The Assembly Regulated Professions Committee voted to release Assembly Bill 5,684, a measure that would update state rules for scrap metal businesses by requiring quarterly audits of records, prohibiting certain materials on site, and mandating on‑site fire suppression systems that can be remotely operated.

The bill posted to the committee gives businesses five years to install the required fire suppression systems and requires facilities to employ or contract with individuals trained in fire suppression. Sponsor testimony and a written sponsor letter said the bill was developed after a four‑alarm fire at the EMR Metal Recycling Center in Camden on Feb. 21, 2025, and in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and impacted Camden residents.

Industry witnesses told the committee they supported addressing fire risk but asked for changes. Frank Bridal of the Recycled Materials Association (REMA) testified the measure is overly broad, explaining the facility that prompted the bill was a metal shredder operation and that the proposed requirements would apply to a wide range of recyclers regardless of size or processing type. Bridal said remotely operated suppression systems can carry monthly monitoring costs “alone of $3,000 per unit” and that some yards would need multiple units, adding significant expense and infrastructure challenges.

Ray Cantor of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association also urged more specificity, noting the bill does not define “scrap metal dealer” and could capture small businesses that do not operate shredders. Environmental advocates, including Jasmine Tullis of the League of Conservation Voters and representatives from Sierra Club and Environment New Jersey, testified in favor, citing air quality, public‑health and worker‑safety concerns tied to recent large fires.

Committee members discussed redundancy with existing federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance and local fire‑department oversight. Several members urged the industry and sponsor to convene a roundtable to refine definitions, training standards and technical specifications before later legislative steps. Chairman Stanley said he would move the bill out of committee for further consideration while the sponsor and stakeholders work on amendments.

Action: the committee recorded a motion to release Assembly Bill 5,684; one member abstained citing need for amendments and clarifications, the clerk announced the bill was released. Committee discussion noted the need for additional specificity on facility types, training standards, applicability of OSHA rules, and possible local‑level coordination.

The committee posting included the sponsor’s written testimony linking the bill to the Camden fire, the five‑year installation timeline for suppression systems, and proposed quarterly audits of receipt records.