New Jersey meeting minutes requirements for local government boards
New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-14) requires reasonably comprehensible minutes of all meetings showing the time and place, the members present, the subjects considered, the actions taken and the vote of each member. Minutes must be promptly available to the public.
Last updated October 11, 2026. General information, not legal advice; confirm with your solicitor.
| Law | Open Public Meetings Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 to 10:4-21 |
|---|---|
| Required in minutes (10:4-14) | Time and place, members present, subjects considered, actions taken, the vote of each member, and other information required by law |
| Deadline | “Promptly available”; no fixed number of days in the statute |
| Closed session (10:4-12, 10:4-13) | Adopt a public resolution stating the general nature of the subjects and when the discussion can be disclosed; closed session minutes are kept and released when confidentiality ends |
| Retention of recordings | 80 days, or until the minutes are approved, whichever is later (Municipal Agency schedule M100000-019, series 0511-0000); original minutes are permanent |
Practical guidance
- Record each member’s vote on every action.
- Keep closed session minutes and release them when the reason for confidentiality ends.
Sources
Related: recording roll-call votes, free minutes templates.
Minutes in New Jersey OPMA format, drafted from your recording.
Upload a recording of your last meeting and get draft minutes that follow these requirements. Free, no credit card.