SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3386

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 21, 2026

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3386.

      As amended by the committee, this bill authorizes candidates and officeholders to use campaign funds for the reasonable costs of security measures for the candidate or officeholder, members of their family who reside in the same household, and staff, provided that the security measures address ongoing dangers or threats that would not otherwise exist were it not for the individual’s status or duties as a candidate or officeholder.

      Under the bill, candidates, candidate committees, joint candidate committees, and legislative leadership committees can make expenditures for:

      (1)  non-structural security devices, such as security hardware, locks, alarm systems, motion detectors, and security camera systems;

      (2)  structural security devices, such as wiring, lighting, gates, doors, and fencing, so long as such devices are intended solely to provide security and not to improve the property or increase its value;

      (3)  security personnel and services that are bona fide, legitimate, and professional; and

      (4)  cybersecurity software, devices, and services.

      Expenditures cannot be made for:

      (1)  the purchase of firearms or ammunition;

      (2)  payments to family members or entities owned or operated by family members; or

      (3)  home improvements not expressly authorized by this bill.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments remove a cap of expenditures made for the purchase or installation of physical security equipment, including structural and non-structural security devices.

      The committee amendments also expand the allowable uses of campaign funds to include security for any family member residing in the same household as the candidate or officeholder, rather than only immediate family, and for any member of the candidate or officeholder’s staff, rather than only campaign staff.