The bill amends various sections of New Jersey's Open Public Records Act to update definitions and enhance the efficiency and accountability of the Government Records Council. Key definitions introduced include "Biotechnology," "Child protective investigator in the Division of Child Protection and Permanency," and clarifications on "Commercial purpose," which excludes certain organizations from the definition of commercial use of government records. The bill also specifies types of information that are confidential and not subject to public access, such as personal identifying information, certain criminal investigatory records, and records related to public higher education institutions.

Additionally, the bill outlines procedures for accessing government records, including the requirement for requestors to certify their requests' relation to legal proceedings and the responsibilities of custodians in providing access. It establishes a timeline for the Government Records Council to adjudicate complaints, mandates timely responses to records requests, and introduces penalties for public officials who violate the Open Public Records Act. The legislation also appropriates $10 million from the State General Fund to enhance electronic access to government records and support the Government Records Council, with the act set to take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47:1A-1, 47:1A-1.1, 47:1A-5, 47:1A-6, 47:1A-7, 47:1A-11, 47:1B-2
Advance Law: 47:1A-1, 47:1A-1.1, 47:1A-5, 47:1A-6, 47:1A-7, 47:1A-11, 47:1B-2
Pamphlet Law: 47:1A-1.1, 47:1A-5, 47:1A-6, 47:1A-7, 47:1A-11, 47:1B-2