Answer

Yes, there is. It is found in R.S. 44:36. It provides two basic rules: 1. All public bodies having control of any public record that is not required by law to be kept permanently shall keep them for the period of time specified in formal records retention schedules developed and approved by the state archivist in the Secretary of State’s Office: and 2. If a formal retention schedule has not been executed by the public body, such public records shall be preserved and maintained for a period of at least three years from the date on which the public record was made. In summary, if the public body has a retention schedule approved by the state archivist, the retention period is whatever it says in the schedule. If no retention schedule has been prepared and approved, the minimum period is three years from the date the record was created unless the law requires a different retention period for a specific record. R.S. 44:411 creates a mandated procedure for entities to follow in creating their formal retention schedules with the Secretary of State’s office. Local governments should contact the State archivist for assistance to create their formal retention schedules. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 05/01/2024 09:26:57 PM