Mississippi Senate Bill SB2161

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/22
• Refer: 1/13/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Disposal of certain municipal records after 20 years; authorize.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will facilitate the disposal of certain categories of municipal records that have outlived their useful life, thereby potentially allowing local governments to streamline their record-keeping processes. Furthermore, it empowers municipal authorities to manage their records effectively, reducing unnecessary clutter and promoting operational efficiency within local governments. The measure seeks to balance historical preservation with practical administrative needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 2161 aims to amend specific sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically Sections 21-15-37 and 25-60-1, to permit local governing authorities to dispose of municipal dockets, assessment rolls, and payroll records after a period of 20 years. This initiative is intended to modernize record retention practices and alleviate the burden on municipalities regarding lengthy storage times for documents that may no longer be necessary. The bill emphasizes the requirement for local authorities to create reproduced versions of documents per the standards set by the Department of Archives and History before disposal can occur.

Contention

While the bill has been positioned as a move towards improved efficiency, it may also draw criticism for the potential risks associated with disposing of public records. Opponents may argue that the accelerated disposal of municipal documents could hinder transparency and accountability, as these records often provide critical information about the governance and functioning of local authorities. Moreover, concerns may arise about the adequacy of the processes in place for reviewing and approving the disposal of such records, thereby prompting an ongoing dialogue around record management and public access to information.