New Jersey launches Open Data Initiative, appoints chief data officer

"Signed into law Monday, a New Jersey Open Data Initiative requires state agencies to either provide datasets to the state's chief data officer for publication on a central data portal or to publish data on their respective websites. 

The state already operates an open data portal, but the new legislation requires the CDO to establish and enforce rigorous standards and best practices for data formatting, sharing and frequency of updates that are expected to bring new depths of maturity to what have so far been ad-hoc efforts. The legislation signed by Gov. Chris Christie also formalizes an operational role held by deputy chief technology officer Liz Rowe, who is now officially the state's chief data officer.

The initiative compels state Chief Technology Officer Dave Weinstein to consult with the state treasurer — Ford Scudder — and direct Rowe in the creation of an open data portal. Agencies that choose not to share data with Rowe will be required to supply her office with links to the datasets published on their own portals."