Assembly Democrats on Thursday advanced a package of bills aimed at reducing costs for New Jersey residents, marking their first major legislative action of the new session.

Speaking at the State House, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin said affordability remains a central focus of the Legislature.

“For too many families, affordability is not a single issue but an ongoing daily challenge,” Coughlin said, adding that lawmakers are seeking to lower costs related to health care, utilities, and housing.

In Trenton, the Assembly Oversight Committee advanced A3877, sponsored by Coughlin, which would offer incentives to municipalities that encourage additional housing development. Supporters say the bill is intended to increase housing supply and ease pressure on prices.

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee approved A796, sponsored by Dave Bailey Jr., which would require utilities to create special rules for large data centers to protect other customers from higher energy costs. Lawmakers also advanced A3969, sponsored by Robert Karabinchak, to expand community solar projects.

Measures addressing health insurance costs moved through the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee. These included A434, sponsored by Michael Venezia, to protect access to maintenance medications, and A1142, sponsored by Joe Danielsen, expanding requirements for prostate cancer screenings.

The committee also advanced A2550, sponsored by Rosy Bagolie, extending dependent coverage for certain adults with disabilities, and A3242, sponsored by Dan Hutchison, requiring coverage for continuous glucose monitoring systems for individuals with glycogen storage disease.