New Jersey adopts public records overhaul but critics say it tightens access to documents

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation on Wednesday overhauling access to the state’s public records, likely making it harder for the public and media to access some documents, according to critics.

Murphy, a Democrat, acknowledged the disappointment of social justice, labor and other groups that vociferously objected to the bill.

“If I believed that this bill would enable corruption in any way, I would unhesitatingly veto it,” Murphy said. “After a thorough examination of the provisions of the bill, I am persuaded that the changes, viewed comprehensively, are relatively modest.”

The governor’s statement did little to convince critics of the measure.

“This is a dark day for our democracy- one that voters will not soon forget,” the League of Women Voters of New Jersey said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The legislation alters the state’s Open Public Records Act, which the public and journalists regularly use to obtain documents from state and local governments, including budgets, agency receipts, public salaries, correspondence and other information that is not always easy to unearth.

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