Pursuant to P.L. 2024, c.16 (effective September 3, 2024), the Government Records Council now consists of nine (9) members per N.J.S.A. 47:1A-7(a). The terms of office of all members serving prior to September 3, 2024 expires upon appointment of new members. Id.

Under the revised statute, the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (or their designee), serves as Chair for the Council.

Initally, the remaining eight (8) Council members will be directly appointed by the Governor as follows:

  • Two (2) from persons recommended by the President of the Senate (no more than one (1) from the same political party);
  • Two (2) from persons recommended by the Speaker of the General Assembly (no more than one (1) from the same political party); and
  • Four (4) direct appointments (no more than two (2) from the same political party).

These members will serve a three (3) year term and until a successor is appointed.

Following expiration of the intitial appointment term:

  • Two (2) persons will be appointed directly by the Governor from those recommended by the President of the Senate (no more than one (1) from the same political party);
  • Two (2) persons will be appointed directly by the Governor from those recommended by the Speaker of the General Assembly (no more than one (1) from the same political party); and
  • Four (4) persons will be appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate (no more than two (2) from the same political party).

These members will serve a five (5) year term and until a successor is appointed.  

The current Government Records Council members are:
  • Jacquelyn A. Suarez (Chairwoman)*:
    Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
  • Robin Berg Tabakin, Esq.:
    Owner of Technoforce, LLC, President of SBA Women’s Business Center, and President Elect of the N.J. State Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
  • Christopher Brown, Esq.:
    Former Senator and Assemblyman.
  • Ronald K. Chen, Esq.:
    Professor of Law, Rutgers Law School.
  • Steven F. Ritardi, Esq.:
    Partner with the Law Offices of Carmagnola & Ritardi, LLC.

Vacancies exist for four (4) of the eight (8) new appointments provided for in P.L. 2024, c.16 as follows:

  • Vacant: Senate-Recommended Appointment
  • Vacant: Senate-Recommended Appointment
  • Vacant: Assembly Speaker-Recommended Appointment
  • Vacant: Assembly Speaker-Recommended Appointment

* The Commissioner of Community Affairs may designate other employees to sit on the Council on their behalf. 

 

The Council members may be reached at the following contact information:
  • E-mail:
    Government.Records@dca.nj.gov
  • Mail:
    Government Records Council
    PO Box 819
    Trenton, NJ 08625-0819
  • Delivery for packages:
    Government Records Council
    101 South Broad Street
    Trenton, NJ 08625
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