Bill Text: NJ A4253 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Establishes "New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program." **
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 15-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-12-27 - Approved P.L.2017, c.246. [A4253 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-A4253-Introduced.html
ASSEMBLY, No. 4253
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
217th LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED OCTOBER 20, 2016
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANNETTE QUIJANO
District 20 (Union)
SYNOPSIS
Establishes "Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act establishing a "Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program."
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
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 funds for certain target hardening activities, but 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 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 of 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 "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 for the purpose of preparedness and reduction of vulnerability.
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 has been deemed eligible to receive or has received federal grant funds from the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program offered in any fiscal year.
3. a. There is hereby established a three-year 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 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. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill). There shall annually be appropriated from the General Fund to the office $500,000 in each of the three years of the program to be distributed to approved eligible nonprofit organizations, up to a maximum grant of $10,000 per approved application.
c. An eligible nonprofit organization shall apply to the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to receive a grant under the pilot program. Applicants may apply annually for a disbursement of funds in each of the three years of the pilot program.
d. Within three years following the effective date of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill), 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, recommendations for further improvement, modifications, and implementation.
4. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill establishes a three-year "Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations for the purpose of hiring permanent or temporary security personnel in order reduce vulnerability to threats, attacks, and other violent acts.
The United States Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to eligible nonprofit organizations that are determined to be high risk. However, the NSGP specifically provides that the funding may not be used to expand existing security personnel or to hire temporary security personnel during times of heightened risk.
The pilot program established by this bill would operate in tandem with the NSGP to provide grant funding to NSGP eligible nonprofit organizations for the purpose of hiring permanent or temporary security personnel. The maximum grant award per application would be limited to $10,000. Applicants would be permitted to apply in each of the three years of the pilot program.
The bill makes an appropriation from the General Fund of $500,000 in each year of the pilot program. Under the bill's provisions, the director is required to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature containing an evaluation of the pilot program, prior to its expiration. The report is to provide the director's opinion as to whether the pilot program should be continued and, if so, recommendations for further improvement, modifications, and implementation.
