2016 North Carolina General Statutes
Chapter 132 - Public Records.
§ 132-6.1 - Electronic data-processing records.
132-6.1. Electronic data-processing records.
(a) After June 30, 1996, no public agency shall purchase, lease, create, or otherwise acquire any electronic data-processing system for the storage, manipulation, or retrieval of public records unless it first determines that the system will not impair or impede the agency's ability to permit the public inspection and examination, and to provide electronic copies of such records. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the retention by the public agency of obsolete hardware or software.
(b) Every public agency shall create an index of computer databases compiled or created by a public agency on the following schedule:
| State agencies by July 1, 1996; |
| Municipalities with populations of 10,000 or more, counties with populations of 25,000 or more, as determined by the 1990 U.S. Census, and public hospitals in those counties, by July 1, 1997; |
| Municipalities with populations of less than 10,000, counties with populations of less than 25,000, as determined by the 1990 U.S. Census, and public hospitals in those counties, by July 1, 1998; |
| Political subdivisions and their agencies that are not otherwise covered by this schedule, after June 30, 1998. |
(c) Nothing in this section shall require a public agency to create a computer database that the public agency has not otherwise created or is not otherwise required to be created. Nothing in this section requires a public agency to disclose security features of its electronic data processing systems, information technology systems, telecommunications networks, or electronic security systems, including hardware or software security, passwords, or security standards, procedures, processes, configurations, software, and codes.
(d) The following definitions apply in this section:
(1) Computer database. - A structured collection of data or documents residing in a database management program or spreadsheet software.
(2) Computer hardware. - Any tangible machine or device utilized for the electronic storage, manipulation, or retrieval of data.
(3) Computer program. - A series of instructions or statements that permit the storage, manipulation, and retrieval of data within an electronic data-processing system, together with any associated documentation. The term does not include the original data, or any analysis, compilation, or manipulated form of the original data produced by the use of the program or software.
(4) Computer software. - Any set or combination of computer programs. The term does not include the original data, or any analysis, compilation, or manipulated form of the original data produced by the use of the program or software.
(5) Electronic data-processing system. - Computer hardware, computer software, or computer programs or any combination thereof, regardless of kind or origin. (1995, c. 388, s. 3; 2000-71, s. 1; 2002-159, s. 35(i).)
