New Jersey § app:a-9

§ app:a-9.

The Legislature finds and declares: a. The three-year “New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program” established

under P.L.2017, c. 246 in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) expired on January 10,

2020; b. In these volatile times, the need to remain vigilant concerning domestic security

and State and local preparedness remains of imminent importance; c. Certain nonprofit organizations continue to be at high-risk for threats, attacks,

and other violent acts, and would continue to benefit from engaging in target-hardening

activities to reduce vulnerability; d. Federal grant money distributed through the United States Department of Homeland

Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides these organizations with a competitive

process to secure funds for certain target-hardening activities, the expansion of

existing security personnel, or the hiring of temporary security personnel, but such

federal funds are appropriated annually and are discretionary; e. With the threat potential increasing during specific times of year or when high-profile

events are occurring, certain nonprofit organizations would benefit from additional

funding to ensure security personnel is adequate to meet the increased need; f. Because threats, attacks, and other violent acts are not limited to public sector

entities, it is appropriate for the State to assist certain targeted nonprofit organizations

in the private sector to ensure their readiness and the safety of their surrounding

communities; and g. Accordingly, it is within the public interest to make the “New Jersey Nonprofit

Security Grant Program” in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness permanent

to continue to provide grants to eligible nonprofit organizations at greatest risk

of attack to hire permanent or temporary security personnel and for acquisition of

target-hardening equipment for the purpose of preparedness and reduction of vulnerability.