What happens if a custodian knowingly and willfully violates OPRA for the first time?

A custodian who knowingly and willfully violates the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) for the first time is subject to a fine of $1,000. This provision is designed to emphasize the importance of transparency and accessibility of public records. The law intends to hold custodians accountable for their actions while still allowing for a focus on correction and improvement rather than outright termination or excessive penalties on a first offense.

The automatic imposition of a fine reinforces the seriousness of the violation and serves as a deterrent for similar conduct in the future. This approach encourages custodians to adhere to the regulations set forth in OPRA while also acknowledging that first-time violations may not warrant more severe consequences, such as job loss or mandatory training sessions without a fine.