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Bill

Bill

S 312

Establishes measures to improve safety of scrap metal businesses.*

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Nilsa Cruz-Perez and 1 co-sponsor

Requires quarterly audits of scrap metal records and mandates on-site, remotely operable fire suppression with a five-year compliance window.

Substituted by A2401 (ACS/2R)
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Bill Summary · S 312

Overview

S 312 (Session 222, New Jersey) seeks to tighten safety requirements for scrap metal businesses. The bill supplements existing scrap metal regulation by adding mandatory quarterly record audits and minimum fire-safety measures. It provides a five-year window for full compliance with the fire-suppression system requirement.

Purpose and Intent

  • Enhance safety at scrap metal facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with record-keeping and prohibited-items rules.
  • Reduce fire risk through on-site fire suppression and trained personnel.

Key Provisions

  1. Quarterly record audits

    • Each scrap metal business must conduct a quarterly audit of records retained under current law (P.L.2009, c.8; C.45:28-2, and related regulations at N.J.A.C. 7:26-2.13).
    • Audits must verify that items prohibited by law are not kept on the premises.

  2. Fire safety requirements (minimum standards)

    • Each scrap metal business must reduce fire risk by:
      • Employing or contracting individuals trained in fire suppression.
      • Installing and maintaining an on-site fire suppression system that can be remotely operated.

  3. Compliance timeline

    • The act becomes effective on the first day of the sixth month after enactment.
    • Scrap metal businesses have a five-year period (until the first day of the 60th month after enactment) to install an on-site remotely operable fire suppression system.
    • The Commissioner of Environmental Protection may take anticipatory administrative actions in advance to implement the act.

Affected Parties

  • All scrap metal businesses operating in New Jersey.
  • State regulatory agencies, particularly the Department of Environmental Protection (for enforcement and implementation).

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Effective date: First day of the sixth month after enactment.
  • Compliance window: Five years to install the remote-operable fire suppression system.
  • Administration: The DEP Commissioner may initiate preparatory actions ahead of the effective date to facilitate rollout.

Additional context

  • The bill is sponsored in part by Andrew Zwicker and Nilsa Cruz-Perez.
  • It was introduced in January 2026, referred to Commerce Committee, and later reported from the Senate Committee as a Substitute and referred to Budget and Appropriations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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