44 U.S.C. § 2912: Preservation of electronic messages and other records

44 U.S.C. 2912: Preservation of electronic messages and other recordsText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).

From Title 44-PUBLIC PRINTING AND DOCUMENTSCHAPTER 29-RECORDS MANAGEMENT BY THE ARCHIVIST OF THE UNITED STATES AND BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF GENERAL SERVICES

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§2912. Preservation of electronic messages and other records

(a) Regulations Required.⁠—The Archivist shall promulgate regulations governing Federal agency preservation of electronic messages that are determined to be records. Such regulations shall, at a minimum⁠—

(1) require the electronic capture, management, and preservation of such electronic records in accordance with the records disposition requirements of chapter 33;

(2) require that such electronic records are readily accessible for retrieval through electronic searches; and

(3) include timelines for Federal agency implementation of the regulations that ensure compliance as expeditiously as practicable.

(b) Coverage of Other Electronic Records.⁠—To the extent practicable, the regulations promulgated under subsection (a) shall also include requirements for the capture, management, and preservation of other electronic records.

(c) Review of Regulations Required.⁠—The Archivist shall periodically review and, as necessary, amend the regulations promulgated under subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCVI, § 9602(b)(1) , Jan. 1, 2021 , 134 Stat. 4828 .)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Deadline for Regulations

Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCVI, § 9602(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4828, provided that:

“Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Archivist shall propose the regulations required under section 2912(a) of title 44, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1).”