New Jersey Assembly Bill A4067

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/14/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Directs Attorney General to provide annual training to public and nonpublic school students and staff on roles and responsibilities before, during, and after school emergencies.

Impact

Institutions are expected to incorporate these training requirements into their operational protocols, thus amending P.L.2009, c.178 regarding school safety. The initiative not only aims to enhance the immediate preparedness of schools for emergencies but also emphasizes the need for collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services to improve safety policies. Schools will have to document and maintain compliance with new training requirements, which highlights the importance of systematic emergency preparedness planning.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4067 is a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing school safety and preparedness across New Jersey's public and nonpublic educational institutions. The bill mandates that the Office of the Attorney General, in collaboration with the Department of Education, provides annual training that addresses roles and responsibilities of students and staff before, during, and after a school emergency, which includes procedures for situations like lockdowns, bomb threats, and active shooter incidents. This training will be required for all full-time employees and students within the school systems, ensuring comprehensive coverage of safety protocols.

Contention

A notable aspect of A4067 is its provision to address the unique needs of students with disabilities during school emergencies. This inclusion is critical to ensure that all students are protected and receive appropriate guidance during emergencies. However, the bill may evoke discussions regarding the allocation of resources for such extensive training programs, especially in underfunded school districts, raising questions of equity and feasibility in implementation. The face-to-face training requirement, paired with the option for online availability, seeks to balance accessibility with effective instruction, which may be contentious among educators regarding training delivery methods.