Bill > A245

This bill mandates that every school district in New Jersey must submit their districtwide school safety and security plan to the Commissioner of Education for review within six months of the bill's enactment, a change from the current system where submission is voluntary. The Commissioner will then thoroughly examine each plan, checking for critical elements such as up-to-date emergency contact lists, assigned responsibilities for faculty and staff during emergencies, clear procedures for building access and visitors, policies on bullying prevention, a completed hazard analysis, established protocols for active shooter and lockdown situations, and developed crisis communication procedures. Following the review, the Commissioner will provide each school district with a written report detailing any identified weaknesses and recommending solutions, with these reports being issued on a rolling basis to expedite feedback. Finally, within three years of the bill's effective date, the Commissioner will submit a comprehensive report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing the overall findings from all district reviews, without disclosing information specific to individual districts.

Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A245