§ App.A:9-87 — Findings, declarations.

1. 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. L.2021, c.439, s.1.