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Bill > S2415


NJ S2415

NJ S2415
Prohibits open public records requests for commercial purposes.


summary

Introduced
01/29/2024
In Committee
01/29/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill prohibits requests for access to government records for commercial purposes. The bill also requires a requestor to certify that the information requested will not be used for a commercial purpose, and a requestor who is found to have intentionally failed to certify that a records request is for commercial purposes will be subject to a fine of $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $2,000 for each subsequent offense.

AI Summary

This bill amends existing New Jersey law to prohibit individuals from requesting government records for commercial purposes, defining "commercial purpose" as using information for sale, resale, solicitation, or any use where profit is expected. To enforce this, requestors must now certify that their request is not for commercial use, and intentionally failing to do so will result in escalating fines: $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, and $2,000 for subsequent offenses, with penalties potentially imposed by courts or the Government Records Council. The bill also clarifies that the news media, and certain educational, scientific, scholarly, or governmental organizations, are exempt from this commercial purpose restriction.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/29/2024)

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