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S 3656

Exempts certain inland lakes from wetlands designations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by George Borrello and 1 co-sponsor

Mandates regional residency balance on the NJ Board of Public Utilities (one member from north, central, and south regions) and requires full-time service with no outside work.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · S 3656

Summary of Bill S 3656

Note on title vs. content: The bill’s title is “Exempts certain inland lakes from wetlands designations,” but the introduced text of S 3656 establishes a regional residency requirement for the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and amends R.S.48:2-1. The summary below reflects the introduced content as provided.

Purpose and intent

  • To ensure regional geographic representation on the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) by requiring that among the five board members, at least one resides in each of the state’s northern, central, and southern regions.
  • To mandate full-time service on the board, prohibit concurrent employment, and establish appointment standards and regional balance for future members.

Key provisions and changes

  • Board composition

    • The BPU shall consist of five citizens of New Jersey.
    • At least one member must reside in each of the northern, central, and southern regions of the state.

  • Regional definitions

    • Northern region: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren counties.
    • Central region: Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Ocean, Somerset, Union counties.
    • Southern region: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem counties.

  • Full-time service and employment restrictions

    • Members shall devote their entire time to the duties of the board.
    • Members shall not engage in any occupation, profession, or other gainful employment.

  • Appointment process and terms

    • Members are appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.
    • Terms are six years, and terms continue until successors are appointed and qualified.
    • No more than three members may be from the same political party.
    • All vacancies (except expiration of term) must be filled for the unexpired term.

  • Post-enactment appointment requirements

    • For appointments after the act’s effective date, the Governor must ensure compliance with the geographic representation requirement.

  • Eligibility and efficacy

    • The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected entities and individuals

  • Primary: Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and its five appointees.
  • Governor: responsible for ensuring geographic representation in appointments.
  • Senate: involved in confirmation of nominees (advice and consent requirement).
  • Prospective appointees: must meet residency region requirements and term/party balance constraints.

Procedural history and timeline

  • Introduced: September 26, 2024
  • Initial referral: Senate Economic Growth Committee
  • Subsequent referrals: Environmental Conservation (as of January 29, 2025)
  • Status: Referred to Environmental Conservation

Sponsorship and related bills

  • Primary sponsor: Senator George Borrello
  • Cosponsor: Senator Joseph A. Griffo
  • Related/companion bills: A 5504 (companion), A 4692 (companion), S 9799 (prior-session)

Potential impact

  • Enhances geographic diversity on the BPU, potentially influencing regulatory approaches across northern, central, and southern New Jersey.
  • Creates a formal framework to maintain regional balance in future appointees, which could affect deliberations on utility policy, rates, and infrastructure through a broader representation lens.
  • May influence the pool of eligible nominees and the timing of appointments due to regional requirements and party balance constraints.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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