State Legislature Passes Local Records Preservation Measure

• By: NYSAC
• On: 06/17/2016 15:26:36
• In: Press Releases

The Assembly and Senate this week passed legislation (A.10527, Fahy/S.6708, Ritchie) that dedicates unused local government records management funds.
 
State Finance Law created the New York State Local Government Improvement Fund to help local governments address their electronic records management needs, which is a primary function of county clerks. The funding for this program comes from transactional revenues from departments of motor vehicles (DMVs) and fees for services rendered by county clearks.
 
"These funds have been a critical source of funding not just for the preservation local records but also for making those records accessible to the public at large," said Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall, president of the New York State Association of County Clerks. "On behalf of NYSACC, I congratulate AssemblywomanFahy and Senator Ritchie on passage of the bill that will direct unused funds in the New York state local government records management improvement fund for their stated purpose."
 
Historically, unused funds from the Records Management Improvement Fund are diverted into the State's general fund, reducing the amount available for future program grants.
 
"We need to support the county clerks who manage a broad array of records for residents, local governments and the court systems," said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. 
 
The legislation that passed both houses of the State Legislature this week will be sent to the Governor for his signature.
 
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  The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving the counties of New York State. Organized in 1925, NYSAC's mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties.