A large majority of New Jersey voters support Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer’s “Snookiville Law” proposal, which would give municipalities clear permission to act in the interest of taxpayers and public safety during the filming of reality shows, according to a poll recently released.
According to the Oct. 18 Qunnipiac University Poll, 72 percent of registered voters support Dancer’s proposal, which is named “Snookiville Law” after the Jersey Shore reality television star most famously associated with New Jersey. The poll also showed that 62 percent of voters would object to the television series, which has been cancelled, filmed in their town.
“Although many people don’t want their neighborhoods to be used as scenery for Snooki, and J-Woww, reality television can be an asset to a host community and local businesses,” Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth, said. “The Snookiville Law proposal is enormously popular because it’s permissive legislation that lets local communities decide what’s best for themselves.”
The Snookiville Law, A-3273, explicitly permits towns to license and regulate reality TV shows. Towns that choose to adopt licensing ordinances could impose conditions, such as requiring the crew to pay for any additional police officers needed to assure public safety. The bill awaits consideration by the Assembly Housing and Local Government Committee.
“New Jersey has a tradition of being a desirable location for reality TV shows such as Jersey Shore, The Real Housewives of New Jersey and Cake Boss. These shows can attract crowds, which can benefit local businesses and challenge a community’s resources,” Dancer said. “My proposal will allow cameras to keep rolling without harm to the host community.
“With this rave review from the people, I welcome bipartisan consideration of the Snookiville Law,” Dancer added.
