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

S 491 exempts licensed electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and businesses selling building materials or hardware from mandatory business closures or isolation requirements during New Jersey's state or public health emergencies. The bill directly affects these specific licensed professionals and retail businesses by allowing them to continue operations when emergency orders would otherwise force closures. It also gives the Director of Consumer Affairs authority to later add more licensed professions to the exemption list. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.