New Jersey's Open Public Records Act

New Jersey has given everyone the right to obtain government documents and records, from their custodians, at a reasonable cost, by requesting them in writing.  The Open Public Records Act requires a governmental records custodian to respond within seven business days after receipt of a written request.  Requests can be transmitted by mail, by facsimile, or even (if the custodian has the capacity) via email.

Many public bodies have adopted their own procedures for OPRA requests.  Many have their own forms, and have designated particular custodians for particular records.  Therefore, before you send out a request, it is good practice to telephone the governmental agency who will receive your request, and making sure who should receive it, and at what address or fax number.

If you want, you can also ask whether they have their own form, and if they do, would they send or fax it to you. &bnsp;However, the form on this website was taken from New Jersey's Government Records Council, the agency which is charged with administering and enforcing OPRA.  This form should be accepted everywhere.

If you can get your records faxed or emailed to you, you may have to pay nothing, since no hard copy is generated by the governmental agency.

Pay attention to the direction on the form so that you describe the records you seek specifically.  Agencies will not research your questions.  They respond to requests for specified records.

After the form, the remaining materials are devoted to exceptions to the records which agencies must produce.  Such exceptions are generally inapplicable, and if you want a record, request it first, and let the custodian invoke any exception if he wants to.

For further information on OPRA, the Government Records Council has an information number which is 866-850-0511.

We hope this is of use to you in any attempt to obtain public records.

Thank you.
Mark Williams

OPRA Request Form
OPRA Exceptions From Disclosure