The grants are aimed at bolstering 72 organizations in the state including museums, archives, libraries and more.

The so-called "bill of rights" will give the New Jersey's Department of Banking and Insurance the authority to enforce state standards against firms that manage and collect student loans, and to leverage fines against those who violate the laws.

The measure, signed into law Tuesday by acting Gov. Sheila Oliver, will require the state's universities to provide a formal justification for why they want to raise, enact or continue the charges.

Some lawmakers say the new approach could sow confusion and anxiety among companies dependent on the incentives.

“To be clear, this committee is not planning to conduct an investigation into companies or the governor’s task force,” Chair Sen. Bob Smith said in his opening remarks at the group's first meeting Monday. “This is a deliberative proceeding intended to help the Legislature make economic development policy.”

The latest survey from Monmouth University finds New Jersey's junior senator tied with former hedge fund manager Tom Steyer at 2 percent support in the state, where the third presidential nominating contest will be held after the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary.

The former head of the Economic Development Authority’s board, Laurence Downes, will testify before lawmakers July 29 on the types of incentives that should replace the state's now-expired corporate incentives.

Port Authority officials say cashless tolling systems will be ready to go by late 2020 at the Holland Tunnel, followed by the Lincoln Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge the next year.

The massive, unfunded liability could deliver a considerable blow to the state in the event of a recession and presents a major obstacle to improving its credit ratings, according to a recent S&P analysis of the 2020 budget.

But businesses can still use the information to determine how much to pay prospective workers or what salaries they would give existing employees who get raises or promotions.

The law requires the state Department of Environmental Protection, and to some extent the Board of Public Utilities, to overhaul the timeline for how it will meet a 2050 goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and accompanying rules for monitoring and reporting.

The largest awards were $1 million each to Newark's New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and The Newark Museum.