action occurs in the municipal court of a small municipality and results in monetary penalties for infringements of either state or federal fish and game regulations, the recovered funds should be shared. The municipal court of the small municipality would receive 50 percent of the penalty moneys, while the remaining 50 percent would go to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding S1906 could be the balance between local autonomy and state oversight. Supporters of the bill may argue it is an important step towards empowering small municipalities to better manage and utilize resources derived from local violations of fish and game laws. Opponents, however, might raise concerns that this financial incentive could lead to an over-enforcement of fish and game laws locally, potentially creating a conflict with broader state objectives in wildlife conservation efforts.