New Jersey Legislature Passes Controversial Overhaul of Public Records Law

The bill, criticized for reducing transparency, now awaits Governor Phil Murphy's decision.

Lawmakers approved the bill amid strong opposition from civil rights groups and media organizations.
The new legislation allows governments to sue individuals for excessive information requests.
Opponents argue it will deter the public and journalists from challenging government secrecy.
The bill eliminates the requirement for towns to pay legal fees if they lose records request cases.
Governor Murphy has not commented on whether he will sign the bill into law.