Statement

Dark Day for Transparency and Accountability as Governor Signs Bill Gutting Public Records Law

New changes to OPRA undermine transparency, accountability, and democracy in New Jersey.

By

Published on Jun 5, 2024 in Democracy and Media

Earlier today, Governor Murphy signed a bill that would gut New Jersey’s public records law, making it harder for the public to access data, records, and documents that their state and local governments produce. Despite being opposed by nearly all public testimony and 81 percent of the public in polling, this law will now make it easier for governments to deny records requests, impose costs on requestors, and escape accountability for unlawful denials. In response, New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) issues the following statement.

Nicole Rodriguez, President, NJPP:

“This law is bad policy, bad politics, and bad news for anyone who believes that government should work for the people and not for special interests. Public records are how we shine a spotlight on corruption and hold officials accountable when they’re not doing what’s best for their communities. New Jersey just took a big step forward with our first primary election without ‘the line’ on the ballot, and now the state is taking two even bigger steps backward. This is a dark day for transparency, accountability, and democracy in New Jersey.”

# # #

Author

  • Nicole Rodriguez, President, is an experienced public policy leader who advocates for equitable solutions that center communities’ needs with racial, social, and economic justice.

    Before joining New Jersey Policy Perspective as Research Director, Nicole was senior researcher at Community Labor United (CLU) — an organization that brings community and labor partners together to speak in one voice on issues affecting working families throughout Greater Boston. Nicole drove strategic campaigns with rigorous research and leadership that stabilized and strengthened low-paid families and communities of color.

    Before that, Nicole worked as senior policy analyst for the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, an independent research organization that produces nonpartisan policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations to improve the lives of low- and middle-income residents and strengthen the state’s economy. Nicole wrote numerous reports focusing on family economic security and the state budget.
Donate Now

Like this publication?

Please consider supporting NJPP.

Your support powers the research, communications, and partnership building necessary to make policy work for people, so every New Jerseyan can achieve their goal for a healthy and vibrant life.