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Bill > A792


NJ A792

NJ A792
Allows school district to appoint certain specialists to provide school security services to schools.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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 hire "school security specialists" to enhance school safety, defining these specialists as individuals employed by private security companies or even district employees or other private individuals who meet specific criteria. To qualify, a specialist must be in good health and of good moral character, possess at least 20 years of law enforcement experience in a supervisory role and have left that service in good standing, hold a valid New Jersey driver's license, and be employed by and registered with a licensed security officer company under the "Security Officer Registration Act." Before appointment, candidates must pass a criminal history background check and complete required training programs, including those developed by the Department of Education and the Police Training Commission, which cover topics like emergency planning, active shooter response, and conflict management. Upon the superintendent's recommendation, a local board of education can authorize these specialists to carry handguns in schools, provided they meet specific legal requirements for firearm possession. Furthermore, a school principal can designate a school security specialist as a staff member responsible for maintaining order and safety, granting them access to information about juveniles involved in offenses. The bill also amends existing laws to include school security specialists in the New Jersey School Safety Specialist and School Security Specialist Academy's certification and training programs and makes them eligible for the safe schools resource officer training course.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Bill Topics

Education
  • ‐ Elementary and Secondary Education
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
  • ‐ Firearms and Gun Control

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location Created
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A792 01/28/2026
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/792_I1.HTM 01/28/2026
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