Support OPMA and OPRA modernization bills S106 and S107

In a move that runs counter to the public interest, some local governing bodies are adopting a resolution opposing legislation that would modernize and strengthen the state’s Open Public Meetings and Open Public Records Acts. Review the facts with our model resolution. Read More …

Editorial supporting OPRA and OPMA reform is on the mark!

The below editorial explains the need for Records and Meetings Act reform with clarity and a hint of humor. The piece is laced with wonderful quotes such as “Open government is necessary for honest government” and “[M]ost public officials aren’t interested in expanding transparency… [T]hey…do their best to creatively interpret provisions and exploit loopholes to Read More …

Governor conditionally vetoes Port Authority broad reform bill

Governor Christie has conditionally vetoed Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) broad reform legislation. Christie claims to have rejected the legislation (S-708/A-2184) because it shields union members from cooperating in investigations, and he is calling on lawmakers to back a version of the legislation similar to that adopted in New York. Both Read More …

EDITORIAL: Put openness on government’s agenda

Interpreting the term “agenda” in the the outdated OPMA, the Appellate Division ruled on Aug. 18 in Opderbeck v. Midland Park Board of Education that the board does not need to provide supplementary documents with its meeting agendas. However, the Court called for modernization of the outdated law to coincide with today’s simplified means of Read More …