Bill > S1636

This bill establishes a special commission tasked with studying and developing a plan for the preservation of municipal records across the Commonwealth. The commission will examine the current condition of these essential local government documents, identify problems with their organization, storage, and preservation, and propose solutions. Membership will include the secretary of the commonwealth or their designee, one senator, one representative, the Supervisor of Public Records, and representatives from the Massachusetts Archives (who will also chair the commission), the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Town Clerk’s Association, the City Clerk’s Association, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association. This commission will have the authority to hold public hearings and will receive necessary staff support from the Massachusetts Archives. Finally, the commission is required to produce a comprehensive written report detailing its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, and submit it to various state officials and legislative committees within three years of the bill's enactment.