Speaker Coughlin’s Statement on A4045

(TRENTON) — Following is a statement from Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin regarding A4045.

“We have an open and transparent process where anyone can walk into the State House and have an open and honest discussion with their elected representatives on any legislation being considered. I am inspired that so many people have taken an interest and engaged in this legislation.

“Understanding how important it is to maintain transparency and the right of the public to know what their government is doing, I appreciate the concerns raised about A4045. Right now, we are working on various amendments to ensure we get the bill right. There will not be enough time to compose the amendments, review them, and have further meetings with members of the public prior to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, and so the bill will not be heard for consideration today.

“We will take the time needed to meet with various stakeholders to modernize OPRA in a way that protects the public from having their personal information, drivers’ license numbers, and other sensitive information available for anyone to see.”