The new law covers threats connected to a candidate’s or officeholder’s position and makes spending records public while protecting security plans.
TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey candidates and officeholders can use campaign contributions for qualifying physical security and cybersecurity expenses under legislation Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed Oct. 27. The law also covers staff and family members who live in the same household when the danger arises from the individual’s public position or candidacy.
The measure, S3386/A5258, takes effect immediately. It permits reasonable security expenses tied to ongoing dangers or threats that would not otherwise exist because of the person’s status or duties as a candidate or officeholder.
The authorization applies to contributions held by candidates, candidate committees, joint candidates committees and legislative leadership committees. The final legislative text requires the goods and services to be purchased at fair market value.
What campaign funds can cover
Permitted expenses include locks, alarms, motion detectors and security cameras, along with wiring, lighting, gates, doors and fencing intended solely to provide security. Campaign money may also pay for legitimate professional security personnel and services, subject to the state’s security-officer registration law where applicable.
The authorization extends to cybersecurity software, devices and services. The connection to a public role remains a condition of the spending: the law does not create general permission to use campaign contributions for household expenses.
It expressly prohibits spending on firearms or ammunition, payments to family members or businesses they own or operate, and home improvements outside the security measures the law authorizes.
Lawmakers changed several restrictions as the proposal moved through committee. A proposed $10,000-per-candidacy limit on physical security equipment was removed before final passage. The enacted version does not contain that cap.
The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee’s explanation also describes an amendment removing language that would have barred structural security measures from improving a property or increasing its value. The final text retains the requirement that those measures be intended solely for security.
Spending records remain available to the public
Committees authorizing security spending must keep receipts, invoices and contracts under the state’s campaign-finance record-retention requirements. Those documents are public records, although plans, designs or schematics revealing the type or location of installed security measures cannot be publicly disclosed.
Equipment and ongoing services purchased under the law remain campaign assets. They must be appropriately disposed of when the campaign closes or the officeholder leaves office. The final version permits devices and equipment to be sold for cost or another reasonable value; it does not require a sale in every case.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Paul Sarlo and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak. The Legislature’s bill history records a 40–0 Senate vote and a 51–12 Assembly vote, with nine abstentions, before the governor’s signature.
The law directs the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission to adopt implementing rules. Its requirements for the purpose of the expenditure, documentation and prohibited payments apply under the new authorization.