This bill aims to enhance the management and public accessibility of local government records by establishing a publicly accessible website for electronic records storage. Key provisions include the designation of a website for local records retention, the responsibility of the local government records manager to advise on records policies, and the authorization for the manager or state archivist to employ specialists for website development and guidance. The bill also allows for electronic municipal records to be stored on this website, eliminating the need for municipalities to keep additional copies, provided they offer at least one cost-free method for public access.

To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to fund the local government records manager position and the creation and maintenance of the website. The bill outlines that if the position cannot be filled, the funds may be used to hire an outside consultant. Additionally, it includes amendments to existing laws to reflect these changes, such as the requirement for public bodies to provide the website domain name when records are uploaded online. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:35, 5:49, 33-A:5-a, 91-A:4