2-6-1012. Management of public records -- disposal and destruction. (1) (a) Each public officer is responsible for properly managing the public records within the public officer's possession or control through an established records management plan that satisfies the requirements of this chapter.

(b) Executive branch agencies shall manage public records according to the provisions of Title 2, chapter 6, part 11, and the rules and guidelines established by the secretary of state, the state records committee, and the Montana historical society.

(c) Local governments shall manage public records according to the provisions of Title 2, chapter 6, part 12, and the rules and guidelines established by the secretary of state, the local government records committee, and the Montana historical society.

(d) Pursuant to 5-2-503 and 5-11-105, the legislative council shall administer the records management plan for the legislative branch. The legislative branch shall cooperate with the secretary of state, the state records committee, the local government records committee, and the Montana historical society in the development, implementation, and administration of the legislative records management plan using Title 2, chapter 6, part 11, as guidance.

(e) The judicial branch shall establish a records management plan. The judicial branch may seek assistance from the secretary of state, the state records committee, the local government records committee, and the Montana historical society regarding development, implementation, and administration of the judicial records management plan.

(2) When a public record has reached the end of its retention period, the public officer shall ensure the record is disposed of, destroyed, or transferred according to the provisions of this chapter.