Section 50-18-99. Records management programs for local governments

   (a) As used in this Code section, the term:

   (1) "Governing body" means the governing body of any county, municipality, or consolidated government. The term includes school boards of this state.

   (2) "Office or officer" means any county office or officer or any office or officer under the jurisdiction of a governing body which maintains or is responsible for records.

(b) This article shall apply to local governments, except as modified in this Code section.

(c) All records created or received in the performance of a public duty or paid for by public funds by a governing body are deemed to be public property and shall constitute a record of public acts.

(d) Prior to July 1, 1983, each office or officer shall recommend to the governing body a retention schedule. This schedule shall include an inventory of the type of records maintained and the length of time each type of record shall be maintained in the office or in a record-holding area. These retention periods shall be based on the legal, fiscal, administrative, and historical needs for the record. Schedules previously approved by the State Records Committee will remain in effect until changed by the governing body.

(e) Prior to January 1, 1984, each governing body shall approve by resolution or ordinance a records management plan which shall include but not be limited to:

   (1) The name of the person or title of the officer who will coordinate and perform the responsibilities of the governing body under this article;

   (2) Each retention schedule approved by the governing body; and

   (3) Provisions for maintenance and security of the records.

(f) The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, through the division, shall coordinate all records management matters for purposes of this Code section. The division shall provide local governments with a list of common types of records maintained together with recommended retention periods and shall provide training and assistance as required. The division shall advise local governments of records of historical value which may be deposited in the state archives. All other records shall be maintained by the local government.

(g) Except as otherwise provided by law, ordinance, or policy adopted by the office or officer responsible for maintaining the records, all records shall be open to the public or the state or any agency thereof.

Ga. L. 1972, p. 1267, § 11; Ga. L. 1973, p. 691, § 4; Ga. L. 1978, p. 1372, § 3; Ga. L. 1981, p. 1422, § 1; Ga. L. 2002, p. 532, § 30; Ga. L. 2013, p. 594, § 2-5/HB 287.