This bill amends existing laws regarding the distribution and use of unexpended animal control funds held in special accounts by municipalities and the State. It mandates that any excess funds remaining in these accounts, instead of being transferred to the general funds of the municipality or State, will be redirected to the county prosecutors' offices and the Superintendent of State Police. Specifically, 40% of the funds sent to the county prosecutors will be retained by their office, while the remaining 60% will be distributed equally among the municipalities in the county. Similarly, for the funds sent to the Superintendent of State Police, 40% will be retained by the Division of State Police, 50% will be distributed to humane law enforcement officers in each county, and 10% will go to the Law Enforcement Training and Equipment Fund for training purposes.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any transferred funds must be used exclusively for enforcing animal cruelty laws, including the investigation and prosecution of related offenses. It also allows for the transfer of these funds to appropriate accounts as necessary to support the enforcement of animal cruelty laws. The bill aims to enhance the enforcement of animal cruelty laws by ensuring that excess funds are utilized effectively for training and operational support for humane law enforcement officers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4:19-15.11, 4:19-15.3, 4:22-17.6