Boston (AP)  -- The state Senate is expected to debate its version of a state budget proposal on Wednesday as a series of other major bills appear to be picking up speed toward possible enactment into law.

With the end of the Legislature's formal two-year session approaching this summer, the House recently approved its version of the state budget. A conference committee is expected to be required to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions.

Action also is expected in coming weeks on a series of bills supported by Gov. Deval Patrick, including:

-- Legislation designed to protect the state's coastal waters by requiring that all decisions about development in the state-controlled waters conform to a single management plan. The bill has the backing of Democratic leaders, virtually guaranteeing its passage, and the Senate unanimously approved the compromise version of the bill Thursday.

-- A clean energy bill that would require the state to gradually increase its reliance on renewable forms of power, from solar to wind to geothermal. The bill fits in with Patrick's push to make Massachusetts a renewable energy hub for the nation.

-- The governor's $1 billion, 10-year life sciences bill, which he hopes will do for stem cell and other kinds of cutting edge biologically based sciences what he hopes the energy bill will do renewable energy technology.