New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3345

Introduced
6/3/24  

Caption

Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

Impact

The implications of S3345 on state laws revolve around its reinforcement of safety protocols at public institutions. By formalizing the obligation to report, the legislation seeks to ensure that governing boards remain informed about the various safety challenges present on campuses. The data collected could also play a critical role in shaping institutional policies, allocating resources effectively, and fostering safer environments for students, faculty, and staff.

Summary

Bill S3345, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, establishes a mandate for the president of each public institution of higher education to report all incidents of crime, fire, and emergencies occurring on campus to the institution's governing board during regular meetings. This reporting requirement aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding campus safety and emergency management. The bill outlines specific parameters for what the reports must include, such as a count and classification of incidents recorded by campus security and local police, as well as lists of campus alerts and fire incidents.

Contention

Despite its safety goals, the bill has potential points of contention. One notable aspect is the provision allowing for the reporting of non-public information in an executive session, which may lead to concerns about transparency in the management of sensitive incidents. Opponents might argue that such measures could limit public insight into crucial campus safety issues, contradicting the principles of open governance established by the open public records act. The balance between necessary confidentiality and the public's right to know will likely be a significant topic of discussion as the bill progresses.

Companion Bills

NJ A612

Same As Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

NJ S239

Carry Over Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

NJ A3788

Carry Over Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3788

Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

NJ S239

Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

NJ A612

Requires president of public institution of higher education to regularly report on-campus criminal and fire events to the institution's governing board.

NJ SB1410

Higher educational institutions, public; duties of governing boards.

NJ SB506

Higher educational institutions, public; duties and powers of governing board.

NJ A4952

Requires public institutions of higher education to disclose all financial donors.

NJ A1668

Revises training requirements for governing board members of public institutions of higher education.

NJ A4967

Revises training requirements for governing board members of public institutions of higher education.

NJ S2149

Revises training requirements for governing board members of public institutions of higher education.

NJ S3436

Revises training requirements for governing board members of public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

TX SB174

Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.

CA AB1344

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Act of 2009.

NJ A5181

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ S3566

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

NJ A3422

Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.

CA AB70

Private postsecondary education: California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

CA AB3167

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009: highly qualified private nonprofit institution.