Section 12. (a) If a law requires that a record be retained, the requirement is satisfied by retaining an electronic record which:—
(1) accurately reflects the information set forth in the record after it was first generated in its final form as an electronic record or otherwise; and
(2) remains accessible for later reference.
(b) A requirement to retain a record in accordance with subsection (a) shall not apply to any information the sole purpose of which is to enable the record to be sent, communicated or received.
(c) A person may satisfy subsection (a) by using the services of another person if the requirements of that subsection are satisfied.
(d) If a law requires a record to be presented or retained in its original form, or provides consequences if the record is not presented or retained in its original form, that law is satisfied by an electronic record retained in accordance with subsection (a).
(e) If a law requires retention of a check, that requirement is satisfied by retention of an electronic record of the information on the front and back of the check in accordance with subsection (a).
(f) A record retained as an electronic record in accordance with subsection (a) satisfies a law requiring a person to retain a record for evidentiary, audit, or like purposes, unless a law enacted after the effective date of this chapter specifically prohibits the use of an electronic record for the specified purpose.
(g) This section shall not preclude a governmental agency of the commonwealth from specifying additional requirements for the retention of a record subject to the agency's jurisdiction.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title XV - Regulation of Trade
Chapter 110g - Uniform Electronic Transactions
Section 3 - Application of Chapter; Transactions Governed by Other Laws
Section 4 - Electronic Records or Electronic Signatures Governed by Chapter
Section 5 - Transactions Governed by Chapter; Consent of Parties; Waiver
Section 6 - Construction of Chapter
Section 7 - Electronic Signature; Enforceability; Satisfaction of Legal Requirements
Section 9 - Attribution of Electronic Signature; Effect
Section 10 - Change or Error During Transmission of Electronic Record
Section 11 - Fulfillment of Notarization, Acknowledgement, Verification, or Oath Requirements
Section 12 - Retention Requirements
Section 13 - Legal Proceedings
Section 14 - Automated Transactions; Contracts
Section 15 - When Electronic Record Is Sent and Received; Location; Knowledge; Documentation
Section 16 - Transferable Record; Control; Holder for Purposes of Uniform Commercial Code; Proof