URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Contact your NJ Legislator TODAY to protect the
Open Public Records Act!

NJ's Open Records Act (OPRA) is under threat. The NJ Legislature is considering legislation (S2930/A4045) that makes government less transparent, compromises access to public records and limits the ability of the public to challenge government at every level. It also limits public access by gutting fee-shifting, putting additional burdens on the public and creating unnecessary hurdles. At the same time, the legislation does not create any real reform that would make it more efficient, easier, and faster to access records to help understand government activity and hold government accountable.  

Network members rely on OPRA to help build strong communities using it to:

• Research and address land use decisions
• Gather information on Housing Trust Funds and other programs
• Acquire public safety data to aid in neighborhood planning
• Mobilize homelessness services and so much more

Despite overwhelming opposition, the legislation is on track for passage. The bill is on the agenda this Thursday and Friday for the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Appropriations Committee, respectively. If these committees advance the legislation, it can be voted by the full Senate and Assembly as early as this coming Monday.

TAKE ACTION TODAY AND CONTACT YOUR NJ SENATOR AND ASSEMBLYMEMBERS! 

Urge your NJ legislators to OPPOSE S2930/A4045 and instead strengthen OPRA and improve government transparency and accountability. 

ACTION STEPS TO DEFEND OPRA:

1) CALL your Senate and Assemblymembers using the following script:

Hi, I'm a constituent in (name your town/city). I’m calling to ask Senator (X) to protect NJ’s Open Record Act and OPPOSE S2930/A4045. As is, this bill would decrease government transparency and make it more difficult to access public records. I’m asking Senator (X) to vote NO on S2930/A4045 and instead take steps to strengthen OPRA and improve government transparency and accountability. Thank you for taking my call.

2) Show up and be heard. Come to Trenton on Thursday and/or Friday to voice your opposition to the bill. If you cannot attend either committee hearing, please contact Matthew Hersh at [email protected] to submit a slip of opposition on your behalf.

3) Email your legislators: Click the following link from the NJ League of Women Voters to email your legislators: bit.ly/protectopra.

4) Forward to your networks: Please forward this email to everyone on your contact list and urge them to act NOW!