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Bill > S4051


NJ S4051

NJ S4051
Allows school district to appoint certain specialists to provide school security services to schools.


summary

Introduced
01/30/2025
In Committee
01/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill allows school districts to appoint a school security specialist to provide school security services. The bill defines a school security specialist as a person who is employed by a private company that engages in the business of providing, or undertaking to provide, school security services to schools. The school security specialist also may include a school district employee or any other private individual not employed by a private company that engages in the business of providing school security services to schools. Under the bill, a school security specialist is required: to be sound in body and of good health and moral character; to possess a minimum of 20 years of prior experience in law enforcement, having served in a supervisory capacity during that time and having been separated from that prior experience in good standing; to possess a valid New Jersey driver's license; and to be employed by a licensed security officer company and registered under the "Security Officer Registration Act." Prior to being appointed as a school security specialist, a person would be required to undergo a criminal history record check and successfully complete certain training programs. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, a local board of education may permit a school security specialist to carry a handgun in school buildings and on school grounds, provided the specialist complies with current law. A school security specialist may be deemed by the school principal as a staff member responsible for maintaining order, safety, or discipline in the school who is authorized to receive information as to the identity, charge, adjudication, and disposition of a juvenile charged with an offense.

AI Summary

This bill allows school districts to appoint school security specialists to provide security services in schools, establishing comprehensive requirements and training standards for these roles. A school security specialist can be an employee of a private security company, a school district employee, or another private individual, but must meet specific qualifications including having 20 years of law enforcement experience in a supervisory capacity, possessing a valid New Jersey driver's license, and being employed by a licensed security officer company. Prior to appointment, candidates must undergo a criminal history record check and complete specialized training developed by the Department of Education in consultation with the Attorney General, which includes multi-hazard emergency planning, active shooter response, advanced firearms training, conflict de-escalation, and professional conduct in school environments. With the superintendent's recommendation, a school security specialist may be authorized to carry a handgun in school buildings if they comply with specific legal requirements for carrying firearms. The bill also expands the New Jersey School Safety Specialist Academy's role to include school security specialists and ensures these professionals receive ongoing training and certification. Importantly, the bill emphasizes that appointing a school security specialist does not relieve a school district of its existing safety responsibilities, and the specialists can be deemed staff responsible for maintaining order and safety, with authorized access to certain juvenile offense information.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Senate Education Hearing (11:00:00 5/12/2025 Committee Room 4, 1st Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ) (on 05/12/2025)

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