Mukherji, Benson Bill to Create “Humane State” License Plates Signed Into Law

(TRENTON) – Through a continuing commitment to strengthen animal welfare laws, legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Raj Mukherji and Daniel Benson to create special “Humane State” license plates was recently signed into law by Governor Murphy.

“Animal cruelty is unconscionable and has no place in New Jersey,” said Mukherji (D-Hudson). “By creating Humane State license plates, we are able to provide sorely needed funding for the shelter and care of animals. This measure acknowledges the importance of creating awareness and funding this cause.”

The law (A-2197) provides for the creation of a Humane State license plate. The plate will be designed to display the words “HUMANE STATE” and will include an emblem indicating support for the care of animals. Surplus fees will be deposited into a special fund known as the “Humane State License Plate Fund.” The proceeds of the fund are to be annually appropriated to the Animal Welfare Federation of New Jersey (AWFNJ) to be used to provide grants to county societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals for their shelter and care.

 “This law is a great step forward for animal welfare,” said Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex).  “With the recent reform of our State’s animal cruelty prevention system, the funds from this bill will both provide necessary support to county non-profit organizations that provide shelter and humane care for homeless animals and be a reminder that we must always work to be a voice for those that can’t speak for themselves.”

The license plate will have a $50.00 application fee and an annual renewal fee of $10.00 The AWFNJ will contribute non-public monies to offset the initial costs incurred by the Motor Vehicle Commission for license plate production. When AWFNJ has provided this money and the commission receives at least 500 license plate applications, the design and production process will begin.