"Department of Commerce and Innovation Act"; establishes Department of Commerce and Innovation as principal department in Executive Branch of State government; appropriates $1 million.

The "Department of Commerce and Innovation Act" (A938) would establish a new Department of Commerce and Innovation as a principal department within New Jersey's Executive Branch, centralizing economic development efforts that have become fragmented since the 1998 abolition of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. The bill transfers existing entities including the Business Action Center, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology to the new department, along with their functions and duties. It appropriates $1 million for implementation and creates a Commissioner position to lead the department, appointed by the Governor with Senate approval. This would streamline business assistance programs and create a centralized point of contact for businesses to navigate state economic development resources.