NJ Lawmaking Process

THERE OUGHTA BE A LAW!

How many times have you read about or seen animal cruelty and said, “There oughta be a law” but didn’t know how to go about it? This graphic shows you the legislative process in New Jersey in a nutshell.

It can be a lengthy process but you, as a citizen of New Jersey, can take an active role in every step. An integral part throughout that process is communicating with your legislators who ultimately decide which bills become laws. You can find out who represents you in Trenton by clicking here.

Now that you know who represents you, how do you get their attention?

Believe it or not, your legislators want to hear from you! They represent you and want to know about your concerns. If we, as animal advocates, are not involved in the legislative process, we cannot complain when laws affecting animals go against them.

Each time you reach out you are letting your legislators know that you speak for animals. Animals do not vote but you do! If your legislators are not responsive to your concerns, elect those who are!

Get to know your legislators and their stand on animal issues. Read the newspapers. Visit the New Jersey Legislative Web Site to see if they have sponsored any animal legislation (pro and anti). Call APLNJ to find out how your legislators have voted on previous animal bills.

Don’t be afraid to call or visit

— When calling, identify yourself and briefly describe the legislation.

— Ask to speak or meet with your legislator, or the legislator’s aide.

— Clearly summarize the issue and don’t assume your legislator (or the aide) knows anything about the bill. Unless your legislator is the sponsor of the legislation, the bill you mention is one of hundreds vying for his or her attention.

— Be polite and courteous. The person who answers the phone determines if you get to speak directly to a legislative aide or the legislator. The legislative aide has the ear of the legislator, so it’s important to develop a rapport with everyone in the office.

— Become informed. Before you contact your legislator, be sure you are informed about the issue. Because there are many bills pending in any session, it’s helpful to refer to the bill number, such as S1234 or A4321.

— Listen to what the legislator is saying, even if you disagree with the statements. There’s no point in talking about aspects of the bill upon which there is agreement. Focus primarily on those that may affect the legislator’s position on the bill.

— Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know.” If you’re asked questions and you don’t know the facts, just say you’ll get back to the legislator. It’s better to get additional facts or clarify a position than to have to correct misinformation.

CommunicationLetters are still far and away the best way to state your position on a bill. Emails are acceptable (all NJ legislators have an email address) and most use Twitter. Call their office and ask how the legislator prefers communication.

— Letters/faxes should be no longer than one page. Stick to one issue.

— Include your full name and address. Be polite and to the point.

— Identify the legislation in the first paragraph with a few words and the bill number.

— Avoid sending form letters or pre-printed postcards. If you are unfamiliar with an issue, a sample letter can give you a crash course in the details of the legislation, but a brief, original letter goes a long way in getting your legislator’s attention.

— If you use email, treat it as if it were a letter. Put your legislators name and address at the top of the email and at the bottom put your full name and mailing address. Do NOT just use your email address.

— Ask for a response. If you don’t get one within a month’s time, follow up.

Sources of information about legislators, the legislative process and pending legislation

The New Jersey Office of Legislative Services (OLS) is a valuable source of information. The staff is knowledgeable about the legislative process and can answer any question you have. OLS can tell you the sponsors and co-sponsors of a bill, its status (e.g., the committee to which it has been assigned), and even provide you with a copy of the bill. Call OLS at 800-792-8630.

Go to the New Jersey Legislature website and you’ll be amazed by the amount of information available. For example, you can search for a bill by number, subject matter, or sponsor. OLS is also available to help you navigate the website.

New Jersey League of Women Voters publishes an excellent legislative handbook titled “New Jersey Citizens Guide to Government. Contact them at (800) 792-VOTE or visit the League for an online version of the guide.

Sign up for APLNJ’s Email Action Alerts so that you’re kept informed about legislation (as well as other time-sensitive issues) affecting animals in New Jersey.

Look at Legislative Scorecards. Latest one here. Check back in Summer of 2021 for the most recent Scorecard.

Register To VOTE!

Are you a registered voter? Yes? Great! No? Please become one! Download a Voter Registration Application or call the NJ Division of Elections at 609-292-3760 for an application. Remember, you are the voice for the animals. Register today and vote for those who vote for the animals.