| 1. |
This form should only be used to submit records requests to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA). |
| 2. |
In order to request access to government records under Open Public Records Act (OPRA), you must complete all the required portions of and date this request form and deliver it in person during regular business hours or by mail, fax or online electronically to the appropriate custodian of the record requested. |
| 3. |
The fees for duplication of a government record in printed form are listed below. We will notify you of any special charges, special service charges or other additional charges authorized by State law or regulation before processing your request. Payment shall be made by cash, check or money order payable to the SDA. The assigned OPRA number should be stated on all checks. |
| 4. |
If it is necessary for the records custodian to contact you concerning your request, providing identifying information, such as your name, address and telephone number or an e-mail address permits the records custodian to contact you concerning your request. Where contact is not necessary, anonymous requests are permitted; except that anonymous requests for personal information are not honored. |
| 5. |
You may be charged a 50% or other deposit when a request for copies exceeds $25. The SDA custodian will contact you and advise you of any deposit requirements. Anonymous requests, when permitted, require a deposit of 100% of estimated fees. |
| 6. |
Under OPRA, a custodian must deny access to a person who has been convicted of an indictable offense in New Jersey, any other state, or the United States, and who is seeking government records containing personal information pertaining to the person's victim or the victim's family. |
| 7. |
By law, the SDA must notify you that it grants or denies a request for access to government records within seven business days after the custodian of the record requested receives the request, provided that the record is currently available and not in storage. If the record requested is not currently available or is in storage, the custodian will advise you within seven business days when the record can be made available and the estimated cost. You may agree with the custodian to extend the time for making records available, or granting or denying your request. |
| 8. |
You may be denied access to a government record if your request would substantially disrupt agency operations. |
| 9. |
If the SDA is unable to comply with your request for access to a government record, the custodian will indicate the reasons for denial on the request form and send you a signed and dated copy. |
| 10. |
Except as otherwise provided by law or by agreement with the requester, if the custodian of the record requested fails to respond to you within the seven business days as required under OPRA, the failure to respond will be considered a denial of your request. |
| 11. |
If your request for access to a government record has been denied or unfilled within the time permitted by law, you have a right to challenge the decision by the SDA to deny access. At your option, you may either institute a proceeding in the Superior Court of New Jersey or file a complaint in writing with the Government Records Council (GRC). You may contact the GRC by toll-free telephone at 866-850-0511, by mail at PO Box 819, Trenton, NJ, 08625, by e-mail at
grc@dca.state.nj.us,
or at their web site at
www.state.nj.us/grc.
The Council can also answer other questions about the law. |
| 12. |
Information provided on this form may be subject to disclosure under the Open Public Records Act. |