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A 6055

Provides for certain victim statements to be taken at their workplace instead of the police department

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 10 co-sponsors

Replaces 3 of the sportsmen seats on the 11-member Fish and Game Council with 3 seats for animal-welfare organizations; preserves governor appointments and 4-year terms.

SUBSTITUTED BY S4906A
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Bill Summary · A 6055

Summary — A6055 (Introduced Version)

Note: The bill header provided (referring to victim statements taken at workplaces) appears inconsistent with the bill text. The legislative text and statement below concern membership changes to the New Jersey Fish and Game Council (Division of Fish and Wildlife). This summary reflects the bill text provided.

Main purpose

Amend P.L.1948, c.448 (C.13:1B-24) to revise the composition of the Fish and Game Council by replacing three of the six “sportsmen” seats with three seats filled by individuals recommended by animal welfare organizations. The council’s size (11 members) and most appointment procedures remain unchanged.

Key provisions

  • Maintains an 11-member Fish and Game Council within the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Appointment and term:
    • All members appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent.
    • Terms remain four years; members serve until successors are appointed and qualified.
  • Membership categories (as amended):
    • 3 farmer representatives (recommended by the State agricultural convention).
    • 3 sportsmen representatives (recommended by the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs or successor).
    • 3 representatives recommended by animal welfare organizations in the State (new seats).
    • 1 member who is the chair of the Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee (per P.L.1973, c.309).
    • 1 person knowledgeable in land use management and soil conservation practices.
  • Geographic representation:
    • For each of the three categories of farmer, sportsmen, and animal-welfare representatives, one member must come from each of three defined county groups:
    • Group A: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren
    • Group B: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset, Union
    • Group C: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem
  • Definition added:
    • “Animal welfare organization” is defined as a not‑for‑profit 501(c)(3) whose primary purpose is protection, care, humane treatment, or advocacy of animals.
  • Effective date: The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected / potential impacts

  • Directly affected:
    • Prospective appointees to the Fish and Game Council (shifts in nomination sources).
    • New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs (reduced number of seats they recommend).
    • Animal welfare organizations meeting the 501(c)(3) definition (gain formal nomination role).
    • Farmer organizations that recommend farmer representatives.
  • Indirectly affected:
    • Division of Fish and Wildlife policy deliberations and decision-making may reflect a broader set of perspectives (conservation, hunting/sporting, and animal welfare).
    • Stakeholders in hunting, trapping, wildlife management, habitat conservation, and animal protection may experience changes in council priorities and recommendations.
  • No change to council size or appointment process (Governor appointment and Senate consent preserved).

Procedural / timeline status (as provided)

  • Introduced: November 17, 2025; Referred to Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee.
  • Reported and progressed through committee stages (print number A6055A).
  • Reported, referred to Rules, ordered to third reading, and listed on Rules calendar (Cal. 504).
  • Status listed as: SUBSTITUTED BY S4906A.
  • Related/companion bills: S4893, S4906 (companion), prior-session A9327.

If you want, I can:
- Compare the introduced A6055 text to the substitute S4906A to show differences;
- Identify which animal welfare groups would meet the bill’s definition; or
- Draft a short explainer on how this change could affect specific regulatory decisions (hunting seasons, trapping rules, habitat management).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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