Prohibits open public records requests for commercial purposes.

S 581 would amend New Jersey's open records law to prohibit government agencies from providing public records to individuals or organizations seeking them for "commercial purposes." This directly affects businesses or researchers who collect government data for profit, such as selling compiled information or using it for paid services. The bill explicitly excludes news media, educational institutions, and non-profits from this restriction, allowing them to access records without limitation. Key provisions define "commercial purpose" broadly to cover any use expected to generate profit, while maintaining existing exemptions for journalism and public-interest organizations. The bill is currently in the Senate committee stage and has not yet been voted on.