This bill proposes comprehensive amendments to New Jersey's laws governing access to government records, with a strong emphasis on protecting personal information while enhancing public access. Key insertions include definitions for "commercial purpose" and "data broker," which clarify the use of government records for profit and the role of businesses that sell personal information without direct consumer relationships. The bill mandates that public agencies safeguard personal information to prevent misuse, exempts certain sensitive records from public access, and expands the list of confidential information. It also allocates $8 million for implementation, reflecting a commitment to transparency while balancing privacy concerns.

Additionally, the bill modifies the responsibilities of records custodians, requiring them to redact sensitive information and establish clearer timelines for responding to requests. It introduces new procedures for requestors, including certifying the purpose of their requests and disclosing if they represent data brokers. The Government Records Council's structure and responsibilities are also revised, with new penalties for violations and a timeline for resolving complaints. The bill further establishes a Police Record Access Improvement Task Force and allocates $4 million for grants to enhance electronic accessibility of government records. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the access process while ensuring the protection of sensitive information and the rights of crime victims.

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