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HB 1608

EPA-ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sonya Harper and 1 co-sponsor

Act 319 mandates Arkansas State Archives' approval before destroying historical documents, ensuring preservation of records over 50 years old for future generations.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1608

Summary of House Bill 1608 (HB 1608)

Overview

House Bill 1608, now known as Act 319, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on February 26, 2025. The bill aims to amend existing laws regarding the management of public records and archives, specifically focusing on the destruction of certain documents.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 1608 is to enhance the preservation of historical documents by requiring that the Arkansas State Archives approve the destruction of specific records. This measure seeks to ensure that valuable historical documents are not inadvertently destroyed, thereby safeguarding Arkansas's historical heritage.

Key Provisions

HB 1608 introduces significant amendments to the Arkansas Code concerning public records management:

  1. Amendment to Document Destruction Rules:

    • Section 1: Modifies Arkansas Code § 13-4-204(a) to state that original documents recorded by prescribed means may be destroyed unless:
      • The document is over fifty (50) years old.
      • The document is handwritten and has been deemed of historical value by the Arkansas State Archives.

  2. Retention and Destruction of County Records:

    • Section 2: Amends Arkansas Code § 13-4-301(b)(1) to stipulate that:
      • Original documents that have been photographically or electronically transferred to permanent media may be destroyed.
      • However, no handwritten records over fifty (50) years old can be destroyed without prior consultation and approval from the Arkansas State Archives.

Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects:
- State and Local Government Agencies: These entities will need to adhere to the new requirements for document destruction, ensuring compliance with the approval process set forth by the Arkansas State Archives.
- Historians and Researchers: The preservation of historical documents will benefit those studying Arkansas's history, providing access to materials that may have otherwise been lost.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 26, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 5, 2025: Returned by the committee with a recommendation to pass.
  • March 6, 2025: Passed in the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • March 12, 2025: Returned by the committee in the Senate with a recommendation to pass.
  • March 13, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • March 18, 2025: Notification that HB 1608 is now Act 319.

Conclusion

HB 1608 represents a proactive step towards the preservation of Arkansas's historical documents by instituting a requirement for state approval before the destruction of certain records. This legislation underscores the importance of safeguarding the state's archival materials for future generations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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