The bill amends Chapter 38-3 of the General Laws, titled "Public Records Administration," to enhance 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 of individuals involved in public records administration. The bill establishes a structured framework for the public records administration program, detailing the responsibilities of the administrator, including the establishment of a public records management program and a local government records program, as well as the development of records control schedules.

The bill outlines the duties of the administrator, which include establishing and administering a public records management program, providing training for local government records keepers, analyzing and coordinating standards for record keeping, and maintaining a public research room for accessing records. It also specifies that agencies must submit record control schedules for review by the attorney general and auditor general, and requires agencies to submit a certification of records destruction for approval after the minimum retention period has been met.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for transferring records to the state archives after twenty years, stipulating that public records of enduring value must be transferred following assessment. It empowers the administrator to take legal action against violations of the chapter and mandates the submission of annual compliance reports to the general assembly. Overall, the amendments aim to improve the efficiency and transparency of public records management while ensuring the preservation and proper disposal of public records.

Statutes affected:
742: 38-3-5