summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 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. It requires requesters to certify that their requests are not for commercial purposes and imposes fines for intentionally failing to do so: $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second, and $2,000 for subsequent offenses. These penalties can be enforced by courts or the Government Records Council. The bill also clarifies that the news media, and certain other 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 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S581 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/581_I1.HTM |
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