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NJSBA Meeting Guide

Quick Guide

NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT OF 1975/OPMA ALSO KNOWN AS THE SUNSHINE LAW:

  • Provides residents with the right to witness in full detail all phases of government deliberation, policy formation and decision making.

  • Requires public bodies to provide 48 hours public notice of all meetings, the right to attend those meetings and provide minutes following those sessions.

  • Goes into effect whenever a quorum is present, whether in person, by phone, conference calls, email or other means of electronic communication. Read more about the act and technology.

  • School boards are required to set aside a portion of every meeting for public comment.

  • Written policies may be adopted regarding time limits and sign-in procedures.

  • School boards are not required to respond to questions.

  • A public body cannot prohibit public comments based on subject matter if the comments relate to any issue “that a member of the public feels may be of concern to the residents of the municipality or school district.”

  • Notice of an emergency meeting must include an agenda.

  • Resolutions must be passed to go into executive sessions and the time when the board anticipates the minutes of the session will be made available.

  • Closed-door meetings are permitted under strict guidelines.

  • Votes cannot occur in executive sessions. One exception to the rule requires boards to vote to certify tenure charges in a closed session.