This bill proposes significant amendments to New Jersey's open public records act, focusing on enhancing public access to government records while ensuring the protection of personal information. Key insertions include provisions that require public agencies to safeguard citizens' personal information, particularly in cases where disclosure could lead to harassment or identity theft. The bill also introduces definitions for "commercial purpose" and "data broker," clarifying the use of government records for profit. Additionally, it outlines specific categories of confidential information, such as personal identifying information of minors and sensitive records related to public safety and higher education institutions.

The legislation also revises the procedures for accessing government records, mandating that requestors certify their status as data brokers and prohibiting the sale of data obtained through records requests. It establishes clearer guidelines for both requestors and custodians, including the requirement for custodians to respond to requests within specified timeframes and the introduction of a standardized request form. The bill enhances the enforcement mechanisms of the Government Records Council, allowing it to impose civil penalties on public agencies for unreasonable denials of access and requiring expedited resolution of complaints. Furthermore, it allocates $8 million to support these changes, reflecting a commitment to improving transparency while balancing privacy and security concerns.

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