WEST MILFORD The West Milford Democratic Club on Tuesday night unanimously passed a resolution to support new additions to the state’s existing open government laws. Democratic Club President Andrew Gargano explained, “These laws, when enacted, will make all municipal governing bodies in the State of New Jersey more open, accessible and transparent than what is required by the present Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) and the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). This is a virtual modernization of OPMA and OPRA, and will advance all 566 municipalities through the use of 21st century technology, at no additional cost to the taxpayers. Virtually all public information will be available to everyone, at any time, just by entering a few keystrokes on a computer.” Bill S1219, which is pending in the State Legislature, was introduced by Senator Robert Martin, who represents West Milford and portions of Morris County. Among many changes to the existing law, the pending legislation would require all municipalities in the state to post information such as meeting agendas and minutes and other public documents on a website. It also would mandate that all public bodies set aside periods for public comment at every meeting; that penalties for violations would be greater than what exists; and that sessions that exclude the public be tape recorded. Sen. Martin, a Republican, has been joined in his sponsorship of the bill by Sen. Ellen Karcher, a Democrat, from Middlesex County.