Reproduction of Records on Films; Disposition of Original

(a)The head of any agency having the care and custody of any record may cause the same to be photographed, microphotographed, or otherwise reproduced on film or in computerized form. When such head so establishes computerized storage of records and papers not originally kept in computerized form, he shall keep a parallel microfilm or photographic storage of the same records until such time as established national standards, properly followed, will give the same degree of permanency to the electronic storage as is required for the microfilmed records of a similar category. The documents retrieved from electronic storage of non-electronic originals shall be deemed to be as admissible as records reproduced from any other means of storage provided for in this section. The Governor of Guam, with respect to the Executive Branch, and the Committee on Rules, with respect to the Legislative Branch, are charged to make certain that such records shall be readily accessible to the public for examination and copying at reasonable rates.

(b)When such records are photographed, microphotographed, or otherwise reproduced on film, if it is determined by the Director, the Attorney General and the agency head concerned that the original record has no further legal, administrative, fiscal, research, or historical value the same may be destroyed or disposed of in accordance with the provision of this Article and thereafter the photograph, microphotograph, or reproduction on film shall be deemed to be an original record for all purposes, including introduction in evidence in all courts or administrative agencies. A transcript, exemplification, facsimile, or certified copy thereof shall, for all purposes recited herein, be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification, facsimile, or certified copy of the original record.

(c)Where certain records are required to be kept a specific length of time or permanently, or to be destroyed by specific methods or under specific supervision, and where such records are photographed, microphotographed, or reproduced no film said film may be submitted for the original records and the original records may be destroyed in the manner and under the conditions prescribed in subsection (b), above.