Bill > S3137

This bill, known as the "New Jersey Open Data Initiative," mandates that state departments and agencies make certain data available to the public on a dedicated, easily navigable internet website managed by the Department of the Treasury. This initiative aims to increase transparency, encourage public engagement, and stimulate innovation by providing free access to government data, defined as final versions of statistical or factual information in a digital, machine-readable format. While the bill promotes the concept of "open data," meaning data that can be freely used and republished, it explicitly excludes information protected by law, contracts, or that is proprietary, and it will not require departments to make data available upon demand. The State Treasurer will establish policies and procedures, including technical standards, to ensure data is accessible and useful, and state entities will be protected from liability for data inaccuracies unless there is gross negligence or intentional misconduct.