With everything going on in the world and the increased fear of anti-Semitic attacks across the globe, I wanted to drop a little knowledge on you all. Arizona has always been a forward thinking RKBA state. This is a policy analysis of a bill we (AZCDL/AZFITA) advocated for this past session. Senator Gowan had a great piece of legislation but it stalled in the House.
Policy Analysis of SB1713 in the Context of Global Security Threats Against Jewish Communities
In a rapidly evolving security landscape, nonprofit
organizations, particularly religious establishments, have increasingly been
the targets of terrorist activities and hate crimes. The rising threat level is
not confined to any one geographical location but has global implications. A
case in point is the "day of rage" threat by Hamas against Jewish
populations worldwide[1].
Against this backdrop, Arizona's Senator David Gowan[2]
had introduced Senate Bill 1713[3]
which aimed to provide funding for safety and security projects to nonprofit
organizations at high risk of terrorist attacks or hate crimes[4].
This analysis seeks to explore the potential efficacy of SB1713 in helping
synagogues in Arizona bolster their security infrastructure in the face of such
international threats.
Summary of SB1713
SB1713 would have established the Arizona State
Nonprofit Security Grant Program, designed to allocate up to $1,000,000
in grant funding per year, with a per-organization cap of $100,000. The fund is
sourced from a $5,000,000 appropriation from the state general fund for fiscal
year 2023-2024 and may include grants, gifts, and donations[5].
The program focuses on "target hardening" measures, covering internal
and external facility security enhancements based on vulnerability assessments.
To qualify, applicants must either have been denied federal nonprofit security
grants or have been unable to apply due to fiscal constraints[6].
Contextualizing SB1713 in the Global Security Environment
The bill could have been considered a proactive measure,
particularly pertinent in the context of global threats like the "day of
rage" by Hamas. Jewish establishments, such as synagogues, which are part
of the nonprofit sector, could have especially benefited from this legislation.
In the face of international threats, having a well-defined local framework
that enables nonprofits to shore up their security measures is not just
beneficial but increasingly necessary.
Strengths of SB1713 in Addressing Global Threats
1. Financial Accessibility: The grant amounts,
although capped, can make a significant difference for smaller establishments
that may not have access to substantial resources.
2. Inclusive Criteria: The inclusive nature of
the application criteria ensures that organizations denied federal assistance
can still seek state aid[7].
3. Targeted Security Measures: SB1713’s focus
on "target hardening" allows organizations to invest in specialized
security measures, which could be pivotal in the case of an actual threat[8].
Limitations and Policy Recommendations
1. Funding Cap: The $100,000 annual cap may be
insufficient for larger facilities requiring more complex security apparatuses.
Policymakers may need to revisit this ceiling, especially for organizations at
higher risk.
2. Vulnerability Assessment Criteria: The bill
relied heavily on self-assessment or vendor-contracted assessments, which may
introduce bias or conflict of interest. Incorporating third-party assessments
might provide a more balanced view.
3. Geopolitical Relevance: While the bill is a
step in the right direction, it may not be fully equipped to deal with threats
originating from international terrorist organizations. Collaboration with
federal and international intelligence agencies can help in making more
informed assessments and action plans.[9]
4. Application Complexity: For some small nonprofits, the application process may be daunting, potentially discouraging them from seeking these vital funds. A simplified application process for organizations with limited resources may be more equitable.
Arizona's SB1713 would have served as a pertinent
legislative response to the escalating risks of hate crimes and terrorist
attacks targeting nonprofit organizations, including religious entities such as
synagogues. When contextualized against global threats like Hamas' "day of
rage," the bill offered a crucial financial and infrastructural support
mechanism. However, like any policy, it has limitations that need to be
addressed. By revising funding caps, incorporating impartial vulnerability
assessments, enhancing geopolitical intelligence sharing, and simplifying the
application process, SB1713 could serve as a more comprehensive protective
measure for nonprofits at risk, aligning state policies more closely with
international security imperatives.
[1]
Davies, E., Hermann, P., & Natanson,
H. "D.C. Area to Boost Security Friday After Call for Hamas 'Day of
Rage.'" The Washington Post, Oct. 12, 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/10/12/dc-hamas-day-rage-protests-friday/.
[2] Senator David Gowan
profile https://www.azleg.gov/senate-member/?legislature=56&legislator=2127
[3] Senate Bill 1713, 56th
Legislature, 1st Regular Session. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/56leg/1R/bills/SB1713S.pdf
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] SB1713
[8] FEMA. (2021). Nonprofit
Security Grant Program. Retrieved from https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security
[9] Council on Foreign Relations.
(2020). Global Conflicts and Their Implications for U.S. National Security.
Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/
