Provides that public historical vital records maintained by the state archives shall not be amended.
Impact
The implications of S0606 are significant for the way public historical vital records are handled in Rhode Island. By ensuring that these records cannot be amended, the bill bolsters the integrity and reliability of the vital record system while also enhancing public trust in the preservation of historical data. This measure may also facilitate access to accurate historical information for genealogical research and public inquiries, as records will be consistently maintained without alterations.
Summary
Senate Bill S0606 addresses the management of public historical vital records in the state of Rhode Island. The bill amends Section 23-3-5.1 of the General Laws, stipulating that public historical records of births, marriages, and deaths that are over a century or fifty years old, respectively, shall be permanently transferred to the state archives and controlled by the secretary of state. The amendment emphasizes that these historical records will not be subject to amendments to preserve their integrity. This initiative is aimed at maintaining reliable and unalterable historical data for future generations.
Contention
While the bill is primarily focused on the preservation of public records, it does raise points of discussion regarding the accessibility of necessary updates by local registrars. Critics may argue that preventing amendments to the records could complicate situations where corrections are needed for clerical errors, though the bill provides a framework for forwarding amendments to local registrars for record accuracy. Thus, while the intent is to ensure data integrity, there could be concerns regarding operational challenges for local entities managing these vital records.
Requires the division of vital records to ensure that the records are accessible to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records.
Requires the division of vital records to ensure that the records are accessible to the local registrars and grant local registrars the authority to issue certified copies of certificates and records.
Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.
Updates public records administration act, modifies records control schedule, designates records officer, establishes procedures for retention of records. Provides administrator submit yearly reports, establishes public reporting compliance.
Prohibits subscription or access fee charges for public access to recorded real estate instruments/limits recording and copying fees to amounts provided by statute with regards to cities/towns/third-party providers.