Governor Phil Murphy signs security legislation
GOV. PHIL MURPHY on Jan. 8 signed two pieces of legislation to enhance the safety and security of New Jersey residents at schools, houses of worship, and community centers.
A4597 makes a supplemental appropriation of $11,300,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education to increase per pupil funding for nonpublic security aid from $75 to $150, and A3906 makes a revision to the N.J. Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program to expand the type of protective measures that can be installed or constructed at houses of worship and community centers.
“Working with our partners in the legislature, we are taking significant steps to dramatically improve security measures for New Jersey’s children and families,” said Murphy. “I am proud to sign two bills into law that help ensure that anyone visiting a school, house of worship, or community center may be free of fear and intimidation.”
Dr. Marlene Herman, president of the NJ State Association of Jewish Federations, expressed appreciation to Murphy and the many interfaith partners who aided in the passage of these bills.
“Enactment of the two measures are very important steps in the right direction in reducing the Jewish community’s vulnerability to threats, attacks, and other violent acts,” Herman said in a prepared statement.
Primary sponsors of A4597 include Assembly members Gary Schaer, Lisa Swain, P. Christopher Tully, and Benjie Wimberly, and Senators Joseph Lagana, Vin Gopal, Paul Sarlo, and Steven Oroho.
Primary sponsors of A3906 include Assembly members Annette Quijano, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, Jamel Holley, and Robert Karabinchak, and Senators Joseph Cryan and Kip Bateman.
Governor Phil Murphy signed the bills at YBH of Passaic, a K-eighth-grade yeshiva.
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