Critics criticize NJ Gov. Murphy for Public Records Overhaul Bill

Critics are criticizing New Jersey Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy for signing a measure that restricts access to government records due to concerns about potential corruption.

The new legislation revamps New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act, potentially making it more challenging for the media and the public to retrieve certain documents, as reported by The Hill.

This legislation also restricts access to government text and email communications and allows agencies to charge higher fees for releasing information, even if it is not always complete.

Furthermore, the law makes it more difficult for attorneys to recover fees in cases where requests are wrongfully denied by agencies, according to The Hill.

In a statement upon signing the bill, Murphy acknowledged that the changes may disappoint some but insisted that the modifications are relatively minor.

“Before discussing the merits of the bill, I understand that this decision will disappoint many members of the advocacy community, including various social justice, labor, and environmental organizations,” Murphy stated. “I have listened to the objections raised against the bill, which are made in good faith and with good intentions.”

“If I believed that this bill could contribute to corruption in any way, I would not hesitate to veto it,” Murphy assured.

Despite this, critics remain skeptical.

The League of Women Voters of New Jersey expressed their discontent in a post on X, calling the move a “dark day” for democracy.

Similarly, the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ described the bill as a “travesty” and a “major blow” to transparency in a statement.

Proponents of the legislation argue that it aims to assist clerks who handle numerous public records requests, as reported by The Hill.