The bill amends existing laws regarding the management of public records and archives in Arkansas, specifically focusing on the destruction of certain documents. It stipulates that original documents can be destroyed unless they are over fifty years old and have been determined to be of historical value by the Arkansas State Archives. This change emphasizes the importance of preserving historical documents and ensures that the Arkansas State Archives has a role in the decision-making process regarding the destruction of such records.

Additionally, the bill modifies the regulations surrounding the retention and destruction of county records. It allows for the destruction of original documents that have been photographically or electronically transferred to permanent media, but it mandates that no handwritten records over fifty years old can be destroyed without the consultation and approval of the Arkansas State Archives. This requirement aims to protect valuable historical records from being lost or destroyed without proper oversight.

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