(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) released the following statement Friday on Gov. Christie’s decision to pocket veto legislation (A-3691) to require public schools in New Jersey to be equipped with panic alarms and red emergency lights for use in school security emergencies:
“I’m disappointed that the governor pocket-vetoed this legislation, which would have provided public schools with a direct link to law enforcement in the case of an emergency.
“As evidenced by the number of mass shootings that have taken place throughout the country, the threat of an armed intruder entering a school with deadly intentions is not a far-fetched scenario.
“This bill was not meant as a cure-all, but one more sensible way to protect children and school staff in case of a threat. Response time can make all the difference in an emergency situation. A panic alarm would send an alert directly and discreetly to local authorities, providing a quicker response and giving students and staff members a better chance of escaping a threat unharmed.
“Despite the governor’s inaction on this bill, which allowed it to expire, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Assembly to ensure that our schools and our children are protected.”