March 15, 2010 - Tracking Legislation and Other Items Important to the NJ Business Community
 
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
 
 Cabinet nominations reported from the Senate
 The Senate confirmed Bret Schundler to be Department of Education Commissioner 35-2, and James Simpson to be Department of Transportation Commissioner 38-0. Schundler was the mayor of Jersey City from 1992 to 2001 and previously served as COO of King’s College in New York City. Simpson served as administrator for the Federal Transit Administration and as a New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority Commissioner. He also was the director of the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce.
 
 Cabinet nominations reported from the Senate Judiciary Committee
 The nomination of Raymond P. Martinez to be chief administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission was released from committee. Prior to his nomination by Governor Christie, Martinez was the Deputy U.S. Chief of Protocol and Diplomatic Affairs for the U.S. Department of State and the White House. He also served from 2000 to 2005 as New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner under Governor George Pataki.
 
 The nomination of Dr. Janet F. Rosenzweig to be Department of Children and Families Commissioner was released from committee. From 2001 through 2007, Dr. Rosenzweig served as executive director of Prevent Child Abuse NJ where she managed statewide parent education, early childhood and family support programs. She served from 1992 through 2001 as the director of the Mercer County Department of Human Services. In that role she oversaw multiple divisions including Child and Family Services, Mental Health, Disabilities, Youth Services, Community Services, the Office on Aging and the Juvenile Detention Center.
 
 The nomination of Jennifer Velez, Esq. to be Department of Human Services Commissioner was released from the committee. Velez is an attorney who was named commissioner by Governor Corzine in 2007. She previously served as deputy commissioner for the Department’s Family and Community Services. From 1998 to 2003, she was a senior associate counsel in the Governor’s Office.
 
 The nomination of Gary M. Lanigan to be Department of Corrections Commissioner was released from the committee. Lanigan currently serves as director of Budgets and Financial Management at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority where he manages the direction and financial planning of the MTA’s $11 billion operation budget. He previously served in the New York City Department of Corrections under both the Giuliani and Bloomberg administrations.
 
 COMMERCE
 
 Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee
 Improving NJ’s Corporate Governance - A-2420/S-895 (Diegnan/D-18; Barnes/D-18; Coughlin/D-19; Watson Coleman/D-15; Lampitt/D-6; Gill/D-34; Sarlo/D-36): Committee passed. Eliminates the 10-day waiting period for certain shareholder actions. This waiting period can create inefficiencies and delays in transactions. This bill was modeled on Delaware General Corporation Law and will make it easier for corporations to conduct business. Contact: Mary Ellen Peppard
 
 Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee A-2420/S-895 Vote:
 Coutinho, Albert (Chair) - Yes; Lampitt, Pamela (Vice Chair) - Yes; Fuentes, Angel - Yes; Quigley, Joan – Yes; Watson Coleman, Bonnie – Yes; Bucco, Anthony - Yes; McHose, Alison Littell – Yes
 
 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
 
 Land Use/Time of Application – S-82 (Rice/D-28; Van Drew/D-1): Senate passed 26-8. This legislation states that development regulations which are in effect on the date of submission of a development application shall govern the review of the application and any decision made with regard to the application. Current law allows zoning and land use regulations to be changed during the application process, adding instability to the development process. The State Chamber supports this legislation because it ensures predictability for applicants. Reforming the process to provide developers with consistent rules could also serve to bolster the state's business attraction and retention efforts and make New Jersey more competitive with neighboring states. Contact: Mary Ellen Peppard
 
 ENERGY
 
 Exempting Solar Panels From Impervious Cover Designation – S-921 (Smith/D-17; Beck/R-12; Beach/D-6; Bateman/R-16): Senate passed 36-0. Exempts solar panels from being designated as an impervious surface or impervious cover. This legislation would apply to the various laws relating to municipal land use, agricultural development, stormwater management, and the Highlands. Removing this impediment will help expedite solar projects around the state and show those in the solar industry that New Jersey is serious about promoting the “green economy”. Contact: Michael Egenton
 
 TRANSPORTATION
 
 Communication Exemption For Truckers – S-1429 (Madden/D-4; Girgenti/D-35): Senate passed 38-0. Exempts the use of a CB radio or a two-way radio by operators of commercial motor or authorized emergency vehicles from the current ban on using cell phones or other mobile communications devices while driving. Contact: Michael Egenton

Trenton Watch is a publication of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. Thumbs up and down indicates the chamber’s support or opposition to issues. Questions? Call the State Chamber Government Relations Department at (609) 989-7888. Comments are always welcome.