New Jersey Legislature

OPRA is a state law that was enacted to give the public greater access to government records maintained by public agencies in New Jersey.

Government records available from Legislative offices are primarily Legislative records. If you want a government record from an Executive agency such as, for example, the Department of Education or the Department of Environmental Protection, you should go to the New Jersey website at www.state.nj.us and click on "Departments/Agencies" and then select the particular agency or department. If you are looking for New Jersey court records, visit the New Jersey Judiciary.

Further, the Open Public Records Act requires that State entities provide access to government records in their possession, with certain exceptions. The Open Public Records Act does not require or authorize State entities to provide legal services to private parties.

Finally, if you only need a copy of a New Jersey Statute (law), the New Jersey Statutes may be accessed through the Legislature's home page. Generally, the New Jersey Statutes and the New Jersey Administrative Code (Executive Branch regulations) are available at public libraries.

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Public Access to Government Records

1. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq., commonly known as the Open Public Records Act, requires that in order to request access to government records, you must complete, sign and date this request form and deliver it in person, by mail or electronically during regular business hours to the appropriate custodian of the record requested. The will not accept submission of a request form by fax. Your request is not considered filed until the request form has been received by the appropriate custodian of the record requested. If you submit the request form to any other officer or employee of the , that officer or employee does not have the authority to accept your request form on behalf of the and you will be directed to the appropriate custodian.
2. If you submit a request for access to government records to someone other than the appropriate custodian, or attempt to make a request for access by telephone, the Open Public Records Act and its deadlines, restrictions and remedies will not apply to your request.
3. The fees for duplication of a government record in printed form are listed on the front of this form. We will notify you of any special charges, special service charges or other additional charges authorized by State law or regulation before processing your request. Payment shall be made by cash, check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.

2C:28-3. Unsworn falsification to authorities

1. Statements "Under Penalty." A person commits a crime of the fourth degree if he makes a written false statement which he does not believe to be true, on or pursuant to a form bearing notice, authorized by law, to the effect that false statements made therein are punishable.
2. In general. A person commits a disorderly persons offense if, with purpose to mislead a public servant in performing his function, he:
   1. Makes any written false statement which he does not believe to be true;
   2. Purposely creates a false impression in a written application for any pecuniary or other benefit, by omitting information necessary to prevent statements therein from being misleading;
   3. Submits or invites reliance on any writing which he knows to be forged, altered or otherwise lacking in authenticity; or
   4. Submits or invites reliance on any sample, specimen, map, boundary-mark, or other object which he knows to be false.

   L.1978, c. 95, s. 2C:28-3, eff. Sept. 1, 1979. Amended by L.1981, c. 290, s. 26, eff. Sept. 24, 1981.