This bill establishes the "New Jersey Alternate Route Opportunity Fund," a grant program aimed at providing financial assistance to economically disadvantaged residents seeking to become police officers through the state's alternate route program. The alternate route program allows individuals who do not hold a probationary or temporary appointment with a police department to enroll in police training courses at their own expense. The fund will be administered by a board of directors under the supervision of the Police Training Commission, which is responsible for overseeing police training academies and developing basic training courses for police officers.

The board of directors will consist of a representative from the commission and eight public members appointed by the Governor, selected based on their knowledge or interest in law enforcement matters. The board will be tasked with identifying candidates in need of financial assistance, recruiting candidates, establishing eligibility criteria for grants, and determining the amount of each award based on financial need. To qualify for an opportunity grant, applicants must be state residents for at least 12 months, demonstrate financial need, and comply with the board's regulations. The bill aims to enhance diversity within police ranks by providing economically disadvantaged individuals with the opportunity to pursue a career in law enforcement.