Mississippi House Bill HB1069

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/23
• Refer: 1/16/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Secretary of State; authorize transfer of fragile land records to Department of Archives and History for preservation.

Impact

The bill is likely to have a significant impact on how land records are managed in Mississippi. By facilitating the transfer of delicate records to a specialized entity focused on preservation, the Secretary of State can concentrate on his duties without the burden of deteriorating records. This could improve overall accessibility to state-owned land information, as the public may be able to access preserved records with greater ease. Additionally, the requirement for the archives to grant access to the Secretary of State introduces a structured oversight for the management of these records.

Summary

House Bill 1069 amends sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to empower the Secretary of State to transfer fragile land records to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. This measure aims to ensure the preservation and maintenance of historically significant documents that may be deteriorating due to age or condition. The legislation reflects a growing recognition of the importance of safeguarding public records for future generations while allowing for more efficient management of state resources.

Contention

While the bill seems to present a practical solution for the care of fragile documents, it may raise questions regarding the balance of power between state offices. Skeptics may worry about the reliability of record preservation and access by the Secretary of State. Moreover, there may be concerns about the cost implications associated with the transfer and maintenance of these records. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this bill will depend on the implementation and collaboration between the Secretary of State and the Archives Department.