New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation on Wednesday overhauling access to the state’s public records, likely making it harder for the public and media to access some documents, according to critics.
Murphy, a Democrat, acknowledged the disappointment of social justice, labor and other groups that vociferously objected to the bill.
“If I believed that this bill would enable corruption in any way, I would unhesitatingly veto it,” Murphy said. “After a thorough examination of the provisions of the bill, I am persuaded that the changes, viewed comprehensively, are relatively modest.”
The governor’s statement did little to convince critics of the measure.