Bill > A444

This bill mandates an annual appropriation of $1 million from the State's General Fund to the Department of Education, which will then disburse these funds to specific educational services commissions. These commissions, defined as entities providing in-classroom instruction and educational services primarily to students residing in an "SDA district" (a term referring to a specific type of school district as defined by law), will receive this funding to be used for "school facilities projects" and "school security improvements." "School facilities projects" encompass a broad range of activities related to educational buildings and their supporting infrastructure, including planning, construction, renovation, and acquisition of necessary equipment. "School security improvements" are specifically defined as measures focused on safety and security technology, such as surveillance cameras, emergency notification systems, and access control systems, designed to enhance the safety of students, staff, and visitors. This funding is intended to address the facility and security needs of these educational services commissions, which currently do not receive direct State funding for such purposes, thereby preventing the diversion of funds from student instruction.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A444