Bill

Bill > A4068


NJ A4068

NJ A4068
Requires school districts to institute policies to improve emergency communications to increase school security.


summary

Introduced
03/14/2024
In Committee
03/14/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The bill requires each school district to:--provide all persons employed or assigned to school security positions with a two-way radio for communicating directly with emergency responders; --develop procedures to notify parents and other appropriate persons of school emergency situations through multiple communication platforms, such as telephone calls, text messages, and mass email; and --test the functionality of all of its emergency communication systems on at least a monthly basis. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Education to develop strategies to encourage:--school districts to review and update their existing school safety and security plans to ensure that they clearly identify who is responsible for contacting the primary emergency response agency in the event of any emergency and that they employ plain language to notify the school population that an emergency condition exists;--school districts to implement measures to ensure that all teachers and other school employees have the ability to communicate with the school administration while school is in session. The means of communication may be in the form of classroom telephones, portable radios, intercom systems, cell phones, or other such means as determined by the school district; and --the use of new technologies to allow communication among all essential personnel during school emergencies.

AI Summary

This bill requires school districts to institute policies to improve emergency communications and increase school security. Specifically, it mandates that school districts provide two-way radios to school security personnel to communicate directly with emergency responders, develop procedures to notify parents and others of school emergencies through multiple platforms like phone calls, text messages, and email, and regularly test the functionality of their emergency communication systems. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Education to encourage school districts to review and update their safety plans, ensure all school staff can communicate with administration during emergencies, and explore new technologies to enhance communication during crises.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 03/14/2024)

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