Electronic Records

AWC and the Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WMCA) recently co-sponsored a half-day discussion forum on public records, specifically electronic records management. This event attracted nearly 150 local government clerks, records management personnel and information services staff. It was an opportunity to gather information about the new WAC rules being developed by the Washington State Archives office, and to ask questions about how to manage electronic records as they relate to local records retention schedules and public records laws. Many questions were asked about retaining records in their original format, managing volumes of electronic records, metadata rules, and costs relating to the new WAC rules. It was clear that some confusion persists among local governments as to the rules for retention of electronic records.

The discussion panel included:

Jerry Handfield, Washington State Archivist;
Pat Mason, Legal Consultant at Municipal Research and Services Center;
Ramsey Ramerman, attorney at Foster Pepper PLLC, and
Russell Wood, State Archives Division.

AWC and WMCA are considering other opportunities for continuing this discussion.

Proposed Expansion of ADA

On June 17, a notice of proposed new regulations was released, designed to give people with disabilities greater access to public and private facilities and to expand enforcement of the 1990 civil rights statute known as the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. Among the proposed changes are requirements that courts ensure that jury boxes and witness stands are accessible, that public and private golf courses, swimming pools, stadiums and auditoriums are retrofitted to ensure easy access, and those new facilities meet new and tougher standards than in the past. The National League of Cities will comment on the proposed changes and impacts to local government.

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