New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S640

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Permits municipalities and counties to require requestor of government record to obtain records from agency website.

Impact

S640 significantly alters how public records can be accessed, particularly for municipalities and counties. By encouraging digitization and utilization of online resources, the bill promotes efficiency within public agencies. However, it raises concerns about ensuring equitable access, especially for individuals lacking internet access or the ability to utilize digital platforms. The bill maintains provisions for those who cannot access the website, stipulating that requests will still be processed as per existing law. Overall, this could lead to a more streamlined process but may inadvertently disadvantage certain segments of the population who are less tech-savvy or lack the necessary resources.

Summary

Senate Bill S640 aims to enhance access to government records by permitting municipal and county agencies to require requestors to obtain records from the agency's website, provided the information is readily available online. This legislative proposal modifies existing laws to streamline the process of accessing public records, which is intended to increase transparency in government operations. Under current law, custodians are unable to mandate that requestors use their websites, but S640 changes this by establishing new requirements for custodians to provide the website address and specific locations of responsive documents. The request is considered fulfilled once this information is communicated to the requestor.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S640 include the potential for digital exclusion, as opponents argue that mandating online access could disenfranchise individuals who rely on traditional methods for obtaining government documents. Proponents, however, assert that the bill addresses contemporary needs for efficiency and transparency in government operations. The debate centers around the balance between expanding access to information while ensuring that all citizens can effectively utilize available resources, prompting discussions on the necessity of maintaining alternative methods for record request fulfillment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1664

Permits municipalities and counties to require requestor of government record to obtain records from agency website.

NJ A2817

Permits Government Records Council staff attorneys to adjudicate certain government records complaints.

NJ A5468

Permits Government Records Council staff attorneys to adjudicate certain government records complaints.

NJ A3437

Creates searchable website for certain records available through open public records request.

NJ A1235

Creates searchable website for certain records available through open public records request.

NJ A5616

Makes various changes to process for requesting access to government records.

NJ S2358

Permits government records custodians to redact certain personal information.

NJ S1262

Permits government records custodians to redact certain personal information.

NJ A2230

Permits government records custodians to redact certain personal information.

NJ A1626

Permits government records custodians to redact certain personal information.

Similar Bills

NJ S1664

Permits municipalities and counties to require requestor of government record to obtain records from agency website.

NJ A1235

Creates searchable website for certain records available through open public records request.

NJ A3437

Creates searchable website for certain records available through open public records request.

NJ A2202

Clarifies that electronic public records do not have to be converted to different electronic formats under the State's open public records law.

NJ A2541

Clarifies that electronic public records do not have to be converted to different electronic formats under the State's open public records law.

NJ A5616

Makes various changes to process for requesting access to government records.

NJ A1523

Makes certain changes to public access of government records.

NJ S1712

Makes certain changes to public access of government records.