The bill amends the Children, Youth and Families Department Act by establishing new requirements for the management of electronic records and devices used by department employees. It mandates that employees must not erase data from state-issued electronic devices and that these devices must only contain software compliant with federal and state data retention laws. Additionally, the department is required to implement a backup system by January 1, 2026, which will back up all electronic records generated or received by employees on an hourly basis.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the department must retain all electronic records for a minimum of seven years after an employee's termination. This includes records stored on electronic devices and those backed up by the department. The bill defines key terms such as "back up," "electronic device," and "electronic records" to clarify the scope of the new regulations. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the accountability and security of electronic communications within the department.