This bill aims to enhance the management and public accessibility of local government records by establishing a publicly accessible website for electronic records storage. It amends existing laws to require the director of the state archives, with the approval of the municipal records board, to designate a website for the retention and public access of local electronic records. Additionally, it introduces a new responsibility for the local government records manager to advise on records policies and procedures, and it allows for the employment of specialists to assist in the development and maintenance of the website. The bill also specifies that electronic municipal records can 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 of the website. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of public bodies to make governmental records available for inspection and copying, either directly or by providing the website's domain name if the records are uploaded online. The funding is intended to cover the costs associated with the position and the website's maintenance, although it is noted that additional funding will be necessary in subsequent years to sustain these efforts.

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