Bill Text: NJ S2944 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Requires DCA to establish school security construction code applicable to construction of new public school facilities and school additions.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-08-19 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee [S2944 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-S2944-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator DAWN MARIE ADDIEGO
District 8 (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden)
SYNOPSIS
Requires DCA to establish school security construction code applicable to construction of new public school facilities and school additions.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the establishment of a school security construction code and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. As used in this section, "school facility" means a public elementary or secondary school building used to provide education in grades K through 12 or any combination thereof.
b. The Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Education, shall establish and promulgate a school security construction code. The purpose of the school security construction code shall be to establish uniform construction and design standards that will increase school building security throughout the State. The provisions of the school security construction code shall apply to the construction of any new school facility or addition to an existing school facility.
c. The school security construction code established pursuant to this section shall include, but need not be limited to, minimum standards regarding the following:
(1) the hardening of school entrances, which may include standards regarding the composition and strength of exterior doors and the type of latching and locking hardware, and the installation of other entrance security infrastructure such as surveillance equipment, alarms, buzzer systems, intercoms, or other entry control technologies;
(2) the installation of locking mechanisms on classroom doors, such as "columbine" locks that allow doors to be locked from the inside of the classroom without impeding the ability of occupants to exit;
(3) minimizing the number of entrances into a school facility; and
(4) building designs that enable areas or sections of a school to be closed off or locked down to control access in an emergency situation.
d. In developing the school security construction code, the commissioner shall consult with State and local law enforcement authorities and individuals or organizations with expertise in school building security. The commissioner shall also refer to and examine existing State research, data, recommendations, and standards; and any standards or recommendations from national experts on construction and design practices that increase school building security. The commissioner may also solicit public input and support in the development of the code.
e. The school security construction code established pursuant to this section shall meet building and fire code provisions applicable to school facilities.
2. The commissioner shall promulgate regulations pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to effectuate the provisions of this act.
3. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Education, to establish a school security construction code, which would apply to the construction of new public elementary and secondary school buildings and school additions. The school security construction code must include, but need not be limited to, minimum standards regarding: (1) the hardening of school entrances, which may include standards regarding the composition and strength of exterior doors and types of latching and locking hardware, and the installation of other entrance security infrastructure; (2) the installation of locking mechanisms on classroom doors, such as "columbine" locks which allow classroom doors to be locked from the inside without impeding the ability of occupants to exit; (3) minimizing the number of entrances into a school facility; and (4) building designs that enable sections of a school to be closed off or locked down in an emergency situation.
The bill directs the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, in developing the code, to consult with law enforcement authorities and experts in school building security. The commissioner is also directed to examine existing State research, data, recommendations, and standards, and any standards or recommendations from national experts on construction and design practices that increase school building security. The commissioner may also solicit public input in the process.
