New Jersey Assembly Bill AR94

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Urges Attorney General and Department of Education to regularly update "Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1" and "School Safety and Security Manual: Best Practices Guidelines."

Impact

The resolution calls for systematic updates to essential school safety documents that have not been significantly revised since 2007. By urging these updates, the document aims to ensure that both school personnel and law enforcement officers are equipped with the most current strategies, thereby improving the response to potential safety emergencies. This may involve revising protocols related to various aspects of school security, including crisis response and evacuation plans, which directly impact the legal frameworks governing school safety practices in New Jersey.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 94 (AR94) is a proposal urging the New Jersey Attorney General and the Department of Education to regularly update the 'Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1' and the 'School Safety and Security Manual: Best Practices Guidelines.' This assembly resolution emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for students across the state. Notably, it highlights the need for school personnel and law enforcement to have the latest information on best practices for enhancing school safety in light of increasing concerns about safety in educational settings.

Contention

While AR94 is largely a non-controversial resolution aimed at enhancing school security measures, there may be underlying tensions regarding the implementation of new policies. Some stakeholders might be concerned about the adequacy of state resources to back the recommended updates or the potential bureaucratic hurdles in effectively revising existing documentation. Furthermore, discussions around school safety often invoke broader debates about funding safety initiatives and the balance between security measures and educational freedom.