§ 25-18-101 — Reproduction of records generally

(a) For the purposes of this section, "business" means and includes business, industry, profession, occupation, and calling of every kind. (b) (1) The head of any business or head of any state, county, or municipal department, commission, bureau, or board may cause any or all records kept by the official, department, commission, board, or business to be photographed, microfilmed, photostated, or reproduced on film. At the time of reproduction, he or she shall attach his or her certificate to the record certifying that it is the original record, and the certificate shall be reproduced with the original. (2) The film or reproducing material shall be of durable material, and the device used to reproduce records on the film or material shall be such as to accurately reproduce and perpetuate the original records in all details. (c) (1) The photostatic copy, photograph, microfilm, or photographic film of the original records shall be deemed to be an original record for all purposes and shall be admissible in evidence in all courts or administrative agencies. (2) A facsimile, exemplification, or certified copy of a record for all purposes recited in this subsection shall be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification, or certified copy of the original. (d) Whenever photostatic copies, photographs, microfilms, or reproductions on films of public records kept by a state official, department, commission, or board shall be placed in conveniently accessible files and provision made for preserving, examining, and using them, the head of the state department, commission, bureau, or board may certify those facts to the Governor, who shall have the power to authorize the disposal, archival storage, or destruction of the records or papers.

Legislative History

Acts 1947, No. 218, §§ 1-4; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 16-501 -- 16-504.