This bill amends the Special Law Enforcement Officers Act to expand the responsibilities of Class Three special law enforcement officers, allowing them to provide security not only in public and nonpublic schools and county colleges but also in places of religious worship, such as churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples. The bill stipulates that if a school district hires Class Three officers for security in public schools, they must also procure these services for nonpublic schools within the district. Furthermore, the school district will be responsible for compensating the local municipality for the security services rendered by these officers in both public and nonpublic schools.

The bill clarifies that Class Three officers are authorized to exercise full powers and duties similar to those of full-time police officers while on duty at these locations. It also maintains the requirement that these officers must have completed specific training and certification to carry firearms while on duty. The legislation does not mandate that school districts hire Class Three officers but ensures that if they do, the same level of security is provided across both public and nonpublic educational institutions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:14-146.11