This bill aims to enhance the management and public accessibility of local government records by establishing a publicly accessible website for the storage and retrieval of electronic records. Key provisions include the designation of a website by the state archivist, with the approval of the municipal records board, for the retention and public access to local electronic records. The bill also introduces a new responsibility for the local government records manager to employ specialists in records management to ensure the website's proper use and functionality. Additionally, it allows municipalities to store electronic records on this designated website without the need to maintain 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 also modifies existing laws, including amendments to RSA 5:35, RSA 5:49, and RSA 33-A:5-a, to incorporate these changes. Notably, it removes previous language regarding grants for local government records management improvement and adds new provisions for the responsibilities of the local government records manager and the handling of electronic municipal records. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

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