Cryan Bill Would Protect Non-Profits Against Terror & Cyber Attacks

Legislation Passes Senate, Goes To Governor

TRENTON – With an increase in the numbers of reported incidents of hate, bigotry and faith-based violence, the Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Cryan that would help non-profit organizations protect themselves against acts of terror, threats and attacks.

“Non-profit organizations that support residents within our communities are at risk of becoming targets of hate and discrimination,” said Senator Cryan. “With the potential of threats increasing at events and online, these organizations would benefit from additional funding to bolster security measures. This measure helps keep organizations, their staff, and the people they serve safe.”

Previously approved by the Assembly, the bill now goes to the governor.

The bill, S-2546/A-3443, amends the three-year “New Jersey Nonprofit Security Grant Pilot Program” to permit eligible nonprofit organizations to acquire target hardening equipment in addition to hiring permanent or temporary security personnel, in order to reduce vulnerability to threats, attacks, and other violent acts. Examples of target hardening equipment are cameras, barriers, and cybersecurity programs.

“Since enactment of the Security Grant Program in 2017, there has been an alarming increase in the numbers of reported incidents of hate, bigotry and faith-based violence,” said Senator Cryan. “These incidents are a daily challenge for houses of worship, community centers, family and children services agencies and other non-profit institutions that are most vulnerable.”

The New Jersey Attorney General reported that, in 2016, bias and hates crimes in New Jersey increased 14 percent over the prior year to 417. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the greatest increase in religious-based crimes was against Muslims, an increase of 19 percent from 2015 to 2016.

In addition, the Anti-Defamation League’s “Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents” highlighted that these incidents rose 32 percent in 2017 in New Jersey and occurred in almost every county. New Jersey had the third highest number of such incidents reported in the nation. Nationally, in 2107, there was a 57 percent increase from 2016 in anti-Semitic incidents and, for the first time, anti-Semitism was reported in all 50 states.

The bill would establish a maximum grant award of $50,000 per target hardening equipment application. Applicants are permitted to apply for either personnel or equipment grants, or both, in each year of the pilot program, but OHSP may only award funds for either personnel or equipment.

The Senate vote was 40-0.

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