The "School Safety and Security Act" aims to establish penalties for specific criminal activities occurring on school property, thereby enhancing the safety and security of educational environments in New Jersey. The bill defines a "school district" and outlines what constitutes a "school safety and security plan," which includes comprehensive measures for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of students and staff. It introduces several fourth-degree crimes related to unauthorized access to school property, tampering with security devices, and interfering with emergency protocols. Notably, it criminalizes actions such as providing false information to school officials, activating emergency devices without cause, and obstructing the implementation of safety plans.

Additionally, the bill restricts the dissemination of information related to school safety plans, allowing access only to specific individuals, such as law enforcement and school officials, unless express written permission is granted. Violations of these provisions, including unauthorized documentation or public sharing of safety procedures, are also classified as fourth-degree crimes. The legislation emphasizes that these new penalties do not preclude prosecution for other offenses under state law. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.