The bill expands the New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NJNSGP) managed by the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) to enhance support for eligible nonprofit organizations at risk of attacks. It allows for grants to cover not only the hiring of security personnel but also security-related training and planning, as well as the acquisition of target-hardening equipment. The maximum grant amounts are significantly increased, with up to $50,000 available for personnel or training, and up to $150,000 for target-hardening equipment. Additionally, applicants can now qualify for all categories of grants within a single grant cycle, rather than being limited to one type of funding per year.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the OHSP request a minimum of $10 million annually as part of its budget proposal to fund these grants, a substantial increase from the previous requirement of $2 million. This change reflects the growing need to protect nonprofit organizations, particularly religious ones, from various threats and attacks, and acknowledges the impact of inflation on security costs. The expansion aims to provide greater flexibility and a more rapid response to emerging threats faced by communities in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: .A:9-89