This bill aims to enhance the management and accessibility of local government records by establishing a publicly accessible website for the retention of electronic records. Key provisions include amendments to existing laws that require the director of state archives to designate a website for public access to local electronic records, as well as the responsibilities of the local government records manager to advise on records policies and procedures. The bill also allows the local government records manager to employ specialists to assist in the development and maintenance of this website.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that electronic municipal records can be stored on the designated website, eliminating the need for municipalities to keep additional copies, provided they offer at least one cost-free method for public access. It also mandates that public bodies must make governmental records available for inspection or provide the website domain name if the records are uploaded online. To support these initiatives, the bill appropriates $50,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, for the creation and maintenance of the website, with the funds being non-lapsing. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 5:35, 5:49, 33-A:5-a, 91-A:4
As Amended by the House: 5:35, 5:49, 33-A:5-a, 91-A:4
As Amended by the Senate (2nd): 5:35, 5:49, 33-A:5-a, 91-A:4
As Amended by the Senate: 5:35, 5:49, 33-A:5-a, 91-A:4
Version adopted by both bodies: 5:35, 5:49, 33-A:5-a, 91-A:4
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 5:35, 5:49, 33-A:5-a, 91-A:4