The STAND Pledge
State Transparency and Access for New Jersey
(Draft for Public Use)
The STAND Pledge
New Jersey’s public institutions exist to serve the people.
Transparency, access, and timely communication are essential to public trust, effective governance, and quality of life.
By signing this pledge, I affirm my commitment to the following principles of public access and accountability, as reflected in the State Transparency and Access to New Jersey Data (STAND) Framework.
Records Must Be Created for Public Access
I support standardized electronic creation and submission of public records in public-ready formats, with redacted and unredacted versions where appropriate.
(Framework Items 1, 4)
Public Records Should Be Public by Default
I support proactive publication, hosting, and long-term retention of non-redactable public records on state-operated platforms, without unnecessary fees or barriers.
(Framework Items 2, 3, 7)
Records Must Be Findable and Usable
I support the creation and maintenance of a centralized, searchable public records clearinghouse that complies with accessibility and archival best practices.
(Framework Item 3)
Public Access Is a Professional Responsibility
I support clear job roles, training, certification, and adequate staffing for public records access functions across all agencies.
(Framework Item 5)
People Deserve to Reach a Human Being
I support minimum standards for live phone support, reasonable wait times, and timely responses from public agencies.
(Framework Item 6)
The Law Must Be Clear and Applied Consistently
I support clear, binding guidance on the interaction between OPRA and other privacy laws, including FERPA, and oppose blanket or categorical denials of access.
(Framework Item 8)
Access Delayed Is Access Denied
I support enforceable response timelines, presumptive disclosure when deadlines are missed, and fair, limited fees that do not deter lawful requests.
(Framework Item 7)
Redaction Must Not Defeat Transparency
I support requiring agencies to provide statistical analysis when redaction would otherwise prevent meaningful public understanding, without treating such analysis as the creation of a new record.
(Framework Item 9)
Access Systems Must Be Easy to Use
I support modernization of OPRA request forms and Government Records Council intake systems to ensure accessibility, clarity, and ease of use for pro se residents.
(Framework Item 10)
Redress Must Be Real and Reachable
I support reform of the public access redress process to ensure it is navigable without legal counsel, resolved in a timely manner, and continuously improved through public input.
(Framework Item 11)
Urgent Situations Require Urgent Action
I support the creation of a Public Access Manager empowered to intervene when agencies fail to respond in urgent circumstances affecting health, safety, education, housing, or benefits.
(Framework Item 12)
My Commitment
As a signer of the STAND Pledge, I commit to:
Supporting these principles in policy, practice, and oversight;
Explaining publicly when I oppose or diverge from them; and
Respecting the public’s right to access information without obstruction or delay.