Which entity retains the authority to determine the accessibility of certain government records?

The municipal clerk plays a crucial role in determining the accessibility of certain government records at the local level. This position is responsible for managing and maintaining public records, ensuring compliance with state laws, and facilitating public access to information. The municipal clerk has the authority to interpret relevant statutes concerning public records, guiding the public on what records are available for inspection and the procedures for obtaining them.

In New Jersey, the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) empowers the municipal clerk to oversee the adherence to public records laws, allowing for transparency while also protecting sensitive information. This authority is specific and localized, as it pertains to the governance of municipal records rather than broader jurisdictional entities like state governments or federal agencies, which have separate and varied responsibilities regarding record accessibility.