Who holds the final authority on public records retention?

The final authority on public records retention is the State Records Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in establishing guidelines and policies regarding the preservation and destruction of public records within the state. It ensures that records are maintained for the appropriate length of time, in compliance with state laws and regulations, to protect historical relevance and public accountability.

By having the State Records Committee lead this effort, there is a centralized authority that can make informed decisions about what records need to be kept and for how long, thereby supporting transparency and governance. Other entities, such as the Governor or the Department of State, may have roles in relation to records, but it is the State Records Committee that officially oversees public records retention policies. The Chief Justice, while influential in the judicial system, does not have jurisdiction over public records retention in the same manner as the dedicated committee.