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A 5882

Expands "New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Sauickie

Expands NJ nonprofit security grants to cover security training/planning and equipment, increases max grants, and requires at least $10 million annual funding.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5882

Summary — A5882 (Introduced Feb 24, 2025)

Title: Expands "New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program"
Status: Introduced in Assembly; referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee (also referred to Health/Insurance in committee actions)
Primary sponsor: John T. McDonald III; multiple cosponsors

Purpose

To expand and increase funding for the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJNSGP), administered by the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP), so nonprofit organizations at elevated risk can secure funding for security personnel, security-related training and planning, and target‑hardening equipment.

Key provisions and changes

  • Statutory amendment: modifies section 3 of P.L.2021, c.439 (C.App.A:9-89).
  • Eligible uses expanded to explicitly include security‑related training and planning in addition to:
    • Hiring permanent or temporary security personnel (limited to federal, State, county, or municipal law enforcement officers; special law enforcement officers appointed under P.L.1985, c.439; or security officers registered under P.L.2004, c.134)
    • Acquisition of target‑hardening equipment
  • Grant maximums increased:
    • Personnel OR security‑related training/planning: up to $50,000 per approved application (previously $10,000)
    • Target‑hardening equipment: up to $150,000 per approved application (previously $50,000)
    • The OHSP director may adjust these amounts based on fund availability, analytical trends, and emerging threats.
  • Applicants may apply and receive funding for all categories (personnel, training/planning, equipment) in a grant cycle and may apply in successive years.
  • Application priorities:
    • Preference for applicants who have not received a federal security grant for hiring security personnel in the last two federal grant cycles.
    • Preference for applicants who have not received federal or State grants for target‑hardening equipment in the last two grant cycles.
  • Geographic and use limitations:
    • Funds must be used for security investments within New Jersey.
    • Hiring costs may cover security for applicant‑organized events within New Jersey for which the applicant bears legal liability; funds cannot be used for out‑of‑state security needs.
  • Funding request and administration:
    • OHSP must request at least $10,000,000 annually in its budget proposal to fund the program (statutory baseline was $2,000,000).
    • 5% of appropriated program funds are allocated to OHSP for program administration.
    • OHSP is directed to pursue federal, State, local, and private funding with the Department of Law and Public Safety and relevant agencies.

Who is affected

  • Nonprofit organizations in New Jersey (with an emphasis on those at greatest risk of attack, including religious organizations cited by the sponsor).
  • OHSP and Department of Law and Public Safety (administration, grantmaking, and fund‑seeking responsibilities).
  • Law enforcement and registered security officers (as eligible hires).
  • State budget/taxpayers, if the $10 million annual appropriation is enacted.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Legislative actions to date include referrals to Health, reprints/amendments (Print Nos. 5882A/5882B), and committee reference changes (Insurance / Public Safety and Preparedness) as of mid‑2025.
  • Companion/related measures: S5939, S4759; prior-session A10327.

Potential impact

  • Increases size and flexibility of grants, aiming to better address inflation, equipment costs, and an increased threat environment.
  • Could significantly expand state support for nonprofit security if the $10 million baseline is appropriated.
  • Prioritization rules aim to distribute funds to entities not recently funded through federal or State security grants.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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