Seeking to promote one of the state’s top industries, the state Assembly passed a bill that would reduce red tape for biotechnology firms seeking permits.
Biotechnology refers to medical research that helps develop cures to deadly and debilitating diseases. New Jersey has more than 116 biotechnology companies, making it the nation’s fourth-largest center for the biotech industry. More than 20 of these companies are publicly held. In all, biotech companies occupy over 3 million square feet of space in New Jersey and employ nearly 6,000 people.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Assembly Speaker Anthony Impreveduto (32nd Dist. – Secaucus, Jersey City, North Bergen and Kearny) and Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, would speed up the regulatory and permit processes for such firms. If also approved by the state Senate and signed into law by Gov. Jim McGreevey, the bill would create a Biotechnology Permit Acceleration Task Force within the Department of Environmental Protection. This task force would coordinate and speed up the review and issuing of permits to companies doing biotechnological work. The task force would also look to develop policies to lower the costs of permits for such companies in the business sector.
“With the passage of the stem-cell research legislation [last December], New Jersey has enhanced its position as a biotechnology state,” Impreveduto said. “There is tremendous economic growth potential in the development of this rapidly expanding industry.”
The task force would be comprised of DEP employees and would also develop rules and regulations for departmental actions designed to promote the products and services, making them commercially viable in the everyday life of the public.
By studying how New Jersey would benefit from the growth of the biotechnology industry, Impreveduto said the state will be better able to track rapid technological advances and respond more quickly to the industry’s regulatory needs. In addition, the bill would maintain existing environmental standards while providing a means to ease regulations.
Increase Saturday Motor Vehicle Agency hours
Impreveduto also announced expanded Saturday hours at the state’s 45 motor vehicle agency offices. As part of the state’s consumer reforms enacted by the state legislature last year, motor vehicle offices are now open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
“For the first time in nearly 15 years, New Jersey drivers won’t have to request time off work or wait in a long line at night to transact business at a motor vehicle office,” Impreveduto said. “Saturday hours are making the state’s motor vehicle regulator operation more accessible and responsive to drivers.”
Under the Fix DMV law, additional consumer-friendly improvements were implemented including a new telephone information center, expanded online customers’ services, mandated customer service training for more vehicle agency employees and revamped waiting areas at agency offices.
The overhaul measure also called for an increased police presence and additional security cameras alarms and locks to prevent corruption and fraud at the agencies.
“Consumers who frequent motor vehicle offices on Saturday or any other day of the week are seeing tangible benefits of the Fix DMV reform initiative,” Impreveduto said. “We are committed to ensuring accountability and good service in government operations, like the state’s motor vehicle licensing and inspection systems.”