Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ) expressed disappointment over Governor Phil Murphy’s signing of Bill S2930, which significantly alters the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). NJ-SPJ President P. Kenneth Burns issued a statement condemning the bill and its implications.
“We are disappointed that Gov. Phil Murphy has signed Bill S2930, which drastically changes the Open Public Records Act. We refuse to call this the reform that Sen. Paul Sarlo wants to sell this as,” Burns stated. “While we agree with the governor that laws must keep up with the times, this bill does the opposite. It will make it much harder to obtain public records. There will be no incentive for any agency or government to follow the law. Anyone who wants to betray the public trust will now have an easier time to do so.”
Burns highlighted that, despite passing with bipartisan support, the bill has faced broader bipartisan criticism. “Sen. Anthony Bucco might have been a prime sponsor of the bill, but he did not vote for it. We would like to know why he didn’t take a stand, but OPRA already prevents us from finding out.”
He emphasized that time will reveal the negative impact of the bill on New Jersey. “Sadly, when this happens, the Legislature will not be as quick to implement the necessary changes,” Burns warned.
NJ-SPJ Board Member Isaac Avilucea added, “Gov. Murphy’s reasons for signing this bill read like a vapid monologue of caveats and self-congratulations. Well, congratulations, Governor. History will remember this as the day you signed OPRA’s death warrant.”
