What statute governs the destruction of public records?

The statute that governs the destruction of public records in New Jersey is N.J.S.A. 47:3-15 et seq. This law provides the framework for how public records should be managed, including guidelines for their retention and eventual destruction.

The legislation outlines the necessary procedures that municipal clerks and other public officials must follow to ensure that records are not deleted or destroyed without proper authority and in accordance with established schedules. This is important for maintaining transparency and accountability within governmental operations, as well as ensuring that records are only disposed of once they have surpassed their assigned retention period.

Understanding this statute is crucial for clerks and others involved in record management, as it ensures compliance with state laws while safeguarding essential historical and governmental documents.