2-6-111. Custody and reproduction of records by secretary of state. - Montana Statutes

     2-6-111. Custody and reproduction of records by secretary of state. (1) The secretary of state is charged with the custody of:
     (a) the enrolled copy of the constitution;
     (b) all the acts and resolutions passed by the legislature;
     (c) the journals of the legislature;
     (d) the great seal;
     (e) all books, records, parchments, maps, and papers kept or deposited in the secretary of state's office pursuant to law.
     (2) All records included in subsection (1) may be kept and reproduced in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary of state in consultation with the state records committee provided for in 2-15-1013.
     (3) The state records committee created by 2-15-1013 may approve the disposal of original records once those records are reproduced as provided for in subsection (2), unless disposal takes the form of transfer of records. Reproduction is not necessary for transferred records. The reproduction or certified copy of a record may be used in place of the original for all purposes, including as evidence in any court or proceeding, and has the same force and effect as the original record.
     (4) The secretary of state shall prepare enlarged typed or photographic copies of the records whenever their production is required by law.
     (5) At least two copies must be made of all records reproduced as provided for in subsection (2). The secretary of state shall place one copy in a fireproof storage place and shall retain the other copy in the office with suitable equipment for displaying a record by projection to not less than its original size and for preparing copies of the record for persons entitled to copies.
     (6) All duplicates of records must be identified and indexed.

     History: En. Sec. 400, Pol. C. 1895; re-en. Sec. 153, Rev. C. 1907; re-en. Sec. 133, R.C.M. 1921; Cal. Pol. C. Sec. 407; re-en. Sec. 133, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 82-2201; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 152, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 467, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 185, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 48, Ch. 61, L. 2007.