Open Public Records Act: Your Right To Access Government Records Is Protected
Open Public Records Act: Your Right To Access Government Records Is Protected
Open Public Records Act: Your Right To Access Government Records Is Protected
he Open Public Records Act (OPRA) is a New Jersey law that governs public access to government records maintained by public agencies in New Jersey.
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Emergency or security information or procedures for any buildings which, if disclosed, would jeopardize the security of the building or facility or its occupants Security measures and surveillance techniques which, if disclosed, would create a risk to the safety of persons, property, electronic data or software Communications between a public agency and its insurance carrier, administrative service organization or risk management ofce Information which, if disclosed, would give an advantage to competitors or bidders Information related to sexual harassment complaints Condential information shielded by a court order Personal identifying information, including social security numbers, credit card numbers, unlisted telephone numbers, and drivers license numbers Certicate of honorable discharge issued by the United States government Certain records of higher education institutions including research, test questions, charitable contributions or gifts, admission applications and other student records.
Special service charges may also apply if the custodian must convert the requested records into a different format. The custodian must provide you with advance notice to review any special service charges before imposing them. These charges are reserved for the extensive use of technology or labor required to respond to your records request. All special service charges must be reasonable and based on actual direct cost. Actual direct cost means the hourly rate of the lowest level employee capable of fullling the request.
Carole Chiaffarano sued the State of New Jersey for records for a salt barn.
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If a special service charge is assessed, the agency must provide an estimate and give the requestor an opportunity to accept or reject charge.
Please note that, if you plan to le in Superior Court, a complaint must be led within 45 days after you are denied the records. There is no time limit on ling a Denial of Access Complaint with the GRC. You may want to consult with an attorney prior to ling a complaint.
ACLU-NJ RESOURCES
The ACLU-NJ provides the following publications and materials to the public free of charge. If you would like to receive these materials, please email us at [email protected] or visit www.aclu-nj.org/publications Students Rights Handbook Know Your Rights cards in English, Spanish, Arabic and other languages Bust cards in English, Spanish, Portuguese and other languages Confidential Informant Report: An Exploratory Study of the Use of Condential Informants in New Jersey The Rights of Immigrants in New Jersey The ACLU-NJ speakers bureau offers speakers who can provide a program about current events, including recent ACLU cases, legislative battles, policy initiatives and the history of our organization. To request a speaker, ll out a request form at www.aclu-nj.org/speaker. We have speakers who can speak about the following topics: Civil Liberties & National Security Free Speech & Expression Gay & Lesbian Rights Immigration Open Government Police Practices Privacy Rights Racial Justice Religious Freedom Student & Youth rights Voting Rights
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