Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANNETTE QUIJANO
District 20 (Union)
SYNOPSIS
Revises the "New Jersey Non-profit Security Grant Pilot Program."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act modifying the "New Jersey Non-profit Security Grant Pilot Program" amending P.L.2017, c.246.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Section 1 of P.L.2017, c.246 is amended to read as follows:
1. The Legislature finds and declares:
a. In these volatile times, the need to remain vigilant concerning domestic security and State and local preparedness has remained of imminent importance;
b. Certain nonprofit organizations are at high risk for threats, attacks, and other violent acts, and would benefit from engaging in target hardening activities to reduce vulnerability;
c. Federal grant money distributed through the United States Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides these organizations with a competitive process to secure funds for certain target hardening activities, but (1) such federal funds to New Jersey institutions are limited based on national competition; and (2) the federal program does not allow recipients to use the funds for the expansion of existing security personnel or the hiring of temporary security personnel;
d. With the threat potential increasing during specific times of year or when high profile events are occurring, certain nonprofit organizations would benefit from additional funding to ensure security personnel is adequate to meet the increased need;
e. Because threats, attacks, and other violent acts are not limited to public sector entities, it is appropriate for the State to assist certain targeted nonprofit organizations in the private sector to ensure their readiness and the safety of their surrounding communities; and
f. Accordingly, it is within the public interest to establish a three-year "New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness which shall provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to hire permanent or temporary security personnel and acquisition of target hardening equipment for the purpose of preparedness and reduction of vulnerability.
(cf: P.L.2017, c.246, s.1)
2. Section 2 of P.L.2017, c.246 is amended to read as follows:
2. As used in this act:
"Director" means the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
"Eligible nonprofit organization" means a nonprofit organization located in New Jersey which [: (1) has received federal grant funds from the United States Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program in any fiscal year; (2) is eligible to receive federal grant funds from the program; or (3) would otherwise be eligible to receive federal grant funds from the program, except that the nonprofit organization is located within a county not served by the program] is exempt from federal taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s. 501 (c)(3)).
(cf: P.L.2017, c.246, s.2)
3. Section 3 of P.L.2017, c.246 is amended to read as follows:
3. a. There is hereby established a three-year "New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, which shall provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations (1) to hire permanent or temporary security personnel limited to federal, State, county, or municipal law enforcement officers, special law enforcement officers appointed pursuant to P.L.1985, c.439 (C.40A:14-146.8 et seq.), or security officers registered pursuant to P.L.2004, c.134 (C.45:19A-1 et seq.) , and (2) for acquisition of target hardening equipment for the purpose of preparedness against threats, attacks, and other violent acts.
b. The director shall administer the pilot program for three years following the effective date of P.L.2017, c.246. There shall annually be distributed to approved eligible nonprofit organizations [up to] a maximum grant of up to $10,000 per approved application for personnel and a maximum grant of up to $50,000 for target hardening equipment.
c. An eligible nonprofit organization shall apply to the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to receive a grant under the pilot program , for either costs of security personnel or for acquisition of target hardening equipment, or for both; however, an applicant may be only awarded funds for either personnel or for equipment in a fiscal year. The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness first shall evaluate all applications on whether they are at high risk of terrorist attack.
Applicants may apply annually for a disbursement of funds in each of the three years of the pilot program for costs of security personnel and may be awarded grants in successive years.
Applicants may apply annually for grant funds in each of the three years of the pilot program for acquisition of target hardening equipment. The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness shall assign a preference for applicants (1) which are in locations that are not eligible for funding pursuant to the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), Pub.L.107-296 (6 U.S.C.s.603) and (2) which have not received either a federal or state security grant in the last two grant cycles.
d. Within three years following the effective date of P.L.2017, c.246), the director shall submit a report to the Governor, and to the Legislature as provided under section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), containing an evaluation of the pilot program. The report shall provide the director's opinion as to whether the pilot program should be continued and, if so, make recommendations for further improvement, modifications, and implementation.
(cf: P.L.2017, c.246, s.3)
4. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill amends the three-year "New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) to permit eligible nonprofit organizations to acquire target hardening equipment in addition to hiring permanent or temporary security personnel, in order to reduce vulnerability to threats, attacks, and other violent acts.
The bill establishes a maximum grant award of $50,000 per target hardening equipment application. Applicants are permitted to apply for either personnel or equipment grants, or both, in each year of the pilot program, but OHSP may only award funds for either personnel or equipment.
The bill requires OHSP to assign a preference for applicants (1) which are in locations that are not eligible for funding pursuant to the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), Pub.L.107-296 (6 U.S.C.s.603); and (2) which have not received either a federal or state security grant in the last two grant cycles.
Since enactment of the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program, there has been an alarming increase in the numbers of reported incidents of hate, bigotry and faith-based violence. These incidents are a daily challenge for houses of worship, community centers, family and children services agencies and other non-profit institutions who are most vulnerable in an atmosphere of intolerance. Protection of these institutions should remain an ongoing priority of the State.
The Anti-Defamation League's "Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents" highlighted that these incidents rose 32 percent in 2017 in New Jersey and occurred in almost every county. New Jersey had the third highest number of such incidents reported in the nation. Nationally, in 2107, there was a 57 percent increase from 2016 in anti-Semitic incidents and, for the first time, anti-Semitism was reported in all 50 states.
The New Jersey Attorney General reported that, in 2016, bias and hates crimes in New Jersey increased from 14 percent to 417. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the greatest increase in religious-based crimes was against Muslims, an increase of 19 percent from 2015 to 2016.