The New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) establishes a process for citizens to make formal requests for government records. The Act defines what a government record is and the mechanism and time frame for requesting it. 

Click here to request a Scotch Plains record

Click here to request a State of NJ record

Citizens can submit an OPRA request via email at opra@scotchplainsnj.com.

The following are considered Public Records under OPRA:

• Printed Documents such as agendas, minutes, budget worksheets and presentations, contracts, bills, vouchers
• Handwritten Documents
• Books, Maps and Photographs
• Tape and Video Recordings
• Computer Records and E-Mail 
• Electronically Stored Information

EXCEPTIONS

• Where a record does not exist and one must be created to respond to a request. 
• Information that would jeopardize security. 
• If the record is electronic, the municipality is not obligated to provide the software to view the record.
• Personal Information such as social security number, driver licence number, unlisted phone number 
• Public Defender files