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A 1261

Protects the rights of people in prisons, jails and forensic facilities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Khaleel Anderson and 24 co-sponsors

Exempts campus police from campus firearm bans for officers employed by schools/unis who have completed PTC firearms training, allowing carry on campus while working or commuting.

PRINT NUMBER 1261A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1261

Summary — A1261 (Print No. 1261A)

Note on title discrepancy
- The bill file lists the title "Protects the rights of people in prisons, jails and forensic facilities," but the introduced and printed text amends N.J.S.2C:39-5 (weapons possession) and concerns campus law enforcement carrying firearms. This summary describes the bill text as introduced and printed (N.J.S.2C:39-5 amendments).

Purpose

  • To clarify that campus law enforcement officers employed by schools, colleges, universities, or other educational institutions are permitted to possess and carry firearms on institution buildings and grounds in the course of their employment or while traveling to/from work. The bill also defines who qualifies as a "law enforcement officer" for this exemption.

Key provisions

  • Amends N.J.S.2C:39-5 (Unlawful possession of weapons) to explicitly state that the prohibition on firearms in or on school/college/university property does not apply to a law enforcement officer employed by the institution when acting in the course of employment or traveling to/from the place of employment.
  • Adds/affirms a definition of "law enforcement officer" for this paragraph: a person empowered to detect, apprehend, arrest and convict offenders who has successfully completed a Police Training Commission (PTC)–administered firearms training course.
  • Retains the existing statutory structure of N.J.S.2C:39-5 and its other prohibitions; this amendment creates a specific exemption for campus-employed officers only.
  • Effective date: the act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: campus law enforcement officers employed by educational institutions (K–12, colleges, universities, etc.) who meet the bill’s definition.
  • Secondary: educational institutions (policy and security procedures), students, staff, campus visitors, and agencies involved in training/certification (Police Training Commission).
  • No change to prohibitions applicable to non‑authorized persons or to other statutory weapons offenses.

Legislative status / timeline

  • Introduced in Assembly: January 9, 2024; referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee.
  • Referred to Correction Committee: January 9, 2025.
  • Amended and recommitted; Print No. 1261A issued: January 29, 2025.
  • Companion/related bills: S3230, S3763; prior-session A8364.

Potential impacts to note

  • Clarifies legal authority for campus-employed officers to carry firearms despite campus-wide prohibitions, which may prompt institutions to update security policies, training and liability practices.
  • Establishes a training requirement (completion of a PTC firearms course) as part of the qualifying definition, focusing the exemption on officers who meet state training standards.
  • Does not expand firearm possession rights beyond the specific campus‑employed law enforcement context or alter the statutory penalties for unlawful possession by other persons.

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

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