Allows school district to appoint certain specialists to provide school security services to schools.

This bill (A5224) allows New Jersey school districts to appoint "school security specialists" to provide security services at schools, directly affecting school districts, security providers, and school safety operations. To qualify, specialists must have 20+ years of law enforcement experience (including supervisory roles), hold a valid security license, pass background checks, and complete mandatory training in active shooter response, de-escalation, and school safety protocols. The bill also permits districts to authorize these specialists to carry firearms in schools under specific conditions, while clarifying their role as staff members authorized to handle juvenile offense information. It aligns with existing school safety requirements and mandates ongoing training through the state’s School Safety Academy.