Care about public access to government records? Tell NJ legislators OPRA 'reform' is wrong

USA TODAY Network New Jersey Editorial Board
·4 min read
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In a stunning rebuke to government transparency, the Legislature this week passed legislation that, if signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, will hobble the New Jersey Open Public Records Act and badly damage the public's right to know in the Garden State.

The legislation, introduced by state Sen. Paul Sarlo, a Bergen County Democrat, and co-sponsored by state Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, and by Assemblyman Joseph Danielsen, D-Somerset, and Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn, R-Monmouth, was heralded as a reform by its supporters in the Legislature and by advocates from organizations such as the League of Municipalities. Organizations like the league have long contended that providing access to records — records paid for by taxpayers — puts an undue burden on municipal clerks, who are also paid by taxpayers.

The bill was not a reform. Instead, the legislation was an assault on the public's right to access government documents and data.

Its passage rolls back decades of progress in providing access to public records on the local, county and state levels — a perspective raised by members of the public and our colleagues across the New Jersey press corps, who warned of government overreach.

We have already urged Murphy to veto this odious legislation. And we do so again.

Murphy, who prides himself on being a leader of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, has said he is "all in on transparency."

If he signs this legislation, his legacy will be badly and permanently damaged in Trenton. A signature on this law — alongside his signature on 2023's disastrous Elections Transparency Act, which essentially defanged the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, a critical nonpartisan watchdog, and badly weakened campaign finance statutes — will tarnish Murphy's notion that he is a champion of transparency.

Trenton, NJ — February 27, 2024 -- Governor Phil Murphy's budget address for New Jersey's 2025 fiscal year.
Trenton, NJ — February 27, 2024 -- Governor Phil Murphy's budget address for New Jersey's 2025 fiscal year.

How did the Legislature vote?

The bill passed at breakneck speed this week after its reintroduction with amendments — and with majorities in both chambers.

In the state Senate, the legislation passed with 21 yes votes, 10 no votes and nine state senators not voting.

In the Assembly, it passed with 42 yes votes, 28 no votes, nine members not voting and one abstaining.

Tell your legislators how you feel: Stand up for transparency

If you care about the future of OPRA and the public's access to government data, we strongly urge you to contact legislators in Trenton who supported the measure. We've provided phone numbers and urge you to call your district offices to register your concerns and share your perpsectives.

Who voted yes in the New Jersey state Senate?

Who voted yes in the New Jersey Assembly?

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ OPRA reform: Tell NJ legislators they got it wrong