Bill > A1258

Introduced Session

This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a three-year pilot program that provides for the training and placement of veterans in school security positions available in school districts. The purpose of the pilot program is to increase school security by utilizing the skills of veterans. The bill directs the commissioner, in consultation with the Attorney General, to establish policies and procedures for the recruitment, selection, and training of veterans eligible to participate in the pilot program, and for matching the selected veterans to school security positions available in school districts. The policies will evaluate the level of skills, training, experience, fitness, and other qualifications deemed necessary for a veteran to serve in a school security position. The bill also authorizes the Commissioner of Education to utilize the education and training program for security officers established under the "Security Officer Registration Act," P.L.2004, c.134 (C.45:19A-1 et seq.), to train eligible veterans for school security positions in school districts. A school district that wants to participate in the pilot program may submit an application to the commissioner in such form as required by the commissioner. The commissioner will select up to 12 school districts from the northern, central, and southern regions of the State for participation in the pilot program. In selecting the pilot school districts, the commissioner will consider the security needs of the district as reflected in the data reported in the commissioner's annual report on violence, vandalism, and harassment, intimidation, or bullying in the public schools. The bill also directs the commissioner to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature, three years following the establishment of the pilot program, that contains information on the implementation of the pilot program, the effectiveness of veterans on school safety and security, and the recommendations of the commissioner and Attorney General on the advisability of continuing, expanding, or modifying the program.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Bob Andrzejczak (D)*,  Cleopatra Tucker (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2018)