14d • Announcements
Update: Fighting for NJ Notaries
277 Miles. 6 Legislators. 21 County Clerks. One Message: New Jersey Is Failing Its Notaries.
This week, I personally delivered comprehensive evidence packets to every original sponsor (that is still in office) of the 2021 notary modernization law (P.L.2021, c.179). The drive totaled 277 miles. The packets included our full legislative report, the letter to Treasurer Binder, and a copy of the Garden State Notary textbook.
In addition, we mailed packets to all 21 county clerks across New Jersey. Each clerk received a letter and a copy of the textbook.
The message to both legislators and clerks was simple: The law you wrote promised six hours of education. The State provides 45 minutes of video. We need your help.
Here is where things stand:
Third OPRA Request – Denied, But No Privilege Log
On April 6, 2026, the State denied our third OPRA request (W249781). We had asked for records about the creation of the 45-minute videos and the decision to exclude independent vendors.
The denial did not say "no records exist." Instead, the State claimed a "deliberative material" exemption. But they provided no privilege log. No list of what records they are withholding. No explanation of why each record qualifies for the exemption.
Without a privilege log, their claim is procedurally defective. It also strongly suggests that records do exist. Emails about why the videos are only 45 minutes. Contracts with producers. Internal discussions about excluding vendors.
We will be filing a complaint with the Government Records Council (GRC) challenging this denial.
What This Means for NJNA Members
The State is not being transparent. They are not saying "we have nothing to hide." They are saying "we will not show you."
But here is what we know:
- The State has no records of any education program oversight (first OPRA response)
- The State admits it "opted" to be the sole provider and never created a vendor approval process (second OPRA response)
- The State is now refusing to release records about the 45-minute videos and the vendor decision, claiming exemption but providing no privilege log (third OPRA response)
What We Did About It
We did not wait. We drove 277 miles. We put the evidence in the hands of the legislators who wrote the law. We mailed the same evidence to every county clerk in New Jersey.
Every copy of the Garden State Notary textbook we delivered was labeled "For Government Official Use Only" – not for sharing, not for sale, not for distribution. Just for the recipient to understand what proper notary education looks like.
What Comes Next
- GRC Complaint – We will challenge the third OPRA denial.
- Legislative Follow-Up – We will be reaching out to the sponsors to request meetings.
- County Clerk Follow-Up – Clerks have been asked to contact the Treasurer's office and ask why the six-hour requirement has not been implemented.
The Bottom Line
The State produced 45 minutes of video. NJNA produced seven hours. The State has no records. NJNA has a textbook, a video library, and three community college partners.
We are doing the work. We are knocking on doors. We are not waiting for permission.
Thank you for your membership and your support. We will keep you updated.
– Patrick Anthony
President, New Jersey Notary Association
P.S. If you want to help, share our public report: www.newjerseynotaryassociation.org/education-findings-report. And if you know a legislator or county clerk, talk to them and share this report.
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Update: Fighting for NJ Notaries
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