New Jersey Senate approves Port Authority changes

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's state Senate has passed a bill designed to improve transparency and accountability at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The bill grew out of reaction to issues exposed by lane closings near the George Washington Bridge last year. Those closures appear to have been politically motivated.

Provisions include protections for whistleblowers and requirements for board members to file financial disclosure statements. Toll hikes also would get more scrutiny with a requirement that they be cleared through an independent assessment and subject to six public hearings.

Both chambers of the New York Legislature have approved the changes. New Jersey's Assembly has not yet taken action.

The bistate authority runs bridges and tunnels connecting New Jersey and New York City, as well as the region's major airports.
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