2014 Wyoming Statutes
TITLE 9 - ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 2 - AGENCIES, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND DEPARTMENTSGENERALLY
ARTICLE 4 - STATE ARCHIVES, MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL DEPARTMENT
9-2-413. Reproduction of public records of political subdivisions.

9-2-413. Reproduction of public records of political subdivisions.

(a) Subject to this section and with the approval of the governing body of the political subdivision, any department, agency, board or individual of any political subdivision may record or copy by any microfilming, microphotographic, photographic, photostatic or other permanent reproductive device any public record which the department, agency, board or individual of the political subdivision records, keeps, retains, or is by law, rule or regulation required to record, keep or retain for a period of years or permanently. The microfilm, microphotograph, photograph, photostat or other permanent reproduction is deemed the original or official copy of the public record so reproduced for all purposes. If any department, agency, board or individual of any political subdivision is required to record any writing or document in books or on other forms, recording done directly onto microfilm, microphotograph or other permanent storage medium in lieu of the other required form of recordation constitutes compliance with the requirement. A master negative of microfilm or microphotographs shall be made whenever any process is used to reproduce public records with the intent of disposing of the original or copies of the original. The master negative shall be sent to the director. One (1) copy of all master negatives shall be retained by the governmental entity or officer having custody of the writings or papers thus recorded or copied as the official copy.

(b) If any document is presented for recording or notation in public records the document shall, after recording, be returned to the party from whom it was received. If the party cannot be located or refuses to accept it, the document shall be disposed of in accordance with W.S. 9-2-411.

(c) Prior to adopting any microfilming, microphotographic, photographic, photostatic or other reproductive process, the governing body of a political subdivision shall consult with the director. If any of the public records which are reproduced pursuant to this section are permanent records or, under the laws, rules or regulations in effect at the time of reproduction, are required to be transferred at a later date to any agency or department of the state, the particular microfilming, microphotographic, photographic, photostatic or other reproductive process shall be approved by the director as one which clearly and accurately makes copies that will last the time they are to be kept, or can be subsequently reproduced without distortions that substantially affect their legibility.

(d) If the original documents are disposed of as allowed by law, the set of official microfilm retained by the local governmental entity or official shall be stored in a safe place and protected from destruction. The official microfilm shall be available to the public for inspection in the same manner as the original documents would have been, and sufficient microfilm and microphotographic readers or other suitable devices shall be available to the public to permit inspection.

(e) The clerk of district court shall not microfilm, microphotograph, photograph, photostat or otherwise reproduce, for official record purposes, the files of any action or proceeding kept in his office until two (2) years have lapsed since the initial filing in the action or proceeding. The clerk of district court may make certified or other copies of documents in his office for individuals or officials.

(f) In recording, reproducing or copying any public records as authorized by this section and in disposing of the originals or copies, no restrictions or provisions of law regarding recording, reproducing or copying, or the disposition of originals or copies inconsistent with this section apply to the governmental entity or its officers, agents and employees.