Bill > A5186

This bill establishes a three-year School Security Pilot Program within the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE), backed by a $15 million appropriation from the state's General Fund, to enhance both the psychological well-being and physical safety of students. Originally envisioned to target specific counties, the amended legislation instead allows any school district in the state to apply for the program, with the Commissioner of Education selecting participants based on local security needs identified through annual state reports on school violence, vandalism, and bullying. Selected districts will receive supplemental mental health services—such as individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and community healthcare referrals—alongside enhanced physical security measures, which include active-shooter training and "rolling mobile ballistic shield systems," defined as maneuverable, high-grade protective shields designed to fit through standard school hallways and doorways during emergencies. The Commissioner of Education is required to collaborate with other state health and emergency management agencies to implement the program and must submit annual reports to the Governor and the Legislature evaluating its success and recommending whether it should be continued, modified, or expanded.