New Law Requires Disclosure of Information on Websites of Independent Authorities, Boards and Commissions

On January 5, 2012, Governor Christie signed into law, P.L. 2011, Chapter 167. This new law impacts many public entities including local, state and regional authorities, boards and commissions.

The purpose of this new law is to increase transparency; to provide more information about the public entity’s operations and activities; and to provide access to that information to the public, via the public entity’s website. The new law mandates that the following specific information be posted on the public entity’s website:

1. A description of the entity’s mission and responsibilities;

2. The budget once adopted for the current fiscal year and the immediately prior three fiscal years;

3. The most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or other similar financial information;

4. The annual audit for the most recent and immediately prior three consecutive fiscal years;

5. The entity’s rules, regulations and official policy statements;

6. Notices of all Public Meetings, setting forth the time, date, location and agenda of the meeting as required under the Open Public Meetings Act;

7. The minutes of each meeting including all Resolutions for the current fiscal year and the approved minutes of meetings for at least three prior consecutive fiscal years;

8. The name, mailing address, electronic mail address and phone number of every person who exercises day-to-day supervision or management over some or all of the operations of the entity; and

9. A list of any business, firm, consultant (including engineers, auditors and attorneys) advisors, corporation or other organization which received any payment of $17,500 or more during the preceding fiscal year for any service whatsoever rendered to the public entity.

The entity’s website must be fully compliant with all of the above requirements by no later than February 1, 2013 (the first day of the thirteenth month following enactment of the legislation – January 5, 2012). If you have any questions with the respect to the new law, please consult Leslie G. London of this firm or your local counsel.

 

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