The bill amends existing laws regarding the management of public records and archives in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the destruction of certain documents. It introduces a requirement for the approval of the Arkansas State Archives before any documents that are over fifty years old and handwritten can be destroyed. This change aims to ensure that historically valuable documents are preserved and not discarded without proper oversight.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language concerning the destruction of original documents that have been recorded and transferred to other media. It stipulates that while original documents may be destroyed if they have been photographically or electronically transferred, no handwritten records over fifty years old can be destroyed without first consulting and obtaining approval from the Arkansas State Archives. These amendments are intended to enhance the protection of historical records and ensure their proper management.

Statutes affected:
HB 1608: 13-4-204(a), 13-4-301(b)
Act 319: 13-4-204(a), 13-4-301(b)