The bill amends the Public Records Administration Act to modernize the management and retention of public records. It introduces key definitions such as "Administrator," "Electronic record," "Record copy," and "Records officer," which clarify the roles within the public records administration program. The bill establishes the duties of the administrator, including the creation and management of public records programs, training for local government records keepers, and setting standards for record keeping.

Additionally, it modifies the reproduction and disposal process for public records, allowing originals to be destroyed if accurately reproduced, while ensuring that these reproductions remain admissible in legal proceedings. The bill enhances agency responsibilities by requiring the submission of record control schedules to the public records administration program, with provisions for attorney general and auditor general comments. Proposed records schedules may be finalized if not returned within 120 days.

The bill provides agencies with more discretion regarding record retention and transfer by changing "shall" to "may" in several instances. It mandates annual compliance reports to the General Assembly, empowers the administrator to take legal action against violations, and includes provisions for the establishment of a public research room and the approval of emergency destruction of public records. The bill ultimately aims to improve the efficiency, oversight, and accessibility of public records in the state.

Statutes affected:
742: 38-3-5