This bill amends the composition of the Fish and Game Council within the Division of Fish and Wildlife in New Jersey, maintaining the total membership at 11. Currently, the council includes three farmers, six sportsmen, one chair of the Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee, and one land-use management expert. The proposed changes will reduce the number of sportsmen representatives from six to three and introduce three representatives from animal welfare organizations, thereby ensuring a more diverse representation of interests in wildlife conservation.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "animal welfare organization" as a nonprofit entity focused on the protection and humane treatment of animals, exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The terms of council members will remain at four years, with members serving until their successors are appointed. This legislation aims to balance the perspectives of both sportsmen and animal welfare advocates in the decision-making processes related to fish and game conservation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1B-24