NJ S581

Prohibits requests for access to New Jersey government records when the purpose is commercial, defined as direct or indirect use for sale, resale, solicitation, rent, lease of services, or any profit-generating activity through commission, salary, or fee.

Exempts news media organizations and their affiliates, as well as journalistic, educational, scientific, scholarly, and governmental organizations from the commercial purpose restriction.

Requires public records request forms to include a certification that the information will not be used for commercial purposes.

Establishes civil penalties for requestors who intentionally fail to certify non-commercial use: $500 for first offense, $1,000 for second offense, and $2,000 for each subsequent offense.

Amends existing Open Public Records Act (P.L.1963, c.73) to add the commercial purpose definition and prohibit custodians from accepting or fulfilling requests made for commercial purposes.