Require acceptance of paper filing in all government functions

2025 Regular Session

Requires all government agencies to accept paper filings alongside electronic options, boosting access for people with limited digital capabilities.

(LC) Draft Died in Process

#stategovernment

LC 3164 Summary

Overview

LC 3164 is a bill introduced on December 13, 2024, titled “Require acceptance of paper filing in all government functions.” The bill appears to mandate that all government functions accept paper filings. The draft is labeled as a measure that did not advance and is recorded as “Died in Process.” The drafter was assigned on introduction, with subsequent actions indicating the draft was put on hold and later died in process.

Purpose and Intent

Primary aim: Ensure that paper filings are accepted by all government functions.

Underlying rationale (inferred from title): Improve accessibility for individuals without reliable electronic filing options and safeguard against exclusive reliance on digital systems.

Scope (inferred): Applies to all government functions, likely including agencies, departments, and offices that handle filings or forms from the public.

Key Provisions (Inferred)

Notes: The actual text of LC 3164 is not provided. The provisions below reflect what would typically accompany a bill with this title and are presented as inferred content, not confirmed language.

Mandate: State that government agencies must accept paper filings for all forms and categories of submissions.

Compliance standards: Agencies would need to establish processes to receive, log, and acknowledge paper filings, potentially alongside existing electronic filing channels.

Non-discrimination: Paper filings would be treated the same as electronic filings in terms of processing timelines and eligibility.

Administrative handling: Guidance on receipt acknowledgement, record retention, and submission proof for paper filings.

Potential exclusions or limitations: Any reasonable exceptions or special procedures for high-volume or security-sensitive filings (to be determined by actual text).

Affected Parties

Government entities: State and local government agencies, departments, and offices that handle public filings.

Public: Individuals, businesses, and organizations that interact with government functions and may rely on paper submissions.

Implementation and Timeline

Introduction: December 13, 2024.

Legislative actions: On Hold as of March 18, 2025; Died in Process as of May 27, 2025.

Drafter: Assigned at the time of introduction.

Current status: Draft Died in Process (no active path toward passage at this time).

Legislative History and Status

2024-12-13: Drafter Assigned

2025-03-18: Draft On Hold

2025-05-27: Draft Died in Process

Potential Impacts

Accessibility: Could improve access for individuals without digital filing capabilities.

Administrative burden and costs: Agencies might incur costs to accommodate paper filings and maintain parallel processing systems.

Operational implications: Requires robust receipt and tracking of paper submissions to avoid delays or loss of filings.

Digital divide considerations: Aligns with inclusivity goals but may conflict with ongoing digital-by-default initiatives; requires balancing efficiency with access.

Next Steps

If interested, monitor for any reintroduction or amendments in future sessions, or review the full text if released to assess final provisions, fiscal impact, and implementation details.