The Government Records Council’s (GRC) “Adoptable OPRA request form” portal is now live. Records Custodians may now begin using the portal to create their newly required OPRA request forms.
Starting September 3, 2024, the provisions of P.L. 2024, c. 16, which reformed and modernized the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), will take effect. One of the new provisions is that all agencies subject to OPRA must adopt the records request form created by the GRC.
Should your agency have the technological capability to replace the existing logos at the top of page 1 of the adopted OPRA request form with agency-specific logos, you are permitted to do so. Your agency should ensure that the form is readily available and easily accessible to the public.
Should your agency offer this form in an electronic format, note that OPRA requires you to include specific directions on how to submit it on your website pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f).
Please note that if your agency also offers an online request platform, it should be updated to reflect the new form requirements contained in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f) and N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(g) (and specifically requiring the inclusion of the “commercial purpose” and “litigation” questions added to the “Requestor Information” box).
You may also consider comparing any text discussing OPRA, the request process, and/or directions on how to file complaints within relevant webpages to the adopted OPRA request form and make changes if and where applicable. All public agencies subject to OPRA should adopt the established OPRA request form in addition to any online portals.
Beginning September 3, 2024, records custodians should discontinue use of any old OPRA request forms, removing them from circulation and replacing them with the new form adopted by the GRC.
Any questions or issues with the portal or the new form should be directed to the GRC at Government.Records@dca.nj.gov or 609-292-6830.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.