SENATE BILL REPORT

                                    SB 5834

                       AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1991

Brief Description:  Updating archiving methods.

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

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators McCaslin, Chairman; Roach, Vice Chairman; Madsen, Matson, and Sutherland. 

Staff:  Barbara Howard 786‑7410)

Hearing Dates:March 5, 1991

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT

BACKGROUND:

For many years, the State Archivist has had the authority to manage the state's archives, including establishment of retention schedules for public records.  The most common forms of records have been on 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 or reproduction of all forms of public documents or records, consistent with the acquisition standards of the Department of Information Systems.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 25, 1991

TESTIMONY FOR:

This measure will assure that the State Archivist, working with other agencies including the Department of Information Systems, has the necessary authority and can employ prudent safeguards for the preservation of state records in line with rapidly developing technology.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:

This new language may not be needed.

TESTIFIED:  No one

HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):

The technical amendment is intended to assure that the State Archivist continues to administer the Division of Archives and Records Management.