The bill amends existing laws regarding the management of public records and archives in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the destruction of certain documents. It requires that any original documents that are over fifty years old and handwritten must be evaluated for historical value by the Arkansas State Archives before they can be destroyed. This change emphasizes the importance of preserving historical documents and ensures that the Arkansas State Archives has a role in the decision-making process regarding their destruction.

Additionally, the bill modifies the provisions related to the retention and destruction of county records. It stipulates that while original documents that have been transferred to permanent media can be destroyed, no handwritten records over fifty years old may be destroyed without first consulting and obtaining approval from the Arkansas State Archives. These amendments aim to enhance the protection of valuable historical records and ensure that proper oversight is maintained in their management.

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