Trenton, NJ — New Jersey lawmakers are advancing legislation that would allow elected officials and political candidates to use campaign funds to pay for security measures protecting themselves, family members living in their household, and staff members amid growing concerns about threats and harassment targeting public officials.
The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee approved Senate Bill 3386 on Thursday with amendments expanding who could receive protection funded through campaign accounts.
Supporters say the proposal reflects the rising number of threats directed at politicians and public servants nationwide.
Bill Would Allow Campaign Money for Home Security, Cybersecurity and Guards
Under the amended legislation, candidates, officeholders, candidate committees, joint candidate committees, and legislative leadership committees could spend campaign funds on several categories of security-related expenses.
Permitted expenditures would include:
- Alarm systems, security cameras, locks, and motion detectors
- Structural security upgrades such as gates, fencing, wiring, lighting, and reinforced doors
- Professional security personnel and protection services
- Cybersecurity software, devices, and digital security services
The bill specifies that structural upgrades must be solely intended for security purposes and cannot be used to increase a property’s value or function as general home improvements.
Lawmakers also amended the proposal to remove a spending cap that had originally applied to physical security equipment purchases and installations.
Key Points
• A New Jersey Senate committee advanced legislation allowing campaign funds to cover security costs for candidates and officeholders.
• The bill would also permit protection expenses for family members living in the same household and staff members.
• Campaign money could be used for alarms, cameras, cybersecurity tools, gates, fencing, and professional security services.
Firearms and Family Payments Remain Prohibited
The legislation includes several restrictions on how campaign funds could be spent.
Candidates and officeholders would still be prohibited from using campaign accounts to purchase firearms or ammunition under the proposal.
The bill also bars payments to family members or businesses owned by relatives and prohibits unauthorized home improvement projects unrelated to security needs.
Committee amendments broadened the bill’s family protections beyond immediate relatives to include any family member residing in the same household as the candidate or officeholder.
Lawmakers also expanded eligible staff protections to include all staff members, not just campaign employees.
Proposal Comes Amid Growing Threats Against Public Officials
The legislation arrives as public officials across the country report increasing threats, stalking incidents, online harassment, and politically motivated intimidation.
State and federal lawmakers in recent years have sought additional security protections following multiple high-profile attacks and threats involving elected officials, judges, election workers, and government employees.
Supporters argue candidates and officeholders often face risks directly tied to their public duties and should be permitted to use campaign resources to address legitimate safety concerns.
The bill now advances for additional consideration in the New Jersey Legislature.
