What is the purpose of OPRA?

The purpose of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) in New Jersey is fundamentally to provide a framework for government transparency. This law was established to ensure that citizens have the right to access government records, thus promoting accountability and openness within public agencies. By enabling access to these records, OPRA allows the public to stay informed about government actions and operations, fostering trust and participation in the democratic process.

The intent behind OPRA aligns with the broader principle that government records should be open to scrutiny, except in specific instances where access can be justifiably limited to protect sensitive information, such as personal privacy or security concerns. It is this balance of accessibility and protection that reinforces the framework for transparency rather than limiting access outright or simply facilitating requests electronically.