<p>A bill that would make New Jersey the second state in the nation to expressly declare that embryonic stem cell research is permitted was proposed yesterday by the state Senate's leading Democrat.</p>
<p>Senate Co-President Richard Codey (D-Essex) said he believes the bill is necessary to make a statement against a pending proposal to impose a nationwide ban on the research, which is allowed in New Jersey. The measure also would set up procedures that would allow the donation of surplus embryos for medical research.</p>