Bill
Bill > A240
NJ A240
NJ A240Requires school districts to institute policies to improve emergency communications to increase school security.
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
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 mandates that school districts enhance their emergency communication systems to improve school security by requiring that all school security personnel be equipped with a dedicated two-way radio for direct communication with emergency responders, and that districts establish procedures to notify parents and other relevant individuals of emergencies through multiple channels like phone calls, texts, and mass emails. Furthermore, school districts must conduct monthly tests of all their emergency communication systems to ensure they are functioning properly, including testing signal strength and communication with 9-1-1 and emergency responders. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with developing strategies to encourage school districts to update their safety plans to clearly define who is responsible for contacting emergency services and to use simple language for emergency notifications, as well as to ensure all school staff can communicate with administration during school hours using various methods like phones or radios, and to promote the adoption of new technologies for better communication among essential personnel during emergencies.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A240 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/240_I1.HTM |
Loading...