This bill establishes a three-year County-Based School Security Pilot Program within the New Jersey Department of Education, specifically targeting Essex, Mercer, and Camden counties. The program aims to provide county-based mental health services for public school students and enhance security infrastructure in these schools. The Commissioner of Education is tasked with collaborating with other state officials to implement the program, which will include mental health services such as individual and group therapy, referrals to community providers, and crisis intervention, as well as security measures like training for active shooter scenarios and the provision of protective equipment.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commissioner submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature within one year of the program's implementation, and annually for three years thereafter, detailing the program's progress and effectiveness. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $15 million from the General Fund to the Department of Education. The act is set to take effect in the first full school year following its enactment, although the Commissioner may take necessary administrative actions beforehand.