Requires that in-service training for school employees on safety and security include component on behavioral threat assessment.
Impact
The bill outlines that the behavioral threat assessment teams in schools must be comprised of multidisciplinary members, including school psychologists, counselors, teaching staff, and safe schools resource officers. By establishing such a team, the bill aims to enhance the capacity of schools to respond effectively to potential threats. It also directs the Department of Education, along with state law enforcement and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, to develop comprehensive guidelines for the training and establishment of these teams across school districts.
Summary
Senate Bill S1680, introduced in the 2024 session, mandates that each school district in New Jersey include a behavioral threat assessment component in the in-service training programs for school employees. The primary purpose of this requirement is to identify students who may pose safety risks and to prevent targeted violence within the schools. This legislative measure stems from the growing recognition of the importance of proactive assessments in school environments to ensure student safety.
Contention
Although proponents of S1680 argue that it will significantly improve school safety and facilitate early identification of potential threats, there may be points of contention regarding the implementation of these assessments. Critics could express concerns about the adequacy of resources available to train school staff effectively and the potential for misinterpretation of behaviors, which could lead to unnecessary stigma against students. Balancing safety while respecting student privacy and ensuring fair assessments will be a crucial focus as the bill progresses.
In student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator, for school safety and security training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; and making editorial changes.
Relating to measures for ensuring safety and security in public schools, including measures related to the health and safety of public school students and active shooter training for certain peace officers.
Relating to the establishment of school-based behavioral health centers by school districts and a grant program administered by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission for the operation of those centers.
Relating to the establishment of school-based behavioral health centers by public schools and a grant program administered by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission for the operation of those centers.