Open Public Records Act (OPRA)
If you are seeking access to public documents, the commission strongly suggests that you first contact the Office of Communications either by phone, at (609)441-3799, or by e-mail.
General OPRA Information
OPRA is a new state law that was enacted to give the public greater access to government records maintained by public agencies in New Jersey. The public has the right under OPRA to examine or obtain copies of those public records that are not subject to exceptions from disclosure. Under OPRA, all levels of New Jersey government are required to produce records, when properly requested. Certain records are considered exceptions. OPRA expands the intent of the Right to Know law by redefining what records are available to the public, by setting standards for accessing those records and penalties for failing to disclose them.
- If you choose to request access to government records under the Open Public Records Act, the law requires that you must complete, sign and date this request form and deliver it in person or by mail during regular business hours to the Office of Communications. You may also complete and submit a web enabled version of this form at https://www.state.nj.us/dca/opra/startopra.html. Your request is not considered filed until the request form has been received by the custodian of the record requested. If you submit the request form to any other officer or employee of Casino Control Commission, that officer or employee does not have the authority to accept your request form on behalf of Casino Control Commission and you will be directed to the records custodian.
- If you submit a request for access to government records to someone other than the appropriate custodian; or do not complete the Casino Control Commission request form; or make a request for access by telephone or fax, the Open Public Records Act and its deadlines, restrictions and remedies will not apply to your request.
- The fees for duplication of a government record in printed form are listed on the front of this form. We will notify you of any special charges, special service charges or other additional charges authorized by state law or regulation before processing your request. Payment shall be made by check or money order payable to the Casino Control Fund.
- Requests with estimated fees exceeding $25 may require a 50% deposit. Anonymous requests, when permitted, require a deposit of 100% of estimated fees. You agree to pay the balance due upon delivery of the records.
- By law, a custodian must deny access to a person who is convicted of an indictable offense in New Jersey, any other state, or the United States, who is seeking government records containing personal information pertaining to the person’s victim or the victim’s family.
- By law, the Casino Control Commission must notify you that it grants or denies a request for access to government records within 7 business days after the custodian of the record requested receives the request, provided that the record is currently available and not in storage or archived. If the record requested is not currently available or is in storage or archived, the custodian will advise you within 7 business days when the record can be made available and the estimated cost. You may agree with the custodian to extend the time for granting or denying your request or making records available.
- You may be denied access to a government record if your request would substantially disrupt agency operations and the custodian is unable to reach a reasonable solution with you.
- If Casino Control Commission is unable to comply with your request for access to a government record, the custodian will indicate the reasons for denial on the
request form and send you a signed and dated copy.
- Except as otherwise provided by law or by agreement with the requestor, if the custodian of the record requested fails to respond to you within 7 business days of receiving a written, signed request form, the failure to respond will be considered a denial of your request.
- If your request for access to a government record has been denied or unfilled within the time permitted by law, you have a right to challenge the decision by the Casino Control Commission to deny access. At your option, you may either file a complaint in writing with the Government Records Council (GRC) located in the Department of Community Affairs or institute a proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey. You may contact the GRC at 866-850-0511(toll free) or 609-292-6830 or online at www.nj.gov/grc
- Information you provide on this form may be subject to disclosure under the Open Public Records Act.
Records Custodian Contact Information
Daniel Heneghan
Director of Communications
New Jersey Casino Control Commission
Tennessee Ave and Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
(609) 441-3799
Reminder: Before you submit a request e-mail us your questions or telephone the Office of Communications at (609)441-3799.
To make a formal OPRA records request use either link below:
|
