The Government Records Council (GRC) announced the availability of the Adoptable Open Public Records Act (OPRA) Request Form through a new portal on its website. This platform enables agencies at all government levels to adopt the GRC’s updated OPRA request form, which includes specific contact information.
Effective September 3, 2024, P.L. 2024, c. 16 mandates that all agencies subject to OPRA must "adopt the form established by the Government Records Council . . . for the use of any person who requests access to a government record held or controlled by the public agency." The revised model OPRA request form now incorporates certifiable statements addressing commercial purposes and pending litigation under [Requestor Information], new and amended exemptions under [Reasons for Denial], and updates to reflect relevant provisions.
Agencies can access this portal via the GRC website at Government Records Council (GRC) | Adoptable OPRA Request Form (nj.gov).
The GRC aims to ensure transparency in New Jersey government through OPRA. Since its inception in 2001, the GRC has worked on adjudicating complaints about denial of access and educating both the public and government employees via online materials, training sessions, and an inquiry hotline. The GRC remains dedicated to facilitating open government in New Jersey.
The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) offers various programs and services including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, fire safety, building safety, community planning and development, disaster recovery and mitigation, historic preservation, and information privacy.
