NJ A4045

Expands the definition of confidential information exempt from public disclosure to include debit card numbers, bank account information, month and day of birth, personal email addresses, telephone numbers, metadata, and personal information of minors under 18

Restructures the Government Records Council from 5 members to 9 members (Commissioner of Community Affairs plus 8 public members appointed by the Governor with legislative recommendations), with members serving 5-year terms and receiving salaries equivalent to Local Finance Board members

Establishes a 45-day deadline for requestors to challenge denied records requests, extends response time from 7 to 14 business days for commercial purpose requests, and requires the Council to adjudicate complaints within 90 days (with 45-day extension for good cause) beginning 18 months after enactment

Allows public agencies to seek protective orders from Superior Court against requestors found by clear and convincing evidence to have filed records requests with intent to substantially interrupt government functions

Appropriates $10 million total: $4 million for grants to local governments for electronic records access, $4 million for the Government Records Council operations, and $2 million for Council implementation of the new requirements