Please review the important information below prior to accessing the "Adoptable OPRA Request Form" Portal

 

Effective September 3, 2024, P.L. 2024, c. 16 requires all agencies subject to OPRA to “adopt the form established by the Government Records Council . . . for the use of any person who requests access to a government record held or controlled by the public agency.” N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f).

 

In accordance with this new requirement, the Government Records Council (“GRC”) has established an updated version of the old "Model OPRA request form" to include the following required items: 1) certifiable statements addressing commercial purpose and pending litigation have been added to the “Requestor Information” box; 2) new and amended exemptions have been added to the “Reasons For Denial” list, and 3) the information page has been changed to reflect relevant new and amended provisions.

 

The GRC has created an “Adoptable OPRA request form” portal which will allow agencies to adopt the GRC’s newly established OPRA request form inclusive of their specific contact information.

 

Should your agency have the technological capability to replace the existing logos at the top of page 1 of the adopted OPRA request form with agency-specific logos, you are permitted to do so. Agencies may encounter a "password" issue when trying to add their logos. This is due to an Adobe feature that for which the GRC has no control. Agencies encountering this issue may cure same by:

  • Converting the form to a Microsoft Word document, adding the logos, and then reconverting to a .pdf document (to include a writable .pdf, which is permitted); or
  • Explore using various freeware .pdf programs that can unlock the form.

Your agency should ensure that the form is readily available and easily accessible to the public.

 

Should your agency offer this form in an electronic format, note that OPRA requires you to include specific directions on how to submit same on your website pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f).

 

Please note that if your agency also offers an online request platform, same should be updated to reflect the new form requirements contained in N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(f) and N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(g) (and specifically requiring the inclusion of the “commercial purpose” and “litigation” questions added to the “Requestor Information” box). You may also consider comparing any text discussing OPRA, the request process, and/or directions on how to file complaints within relevant webpages, to the adopted OPRA request form and make changes if and where applicable. Notwithstanding, all public agencies subject to OPRA should adopt the established OPRA request form in addition to any online portals.

 

"Adoptable OPRA Request Form"

 

Questions or issues? Please contact the GRC directly via Government.Records@dca.nj.gov or 609-292-6830.