It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State that heat, light, power, sanitation, transportation, communication, and water are life essentials of the people; that the possibility of labor strike in utilities operating under governmental franchise is a threat to the welfare and health of the people; that utilities operating under such franchise are clothed with public interest, and the State’s regulation of the labor relations affecting such public utilities is necessary in the public interest.

It is further declared to be the policy of this State that after the taking of possession of any public utility by the State pursuant to the provisions of section thirteen hereof, such public utility shall become for purposes of production and operation a State facility and the use and operation thereof by the State in the public interest shall be considered a governmental function of the State of New Jersey.

L.1946, c. 38, p. 87, s. 1. Amended by L.1947, c. 75, p. 447, s. 3.