OPRA Request

Overview

OPRA stands for Open Public Records Act and is a state law that was enacted to give the public greater access to government records maintained by public agencies in New Jersey.

Submit a Request

• Submit An OPRA Request Online

• OPRA Request Form (PDF)

What is a government record?

OPRA’s definition of a government record expands the Right to Know Law’s definition, which was limited to records required by law to be maintained on file. Fourth Edition – November 2022 Page 7 of 33 OPRA specifically defines a government record as: Any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data processed or image processed document, information stored or maintained electronically or by sound-recording or in a similar device, or any copy thereof, that has been made, maintained or kept on file . . . or that has been received in the course of his or its official business . . . [N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1.1 (emphasis added).]

Simply stated, a “government record” means any record that has been made, maintained, or kept on file, or that has been received in the course of official business. OPRA covers more than just paper records. Under OPRA, a “government record” includes printed records, tape recordings, microfilm, electronically stored records and information (including e[1]mails, text messages, social media records, and data sets stored in a database), books, maps, photographs, etc. All government records are subject to public access unless specifically exempt under OPRA or any other law. There are 27 specific exemptions contained in OPRA.

What records are exempt?

• OPRA Exemptions