New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1280

Introduced
2/3/22  

Caption

Exempts certain essential individuals and businesses from certain requirements in state of emergencies or public health emergencies.

Impact

Should S1280 be enacted, it will affect existing emergency management regulations by specifically designating certain professions and retail sectors as exempt from shutdown orders during states of emergency or public health emergencies. This change would reinforce the ability of essential services to remain operational during times of crisis, potentially minimizing disruptions in service delivery for crucial sectors of the economy, particularly those related to construction and public safety. This would also empower the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs to broaden the list of exempt professions if deemed necessary for public welfare.

Summary

Senate Bill S1280 proposes exemptions for certain essential individuals and businesses from the requirements imposed during a state of emergency or public health emergency in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill identifies individuals and businesses involved in electrical contracting, HVACR contracting, plumbing, and those selling building materials as essential services that may operate without adhering to specified mandates of closure or isolation during such emergencies. This legislative measure is significant in ensuring continuity of critical services that are often necessary for public safety and infrastructure maintenance during crises.

Contention

While proponents of S1280 argue that such exemptions are vital to ensure that essential services can operate uninterrupted during emergencies, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for misuse of the classification of essential services. There could be fears about a lack of transparency and oversight in determining which additional occupations might be deemed essential. Such apprehensions reflect the balance that needs to be maintained between protecting public health and ensuring the operational capability of businesses critical to immediate emergency response and public safety.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S491

Exempts certain essential individuals and businesses from certain requirements in state of emergencies or public health emergencies.

NJ HB2489

Public health emergencies; essential medicines

NJ A2140

Exempts protective face coverings from sales and use tax during public health emergencies.

NJ A2069

Exempts protective face coverings from sales and use tax during public health emergencies.

NJ AB2887

Statewide emergencies: mitigation.

NJ H1337

Emergencies

NJ A214

Prohibits use of deposit funds by event venues for certain purposes; establishes certain requirements for event venues during declared public health emergencies.

NJ H1535

Emergencies

NJ AB2576

Emergencies: health care.

NJ S462

Requires licensed providers of long-term skilled nursing care to establish permanent morgue for use in non-emergent periods and supplemental morgue space for use in public emergencies.

Similar Bills

NJ S491

Exempts certain essential individuals and businesses from certain requirements in state of emergencies or public health emergencies.

CA AB3251

Accountancy.

CA AB1687

California Emergency Services Act: Governor’s powers: suspension of statutes and regulations.

MI SB0665

Courts: district court; magistrate qualifications; modify. Amends secs. 8501 & 8507 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.8501 & 600.8507).

CA SB337

Child support.

NJ S233

Provides for certain group home licensees to obtain Medicaid reimbursement for reservation of beds used by residents on therapeutic leave.

NJ S378

Provides for certain group home licensees to obtain Medicaid reimbursement for reservation of beds used by residents on therapeutic leave.

CA AB279

Intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities: COVID-19.