The "Animal Cruelty Offender Registry Act" establishes a registry in New Jersey for individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses, requiring them to register with law enforcement upon conviction. The act prohibits these offenders from purchasing, adopting, or breeding animals during their registration period, emphasizing the link between animal cruelty and potential future violent behavior. The legislation outlines the registration process, including the requirement for offenders to notify authorities of any changes in residence or employment, and imposes penalties for non-compliance. The Attorney General is responsible for maintaining the registry, which will include detailed information about offenders and will be accessible to law enforcement and the public.

The bill also allows offenders to apply for termination of their registration obligations after a specified period without further offenses, provided they do not pose a threat to public safety. It categorizes offenders into two tiers based on their risk of re-offense—low or moderate/high—and establishes community notification procedures accordingly. The legislation creates the Animal Cruelty Offender Registration Fund to cover administrative costs and includes penalties for misuse of registry information. Overall, the act aims to enhance public safety by monitoring animal cruelty offenders while balancing their privacy rights.