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 S826

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

NJ SB494

Higher educational institutions, public; membership of governing boards.

NJ HB1385

Higher educational institutions, public; membership of governing boards.

NJ A1296

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

NJ SB00980

An Act Improving Safety On The Campuses Of Institutions Of Higher Education.

NJ S1438

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

NJ S821

Requires institution of higher education to adopt policy on use of campus facilities and grounds for camping.

NJ S1465

Requires public institution of higher education to invite Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on institution's campus.

NJ S813

Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy.

NJ HB3283

Relating to the mission of governing boards of public institutions of higher education.

Similar Bills

CA AB850

Institutional Debt Transparency Act.

NJ A2359

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NJ S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

CA AB2771

California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

TX HB5180

Relating to the issuance of a diploma to a student graduating from a public institution of higher education that has undergone a merger, acquisition, or name change.

CA AB1098

California Education Interagency Council.