Bill to Boost Protections for NJ Wildlife & Natural Resources Continues Advancing

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Bob Andrzejczak and Bruce Land to enter New Jersey into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact to better protect and manage the state’s wildlife and natural resources received approval from the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) is an agreement among participating states to provide reciprocal sharing of information regarding hunting, fishing and trapping violations.
The IWVC requires participating states to report wildlife violation convictions to compact members. When New Jersey receives notices of violations of hunters, fishers and trappers from other states, the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife would review the conviction and determine if the violation meets the requirements for suspension in New Jersey.
“Joining can help prevent individuals who have shown a disregard for wildlife laws in other states from doing the same here at home,” said Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “It’s time for New Jersey to join the majority of the country and enter into the Wildlife Violator Compact.”
The bill (A-2763) would enter New Jersey in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. New Jersey is one of just two states in the nation that have not yet joined the compact.
“There is no reason for the state to be lagging behind, when there are so many benefits that come with being a compact member,” said Land (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “Joining the IWVC can help promote compliance of our regulations and better protect our wildlife resources.” 
The bill has received broad support from all walks of the outdoor community, including the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, the New Jersey Conservation Officers Association, the New Jersey Recreational Fishing Alliance, the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, the New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the Sierra Club, the Humane Society of of the United States and Environment New Jersey.
The bill, which gained unanimous Assembly approval in June, now awaits further Senate consideration.