Committee releases a set of bills on energy, economic development and culture; several passed with amendments

The Senate committee meeting on June 1 advanced several bills by voice and roll-call votes, moving them out of committee for further consideration on the Senate floor.

Committee staff summarized each file and proposed technical amendments before the panel voted to amend and release the measures. Among the bills released were SB4070, which would establish a fusion energy and technology initiative at the state economic development authority and authorize the use of the Global Warming Solutions Fund to support fusion facilities; SB4135, which updates rules for higher-education redevelopment projects under the New Jersey Aspire program; and SB4255, which modifies cultural arts incentives and eliminates the community anchor development program. The committee also released SB4318, a measure directing the Board of Public Utilities to study the effect of data centers on electricity rates in the PJM interconnection region.

Most measures were recorded as released “as amended” after committee staff read the bill files and supporters were noted in favor on the record. Several business and civic groups were listed as supporting some bills but did not testify. Where roll call was recorded, the clerk read members’ votes; in a handful of cases members were noted as ‘‘on her way’’ and did not cast a vote at that time.

The committee’s public docket shows these bills will now move forward to additional legislative steps where they may be scheduled for floor votes or further amendments.