Bill
Bill > S2872
NJ S2872
NJ S2872Requires key boxes at public school buildings with certain expectations; permits reimbursement of costs related to key box installation.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires, subject to the availability of funds and by June 30th of the 2026-2027 school year, that each board of education of a school district and each board of trustees of a charter school or renaissance school project provide for the installation at each school building of at least one exterior key box. The bill requires the key box to meet or exceed Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1037, or another nationally recognized industry standard for antitheft alarms and devices, at the time of installation. The key box is required to be installed at an appropriate location for permitting emergency responders, including law enforcement and fire personnel, emergency access to the building. The bill permits a board of education or board of trustees to allow emergency medical services personnel access to the key box as deemed appropriate. Pursuant to the bill, emergency responders would utilize shared key boxes for a school building whenever possible. A board of education and board of trustees, in collaboration with emergency responders, is required to determine the precise location of the key box. The key box is required to contain keys and other access control devices as are necessary to access each building and room located on the entire school grounds. The bill also permits the board of education of a school district and board of trustees of a charter school or renaissance school project to be exempt from the bill's requirement to install a key box. The board is required to apply to the Commissioner of Education for an exemption. The commissioner may approve the application for the exemption if the board has implemented certain alternative plans and procedures that meet standards prescribed by the amended bill. The bill specifies that costs incurred by school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects necessary for compliance with the bill would be borne by the State. School districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects that purchase and install key boxes after the effective date of the bill would be able to apply to the Commissioner of Education for reimbursement.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that by June 30, 2027, all public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects must install at least one exterior key box at each school building, provided state funds are available. These key boxes must meet specific safety standards, such as Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1037, and be placed in a location accessible to emergency responders like law enforcement and firefighters, who will collaborate with school officials to determine the exact placement. The key box must contain all necessary keys and access devices for the entire school grounds, and emergency medical services may also be granted access if deemed appropriate. While shared key boxes are encouraged for efficiency, schools can apply for an exemption from the Commissioner of Education if they implement alternative plans that provide equivalent emergency access. Importantly, the State will cover the costs associated with installing these key boxes, and schools that have already purchased and installed compliant key boxes after the bill's effective date can seek reimbursement from the Commissioner.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2872 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3000/2872_I1.HTM |
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