In States Newsroom Inc. v. City of Jersey City, the New Jersey Supreme Court clarified a key issue for municipalities: whether an internal affairs (IA) report involving a police officer could be disclosed under the common law right of access when the underlying criminal charges had been expunged. The Court held that while expungement protects […]

On June 30, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed bill number S-4654/A-5878 into law.[1] This law was enacted in response to various daily newspapers ceasing their print editions, leaving many public entities without an official outlet to publish meeting notices required under the Open Public Meetings Act (“OPMA”) promulgated under N.J.S.A. 10:4-1 et seq. The OPMA […]

In local governments across New Jersey, ethical conduct and transparency are cornerstones of public trust and effective governance. Municipal officials are entrusted with managing public resources and making decisions that affect the lives of their constituents. To uphold this responsibility, they must adhere to strict ethical standards and ensure that their operations are transparent to […]

Municipal attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring that local governments in New Jersey operate smoothly, lawfully, and in the best interest of their communities. These attorneys serve as trusted legal advisors to municipal councils, boards, and other public officials, navigating the complexities of New Jersey’s legal landscape. From land use and zoning to litigation […]

In New Jersey, transparency and accountability are cornerstones of effective municipal governance. The state’s public records and open meeting laws are designed to ensure that government activities are conducted in an open and accessible manner. For municipal officials, understanding and managing these laws is crucial for fostering public trust and legal compliance. This blog will […]

On June 5, 2024, Governor Murphy signed into law S-2930/A-4045 amending the Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”). These amendments to OPRA take effect on September 3, 2024, and bring significant changes for public entities. The custodian of records must familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance. These changes include new definitions for common OPRA […]

Navigating the complexities of the New Jersey Tort Claims Act (“NJTCA”) is a critical responsibility for municipalities. As always, it’s essential for local governments to stay updated on the latest requirements and procedures. This blog post provides an overview of the NJTCA and a step-by-step guide for municipalities on how to handle Tort Claims Act […]

S-1350/A-5430, which establishes procedures and standards regarding public services privatization contracts, has been released from committees. The Legislation would limit local government’s ability to privatize public services. The New Jersey State League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Association of Counties and  the New Jersey School Board Association all oppose  the proposed Legislation. The Legislation applies to […]

A bill sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo (Bill S2620), Deputy Majority Leader of the New Jersey Senate, would more than double limits on the size of contracts that local and county governments can issue without soliciting bids, raising it from $17,500 to $50,000 for municipalities without a qualified purchasing agent. The $50,000 limit would also […]