The OPRA Alert is the GRC's periodic newsletter which is designed to inform the public and records custodians about hot topics regarding OPRA, as well as recent GRC and court decisions concerning access to government records.

 

  1. Special Statement 2021-01
     

    Click here to download Special Statement 2021-01

     

    • This Statement addresses a return to normal OPRA response time frames due to the end of the Public Health Emergency through P.L. 2021, c.103, which was enacted on June 4, 2021. (Revised September 7, 2023)
    top of page
  2. Special Statement 2020-01
     

    Click here to download Special Statement 2020-01

     

    • This Statement addresses OPRA time frames during a declared State of Emergency in light of P.L. 2020, c.10, which was enacted on March 20, 2020.
    top of page
  3. Volume 1 (July 2008)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 1 (July 2008)

    In this issue:

    • All Records of Any Governmental Agency in NJ are Open to the Public
    • The Proper Response to an OPRA Records Request is a Written One!
    • The Burden of Proof for a Lawful Denial of Access is on the Custodian
    • Broad or Unclear Request May be Denied - But Beware!
    • Draft, Unapproved Meeting Minutes - Disclosable or Not?
    • When Can a Custodian Charge a Requestor a Special Service Charge?
    • Home Addresses and Telephone Numbers - Can They Be Redacted?
    top of page
  4. Volume 2 (July 2009)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 2 (July 2009)

    In this issue:

    • OPRA Requires an Official Form, But...
    • Methods for Submitting OPRA Requests
    • What Do These Court Decisions Mean?
    • Coming Soon to the GRC's Website
    top of page
  5. Volume 2, Issue 2 (November 2009)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 2, Issue 2 (November 2009)

    In this issue:

    • Municipal Ordinances for Special Service Charges - Are They Needed?
    • GRC Analysis of Special Service Charges (Including Medium Conversion Costs)
    • Additional OPRA Resources
    top of page
  6. Volume 2, Issue 3 (June 2010)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 2, Issue 3 (June 2010)

    In this issue:

    • Public Agencies Must Charge Actual Costs to Duplicate Government Records
    • Resources for Custodians
    • Additional OPRA Resources
    top of page
  7. Volume 2, Issue 4 (June 2010)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 2, Issue 4 (June 2010)

    In this issue:

    • OPRA Fee Schedules
    top of page
  8. Volume 3, Issue 1 (September 2010)
     

    Click Here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 3, Issue 1 (September 2010)

    In this issue:

    • Governor Christie Signs OPRA Fee Legislation
    top of page
  9. Volume 3, Issue 2 (November 2010)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 3, Issue 2 (November 2010)

    In this issue:

    • Changes to OPRA's Copy Fees Become Effective Tuesday, November 9, 2010
    • Changes to Fees for Motor Vehicle Accident Reports
    top of page
  10. Volume 3, Issue 3 (March 2011)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 3, Issue 3 (March 2011)

    In this issue:

    • New Custodian's Toolkit Shines Light on Public Access to Records
    top of page
  11. Volume 4, Issue 1 (October 2012)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 4, Issue 1 (October 2012)

    In this issue:

    • Shared Services Agreements: The Impact on OPRA
    • Redactions: A Cause for Concern
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    top of page
  12. Volume 4, Issue 2 (November 2012)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 4, Issue 2 (November 2012)

    In this issue:

    • Hurricane Sandy's Impact on OPRA
    top of page
  13. Volume 4, Issue 3 (May 2013)
     

    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 4, Issue 3 (May 2013)

    In this issue:

    • GRC Welcomes Brandon D. Minde, Esq., As New Executive Director
    • OPRA Training
    • Current Denial of Access Complaint Statistics
    • Timeframes in the GRC Complaint Process
    • Mediation Timelines
    • New Meeting Agenda Format

     

    top of page
  14. OPRA Alert Volumn 5, Issue 1 (November 2022)
    Click here to download The OPRA Alert Volume 5, Issue 1 (November 2022)

    In this issue:

    • GRC Announces Major Changes to its Regulations
    top of page