ASSEMBLY REGULATED PROFESSIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 4295

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 12, 2025

      The Assembly Regulated Professions Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4295 (1R).

New Jersey is home to a community of approximately 400,000 Indian-Americans who are vital participants in the economic, academic, civic, and social life of the State.  New Jersey maintains close ties with India culturally and economically, as India is New Jersey’s second-largest foreign direct investor and more New Jersey residents who are immigrants hail from India than from any other country. 

     In September 2019, Governor Murphy lead a seven-day, six-city trade mission to India, with the goal of strengthening economic, cultural, and educational ties between New Jersey and India, and cultivating international investment in our State.  In the immediate aftermath of that trade mission, New Jersey secured over 1,200 new jobs from the expansion of three Indian companies with a presence in the State.  Continuing to attract international trade and investment opportunities between India and New Jersey is critical to building long-term, sustainable economic growth.  The establishment of a New Jersey-India Commission will enhance New Jersey’s ability to foster trade, investment, and cultural and educational exchanges between India and the State. 

     This bill establishes the New Jersey-India Commission.  The commission will consist of no less than 35 and no more than 45 members, who will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.  All members of the commission will serve without compensation. 

     The purpose of the commission will be to:

     advance bilateral trade and investment between New Jersey and India;

     encourage mutual economic support between New Jersey and India;

     encourage mutual investment in the infrastructure and economies of New Jersey and India;

     promote cultural and educational exchanges between New Jersey and India, including in areas of research, science, and technology;

     study and initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to New Jersey and India; and

     address similar issues as determined by the commission.

     The commission will be purely advisory in nature and will provide advice to the Governor and other executive branch departments and agencies as appropriate. 

     The commission will provide an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature.  The report will be posted on the website of the Department of State. 

     This bill is consistent with the provisions of Executive Order No. 354 of 2024, issued by Governor Murphy.