Bill
Bill > A1731
NJ A1731
NJ A1731Requires key boxes at public school buildings with certain exceptions; appropriates $2.5 million for 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, 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 that meets or exceeds 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 are to 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 exemption if the board has implemented certain alternative plans and procedures that meet standards prescribed by the amended bill. The bill includes a $2.5 million appropriation to effectuate the provisions of the bill and 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 the end of the 2026-2027 school year, all public school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects must install at least one exterior key box at each school building, meeting specific safety standards, to allow emergency responders like police and firefighters quick access in emergencies. These key boxes, whose exact placement will be determined in collaboration with emergency services, must contain all necessary keys and access devices for the entire school grounds. While emergency medical services may also be granted access, the bill encourages the use of shared key boxes whenever feasible. Schools can apply for an exemption from this requirement if they implement alternative plans that provide equivalent emergency access. To cover the costs of installation and compliance, the bill appropriates $2.5 million, with the State bearing the expenses for necessary key box purchases and installations after the bill's effective date, and allowing schools to seek reimbursement from the Commissioner of Education.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly 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/A1731 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2000/1731_I1.HTM |
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