This bill establishes the Open Public Records Act Study Commission, consisting of 11 members, to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) in New Jersey. The commission will include representatives from various sectors, including the media, law enforcement, municipal governance, and legal experts, ensuring a diverse perspective on the challenges and successes of OPRA since its adoption in 2001. The commission's responsibilities will include reviewing the statute's application, assessing the impact of technology and legal rulings, balancing public access with privacy rights, and examining the use of OPRA for commercial purposes.

The commission is tasked with holding public hearings, gathering testimony, and ultimately reporting its findings and recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor within one year of its formation. The commission will operate without compensation for its members but can incur necessary expenses within budgetary limits. It will dissolve 30 days after submitting its final report. This initiative is in response to the need for a thorough review of OPRA to ensure it meets the public's demand for transparency while addressing the complexities involved in its application.