908.756.0080
15 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069
Friday 8am-2pm
Watchung, NJ 07069
Government Records Request
OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS ACT (OPRA)
N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 et seq.
The Open Public Records Act (OPRA) is a State statute that replaces the old "Right to Know Law" which governs the public's access to government records in New Jersey. OPRA was enacted to give the public greater access to records maintained by public agencies in New Jersey by balancing the public's interest in government records, respect for personal privacy, and the efficient process of government.
OPRA designates the Borough Clerk as the official custodian of local government records. An OPRA request may be submitted to the Borough via e-mail orfax. CLICK HERE to fill out the Borough of Watchung OPRA Request Form.
COUNTY & STATE GOVERNMENT RECORDS:
If you are seeking Somerset County or State of New Jersey government records, the request must be made directly to the county or state.
Somerset County
State of New Jersey OPRA
The Government Records Council’s website www.state.nj.us/grc contains useful information on the law, including summaries of exceptions to disclosure, copies of gubernatorial Executive Orders, lists of statutes containing exceptions, and a search engine of all prior GRC decisions. The public is urged to check the website when questions arise and should also feel free to submit their questions to the Council via the toll-free information line (1-866-850-0511), e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or regular mail (P.O. Box 819, Trenton, NJ 08625-0819).
Below is a Citizen’s Guide to the Open Public Records Act that has been prepared by the Government Records Council to help the public understand the requirements of the State of NJ. This guide is intended to familiarize those who want access to public records of their rights and of the responsibilities of the public agencies that hold those records, but is NOT to serve as a legal reference.
Citizen's Guide to OPRA (Third Edition - Updated May 2020)