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Bill > S3386
NJ S3386
NJ S3386Authorizes use of campaign funds for security expenses of candidate and immediate family.
summary
Introduced
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
In Committee
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill authorizes candidates and officeholders to use campaign funds for the reasonable costs of security measures for a candidate or officeholder, members of their immediate family, and campaign staff, provided that the security measures address ongoing dangers or threats that would not otherwise exist were it not for the individual's status or duties as a candidate or officeholder. Under the bill, candidates, candidate committees, joint candidate committees, and legislative leadership committees can make expenditures for: (1) non-structural security devices, such as security hardware, locks, alarm systems, motion detectors, and security camera systems; (2) structural security devices, such as wiring, lighting, gates, doors, and fencing, so long as such devices are intended solely to provide security and not to improve the property or increase its value; (3) security personnel and services that are bona fide, legitimate, and professional; and (4) cybersecurity software, devices, and services. Expenditures on physical security equipment, such as structural and non-structural security devices, will be capped at $10,000 per candidacy. Expenditures cannot be made for: (1) the purchase of firearms or ammunition; (2) payments to immediate family members or entities owned or operated by immediate family members; or (3) home improvements not expressly authorized by this bill. The provisions of this bill align with recent proposals made by the Election Law Enforcement Commission for changes to campaign finance rules and regulations.
AI Summary
This bill allows candidates and officeholders, along with their immediate families and campaign staff, to use campaign funds for security expenses that are necessary due to their public role, meaning these dangers wouldn't exist otherwise. These expenses can cover non-structural security devices like alarm systems and cameras, structural security devices such as wiring and fencing (as long as they are solely for security and not property improvement), professional security personnel and services, and cybersecurity measures. However, there's a $10,000 limit per candidacy for physical security equipment, and campaign funds cannot be used to buy firearms or ammunition, pay family members for security, or fund general home improvements. The bill also requires documentation of these security expenditures to be kept and made public, with the exception of specific security plans or designs. Any security equipment purchased will be considered a campaign asset and must be disposed of appropriately when the campaign ends or the officeholder leaves office. This legislation aligns with recent recommendations from the Election Law Enforcement Commission, which is the state agency responsible for overseeing campaign finance rules.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 02/09/2026)
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/S3386 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3386_I1.HTM |
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