Open Public Records Act (OPRA)

What is the Open Public Records Act (OPRA)? OPRA is the State statute that replaces the old “Right to Know Law” which governs the public’s access to government records in New Jersey. The law is compiled in the statutes as N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq. Specifically,
OPRA is intended to:

• Expand the public’s right of access to government records;
• Create an administrative appeals process if access is denied; and
• Define what records are and are not “government records.”

On January 8, 2002, the Legislature passed, and the Acting Governor approved P.L.2001, c.404, known as the Open Public Records Act, which enacted changes in the law concerning public access to government records.

The law became effective July 7, 2002. This law expands the public’s right of access to government records and facilitates the way in which that access is provided by the custodian of those records.

Open Public Records Act (OPRA) – Request for government records can be obtain by submitting an OPRA request form. Please note this form is not to be used to request birth certificates.  OPRA Email: OPRARequest@camdennj.gov

Public records are also available electronically through CORA Connect, click to access CORA Connect.  Commonly requests information such as resolutions, ordinances, contracts, DEP notifications, and Semiannual Employee Residency Report are among the documents available through CORA Connect.  For additional information and instructions, click CORA Explained.