New Jersey Senate approves wide range of bills on third reading, including voting, health and energy measures

The New Jersey State Senate during its session moved and approved a large package of bills on third reading and confirmed several nominations, with most measures passing by wide margins and a small number recorded with divided votes or tallies not clearly stated in the transcript.

The measures approved included bills to add “fusion” as a type of Class I renewable energy for purposes of the state’s Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (Senate Bill 3 64); changes to tax credit and angel investor provisions (Senate Bill 31 89); an extension of certain Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women (Senate Bill 39 34); and election-law changes including an extension of early voting for primaries (Senate Bill 39 90).

Why it matters: the bills address a range of policy areas that affect state energy policy, health coverage for pregnant people, election administration and local land-use and procurement matters. Several bills make technical or programmatic changes that agencies and municipalities will implement if the governor signs them.

Key outcomes and notable votes

- Nominations: The Senate confirmed nominations presented in three lists (List 1, List 2 and an emergency List 3). The transcript records Lists 1 and 2 confirmed with unanimous tallies reported; List 3 was moved as an emergency and the nominees were confirmed following the committee consideration earlier that morning.

- Ceremonial resolution: The chamber adopted a resolution commending Jack Witsick for raising awareness of Lewy body dementia (Senate resolution introduced by Senator Moriarty and others). The resolution was adopted by voice vote.

- Bills on third reading (selected…