Connecticut House Bill HB07188

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/17
• Refer: 2/27/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Preservation Of Historical Records And Access To Restricted Records In The State Archives.

Impact

The bill proposes that records which have been in the state archives for a duration of 75 years or more should be accessible to the public. Furthermore, it allows for the inspection of records related to individuals once 75 years have passed since their death or the record's creation, whichever is later. This aims to enhance transparency and public access to historical information, making it easier for researchers and citizens to obtain important documents that were previously restricted under confidentiality laws.

Summary

House Bill 07188 is a legislative act aimed at the preservation of historical records and improving public access to certain records held in the state archives. The bill seeks to establish that any record deemed to have historical value by the State Archivist will be retained permanently, ensuring that significant documents from the state’s history are preserved for future generations. This change reflects a commitment to safeguarding historical artifacts that contribute to the understanding of the state’s cultural and civic heritage.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding privacy concerns. Some stakeholders might argue that lifting restrictions on access to records could infringe upon the privacy of individuals whose information is included in such records, even after significant time has lapsed. Advocacy for maintaining certain confidentiality measures could emerge from individuals or groups contesting that records involving sensitive personal data should remain protected to prevent potential misuse or misrepresentation, thereby complicating the balance between transparency and individual privacy.