SF1988

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota's government record retention laws, specifically defining "correspondence" and establishing a mandatory minimum three-year retention period for such records. Key points include:

1. Definition of Correspondence: The bill defines "correspondence" to include written or electronic text-based communications by government officials and staff that document events, decisions, business, and functions of public agencies. However, it excludes purely personal messages, social event announcements, and unsolicited advertisements.

2. Retention Requirement: The bill mandates that all public agencies must retain correspondence for at least three years from the date of creation or receipt.

3. Clarification of Records Management: The bill reinforces that public officials and agencies must establish programs for the efficient management of records, create an inventory of records, and set retention schedules. The Minnesota Historical Society may retain records of historical value.

4. Records Disposition Panel Oversight: The bill maintains oversight by the Records Disposition Panel, which can authorize the destruction, preservation, or reproduction of government records.

In essence, the bill aims to ensure greater accountability and transparency by extending the minimum retention period for government correspondence and clarifying record-keeping responsibilities.