New Jersey Assemblyman Alex Sauickie introduced a set of bills on Mar. 16 aimed at improving safety measures and increasing funding for schools and nonprofits facing security challenges.
The proposed legislation comes as concerns grow over the ability of educational institutions and nonprofits to address threats due to limited resources, staffing shortages, and outdated infrastructure. Sauickie said recent incidents, such as an attack on a Michigan synagogue that also serves as a preschool, highlight the need for preparedness in New Jersey. “The attack on a Michigan synagogue, which is also a preschool, brought this issue back to focus for so many of us,” Sauickie said. “The security team, teachers and staff prevented a bad situation from turning worse, and innocent lives were protected. They were prepared in a way that many schools and nonprofits in our state are not.”
One bill (A4038) would establish the New Jersey Commission on College and School Safety and Security. This commission would bring together public schools, nonpublic schools, higher education institutions, and nonprofits to review current protocols and recommend updates based on recent data.
Current state law requires public school districts to review their safety plans annually, conduct regular drills, install silent panic alarms, and designate school safety specialists. However, employing class three special law enforcement officers remains optional. The most recent data shows that 20% of school districts do not have any security personnel; among those with security staff, less than half employ armed officers.
Colleges receiving federal funds must comply with requirements like the Clery Act by issuing emergency notifications and publishing crime statistics. Nonpublic schools are required to hold drills and train staff but can only access state funding for security through grants if they choose to apply.
Sauickie’s additional proposals (A4066 and A4390) seek to increase grant amounts for hiring more security personnel or purchasing equipment such as card readers or ballistic-rated glass. The bills would also raise nonpublic school security aid from $205 to $338 per pupil—a total of $50.8 million statewide.
“Safety should never come down to the haves and have-nots,” Sauickie said. “Every student should feel safe and be safe when attending class.”
John DiMaio has been involved with the Warren County Board of Freeholders from 2000 to 2009 according to the official legislative roster. DiMaio represents District 23, which includes areas like Hackettstown according to the official legislative roster. He held roles such as Appropriations Officer from 2012 to 2017 and Budget Officer from 2018 to 2019 in the General Assembly as per the official legislative roster. DiMaio has worked as a legislator as noted in the official legislative roster. He joined the General Assembly in 2009 and served as Minority Leader starting in 2022 according to the official legislative roster. DiMaio has been associated with Hackettstown serving as mayor from 1991 to 1999 according to the official legislative roster.
