New Jersey OPRA Reform Bill Would Undermine Government Transparency

In a stunning rebuke to government transparency, the state Legislature passed a bill this month that, if signed by Gov. Phil Murphy, would block New Jersey's Open Public Records Act and severely undermine the public's right to know in the Garden State.

The passage would reverse decades of progress in providing access to public records at the local, county, and state levels, raising the alarm of government overreach by the public and my colleagues at the New Jersey Reporters Association. This is my opinion.

In a previous editorial, Governor Murphy made it clear that the bill should not be signed. Governor, we stand firm in that belief. Please do not sign this bill.

Tell your legislators how you feel: Stand up for transparency

If you are concerned about the future of OPRA and the public's access to government data, we strongly encourage you to contact the legislators in Trenton who sponsored this bill. We will provide you with a phone number so you can call the district office to express your concerns and share your thoughts.