Pompton Lakes council backs OPRA changes aimed at curbing commercial data‑mining

Pompton Lakes Borough Council voted to approve Resolution 24-224 in support of state-level reforms to the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) intended to limit commercial data-mining of municipal records.

Borough staff and the borough attorney explained the change targets entities that repeatedly request records—such as police accident reports or construction permits—for commercial resale, imposing burdens on municipal clerks. Council members noted the municipal clerks association and the League of Municipalities support the bill; administration said both legislative chambers had passed the measure and it was then with the governor for signature.

Council approved the resolution by voice vote and directed staff to circulate the bill text to the governing body for review. Council members asked for clarification on what identifiers or restrictions the law would employ and were told staff will share the specific bill language for local review.

The council’s action is a policy-level endorsement meant to convey municipal support to the governor and legislature.