What is the maximum number of business days a custodian has to respond to an OPRA request?

The maximum number of business days a custodian has to respond to an OPRA (Open Public Records Act) request in New Jersey is set at seven business days. This timeline is important because it establishes a standard for public agencies to process requests for access to government records, ensuring transparency and responsiveness. This seven-day period allows custodians time to review records, determine whether they can be released, and prepare them for disclosure.

The law emphasizes the importance of timely access to public records, and the seven-day timeframe helps to balance the need for promptness with the necessity of safeguarding any sensitive information that may be contained in those records. Understanding this timeframe is crucial for both the public making the request and the public agencies responsible for fulfilling those requests.