OPRA

State of New Jersey Legislative Records Request Form

Open Public Records Act (OPRA)

OPRA is a state law that was enacted to give the public greater access to government records maintained by public agencies in New Jersey.

Government records available from Legislative offices are primarily Legislative records. If you want a government record from an Executive agency such as, for example, the Department of Education or the Department of Environmental Protection, you should go to the New Jersey website at www.state.nj.us and click on "Departments/Agencies" and then select the particular agency or department. If you are looking for New Jersey court records, visit the New Jersey Judiciary.

Further, the Open Public Records Act requires that State entities provide access to government records in their possession, with certain exceptions. The Open Public Records Act does not require or authorize State entities to provide legal services to private parties.

Finally, if you only need a copy of a New Jersey Statute (law), the New Jersey Statutes may be accessed through the Legislature's home page. Generally, the New Jersey Statutes and the New Jersey Administrative Code (Executive Branch regulations) are available at public libraries.

From where would you like to receive information?

Legislative Office:

Public Access to Government Records

N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., commonly known as the Open Public Records Act, requires that in order to request access to government records, you must complete, sign and date this request form and deliver it in person, by mail or electronically during regular business hours to the appropriate custodian of the record requested. The will not accept submission of a request form by fax. Your request is not considered filed until the request form has been received by the appropriate custodian of the record requested. If you submit the request form to any other officer or employee of the , that officer or employee does not have the authority to accept your request form on behalf of the and you will be directed to the appropriate custodian.
If you submit a request for access to government records to someone other than the appropriate custodian, or attempt to make a request for access by telephone, the Open Public Records Act and its deadlines, restrictions and remedies will not apply to your request.
The fees for duplication of a government record in printed form are listed on the front of this form. We will notify you of any special charges, special service charges or other additional charges authorized by State law or regulation before processing your request. Payment shall be made by cash, check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.

The Open Public Records Act authorizes the to charge a reasonable special service charge in addition to the actual cost of duplicating the record when accommodating the request requires an extraordinary expenditure of time and effort because of the nature or required handling of the requested government record(s). You will have the opportunity to review and object to the charge prior to it being incurred. The defines an extraordinary expenditure of time to mean a number of hours spent by staff responding to a request that exceeds 7 hours. This definition is based on the size of the , the number and positions of the employees who can reasonably accommodate and respond to the request, the availability of and burden placed on the 's information technology resources, the 's copying capabilities, and the nature of the documents sought for inspection, examination, or duplication.
Requests with estimated fees exceeding $25 must be accompanied by a 50% deposit. Anonymous requests, when permitted, require a deposit of 100% of estimated fees. You agree to pay the balance due upon delivery of the records.
By State law, a custodian must deny access to a person who is convicted of an indictable offense in New Jersey, any other state, or the United States, who is seeking government records containing personal information pertaining to the person=s victim or the victim=s family.

Various privileges may apply to written documents or other materials produced for or used by members of the Legislature and Legislative Branch employees, including the employees of the . Government records may not include these types of privileged materials and access may be denied.
By law, the must notify you that it grants or denies a request for access to government records within 7 business days after the custodian of the record requested receives the request, provided that the record is currently available and not in storage or archived. If the record requested is not currently available or is in storage or archived, the custodian will advise you within 7 business days when the record can be made available and the estimated cost. You may agree with the custodian to extend the time for granting or denying your request or making records available.
You may be denied access to a government record if your request would substantially disrupt agency operations and the custodian is unable to reach a reasonable solution with you.
If the is unable to comply with your request for access to a government record, the custodian will indicate the reasons for denial on a printout of the request form and send you a signed and dated copy.
Except as otherwise provided by law or by agreement with the requestor, if the custodian of the record requested fails to respond to you within 7 business days of receiving a properly completed written, signed request form, the failure to respond will be considered a denial of your request.
If your request for access to a government record has been denied or unfilled within the time permitted by law, you have a right to challenge the decision by the to deny access. You may institute a proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey.
Information provided on this form is subject to disclosure under the Open Public Records Act, as are all responses to your request.

Amended 9/21/11

2C:28-3. Unsworn falsification to authorities

Statements "Under Penalty." A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if he makes a written false statement which he does not believe to be true, on or pursuant to a form bearing notice, authorized by law, to the effect that false statements made therein are punishable.
In general. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if, with purpose to mislead a public servant in performing his function, he:
1. Makes any written false statement which he does not believe to be true;
2. Purposely creates a false impression in a written application for any pecuniary or other benefit, by omitting information necessary to prevent statements therein from being misleading;
3. Submits or invites reliance on any writing which he knows to be forged, altered or otherwise lacking in authenticity; or
4. Submits or invites reliance on any sample, specimen, map, boundary-mark, or other object which he knows to be false.
Perjury provisions applicable. Subsections c. and d. of section 2C:28-1 and subsection c. of 2C:28-2 apply to the present section.

L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:28-3, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 26, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.