The bill establishes an exemption to the existing ban on the importation of woodchucks into New Jersey, allowing for the importation of a woodchuck specifically for the purpose of replacing a deceased groundhog used in local Groundhog Day celebrations. This exemption applies only when efforts to source a replacement woodchuck from within the state or from a state where a variant of rabies other than raccoon rabies is not endemic have been exhausted. The bill mandates that the Division of Fish and Wildlife notify counties and municipalities about this exception and provide guidelines for the replacement process.

Additionally, the Division is tasked with creating a procedure for relocating woodchucks within the state and, if necessary, authorizing the importation of woodchucks from outside the state, while recommending states that pose a lower risk to public health. The bill also requires the Division to set standards for the proper housing and handling of the woodchuck once it is in the custody of the county or municipality. This legislation aims to ensure that Groundhog Day celebrations can continue without interruption while maintaining public health and safety standards.