Connecticut House Bill HB05398

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/12
• Refer: 3/2/12

Caption

An Act Modifying Records Retention Requirements For Certain Records In Electronic Form.

Impact

If enacted, HB 5398 will have significant implications for municipal record-keeping across the state. The bill replaces outdated requirements which previously mandated the retention of paper copies, easing the burden on local governments. It allows municipalities to destroy certain records after a specified time if kept electronically, which is expected to promote better resource management and reduce physical storage needs. However, municipalities must still comply with retention schedules developed and approved by the State Librarian.

Summary

House Bill 5398 proposes modifications to the existing records retention requirements specifically for public records maintained in electronic form. The bill aims to align the state's documentation processes with contemporary storage capabilities, allowing municipalities the option to retain documents electronically instead of mandating physical copies. This update recognizes the advances in technology and encourages digital management of public records, which could lead to increased efficiency in record-keeping practices.

Contention

The bill has sparked some debate among stakeholders regarding the potential for preserving historical documents. While proponents argue that the digital retention of records enhances operational efficiency, critics express concern that important historical records may be inadvertently lost or improperly maintained due to a more relaxed retention policy. The clause allowing for the destruction of records after a decade if properly documented electronically could undermine the preservation of vital local history unless safeguards are explicitly outlined.