FINAL BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5834

                                  C 184 L 91

                              SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

Brief Description:  Updating archiving methods.

SPONSORS:Senator McCaslin; by request of Secretary of State.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

BACKGROUND:

For many years, the State Archivist has had statutory authority to manage the state's archives, including establishment of retention schedules for public records.  The most common forms of records have been paper, microforms, and some durable fabrics.  With recent advances of information technology, especially the new techniques of optical imaging, two uncertainties have arisen.

The first is whether any challenge can be raised about acceptable forms of documents, including electronic and optical images.  The second is that the optical imaging industry is just beginning to develop comprehensive standards for the quality and performance of equipment, software, and the ability to utilize all types of electronic systems.

Over the last three years, a working group composed of representatives from the State Archivist's office, state agencies and local records officers have made several recommendations to clarify the authority of the office.

SUMMARY:

The rule-making authority of the State Archivist is expanded to allow development of standards for creation, transmission and reproduction of all forms of public documents or records, consistent with the acquisition standards of the Department of Information Systems.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

Senate      45    1

House 95    0     (House amended)

Senate      45    0     (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:  July 28, 1991