June 5, 2024

Governor Signs OPRA Modernization Bill

Earlier today (June 5), Governor Murphy signed into law legislation to modernize and reform the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). We thank the sponsors, Senators Sarlo and Bucco and Assembly representatives Danielsen and Flynn, the legislators who voted in favor of the legislation and Governor Murphy for advancing and signing long overdue modernization. We also thank you, your governing body members, and professionals for advocating for the passage of this legislation. 

The new law will take effect in 90 days, just after Labor Day. It is imperative to remember that the existing requirements of OPRA remain in effect and the new provisions will not apply to OPRA requests submitted prior to the effective date. 

We will be holding a Lunch and Learn to review the new law at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 11. While the session is free, advanced registration is required. 

Governor Murphy issued a statement upon signing the bill discussing the merits of the bill and his rationale for signing the law. In the statement the Governor acknowledge that his decision to sign the bill will disappoint many advocates but if he “believed that this bill would enable corruption in any way, I would unhesitatingly veto it.” The Governor noted that OPRA “has not been the subject of any type of comprehensive update until now. Today’s world is very different than 2002, a time when the Internet was far less ubiquitous and there was vastly less access to individuals’ personal information.”  Governor Murphy also stated that “After a thorough examination of the provisions of the bill, I am persuaded that the changes, viewed comprehensively, are relatively modest.” 

Governor Murphy also stated that “Over a hundred mayors from both parties have asked for it to be enacted into law. I understand that some may view this support cynically, but I do not believe it is fair to dismiss an overwhelming bipartisan consensus from local elected officials. Serving in local elected office is a deeply thankless and glamour-free job, and I have consistently found mayors from both parties to be dedicated and hard-working public servants. Mayors subject themselves to constant scrutiny by their neighbors and their very own communities, especially in the age of social media, and I simply reject the idea that those calling for the bill’s passage are part of a nefarious plot to evade transparency and accountability.” 

We are planning additional educational and training opportunities in the coming weeks. We will provide you with additional information on that training shortly.  

Contact(s):   Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120 and Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.