November 16, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Assemblyman Ron Dancer’s bill permitting full-time, year-round farm employees to reside in facilities that board horses is headed to the governor’s desk after passing the Assembly today.
“Farm employees often need more access to the horses they care for,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “They will be able to take better care of these animals if they can live on the premises.”
The bill (A2768) would amend the Right to Farm Act to allow housing for equine-related farm employees as long as it is in a separate area or level from the horses, has its own ventilation system and meets all uniform construction code standards, including fire ratings. The Right to Farm Act protects responsible commercial farms from public and private nuisance actions and unduly restrictive municipal regulations.
“Taking care of a horse is one of the most demanding and worthwhile jobs one could do,” said Dancer. “The horse industry is important to New Jersey’s economy, and we must keep this industry thriving.”
New Jersey has more horses per capita than any other state in the nation. The United States Equestrian Team is headquartered in Gladstone, New Jersey.
The Senate unanimously passed the bill (S1245) on July 30.