What is the Open Public Records Act (OPRA)?

OPRA is the State statute that replaces the old “Right to Know Law” which governs the public’s access to government records in New Jersey. The law is compiled in the statutes as N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.

Specifically, OPRA is intended to expand the public’s right of access to government records, create an administrative appeals process if access is denied, and define what records are and are not “government records. The terms “Government Records” or “Public Records” generally include those records determined to be accessible by the public in accordance with OPRA. The term does not include documents exempt as per OPRA or other material specifically exempted by law. Please click here for a list of OPRA exemptions.

If your request for access to a government record has been denied or unfilled within the seven (7) business days required by law, you have a right to challenge the decision to deny access. At your option, you may either institute a proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey or file a complaint with the Government Records Council (“GRC”) by completing the Denial of Access Complaint Form. You may contact the GRC by toll-free telephone at 866-850-0511, by mail at PO Box 819, Trenton, NJ, 08625, or at this webpage. The Council can also answer other questions about the law. All questions regarding complaints filed in Superior Court should be directed to the Union County Superior Court Civil Division, or call (908) 787-1650.

Download OPRA Request Form

OPRA Request Form