The legal custodian of public records shall protect them against deterioration, mutilation, theft, loss, or destruction and shall keep them secure in vaults or rooms having proper ventilation and fire protection in such arrangement as to be easily accessible for convenient use. They must be kept in the buildings in which they are ordinarily used except in cases where they may be transferred for retention or disposal in accord with Sections 30-1-10 to 30-1-140 or for special public display by the appropriate authority. The director may order the removal of public records from any facility which does not meet records storage standards approved by regulations promulgated by the Archives. If public records of long term or archival value are in danger of loss due to negligence, deterioration, theft, or unauthorized disposal or destruction, the director may order that the records be transferred to suitable storage for the purpose of security microfilming or other necessary preservation measures. Records must be maintained, copied, or repaired, renovated, rebound, or restored in accordance with standards required by regulation and approved by the department if they are worn, mutilated, damaged, difficult to read, or in danger of loss at the expense of the public body having custody or responsibility if these records are of long term or archival value as determined under the provisions of this chapter.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 1-587; 1973 (58) 350; 1990 Act No. 546, Section 1.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 1 - Public Records, Reports And Official Documents
Section 30-1-20. Custodians of records; records officer.
Section 30-1-30. Unlawful removing, defacing or destroying public records.
Section 30-1-40. Records shall be turned over to successor or to Archives.
Section 30-1-50. Penalty for failure to deliver records.
Section 30-1-70. Protection and restoration of records.
Section 30-1-80. Records management program.
Section 30-1-100. Additional powers and duties of Archives.
Section 30-1-110. Destruction or other disposition of records.
Section 30-1-120. Inventorying, repairing and microfilming records.
Section 30-1-130. Microfilming or photocopying records; preservation or disposition of copies.
Section 30-1-140. Penalties for refusal or neglect to perform duty respecting records.
Section 30-1-170. Use of loose-leaf record books.
Section 30-1-180. Inclusion of Eastern (Greek) Orthodox Church where names of major religions used.