New Jersey Senate Bill S1769

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires lobby security for certain senior citizen high-rise buildings in areas with high violent crime rates.

Impact

The bill assigns the Commissioner of Community Affairs the duty to notify building owners annually about their security obligations, ensuring compliance to enhance resident safety. For larger buildings with 75 or more units, the legislation requires the presence of on-site security personnel. In contrast, smaller buildings (50 to 74 units) may fulfill their security obligations through video surveillance. The law could shift the operational and financial responsibilities of building owners regarding resident safety, promoting a safer living environment for seniors, particularly in crime-prone areas.

Summary

Senate Bill S1769, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to enhance security measures for senior citizen high-rise buildings in municipalities experiencing high violent crime rates. Specifically, the bill mandates that buildings with 50 or more units provide 24-hour security if located in areas where the violent crime rate exceeds six per 1,000 persons. This requirement is driven by the concern for the safety and well-being of senior residents, aiming to mitigate risks associated with crime in vulnerable communities.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding S1769 include potential concerns regarding the implications on property management costs and the adequacy of security measures. Owners may argue that enforced 24-hour monitoring could impose a financial burden, especially for smaller buildings. Additionally, the bill's effectiveness heavily relies on the distinction between municipalities based on crime rates, which could lead to disparities in security standards across the state. Critics may call for broader measures addressing underlying crime issues rather than imposing security mandates alone.