Title 44 — Public Printing and DocumentsRelease 119-73not60
§2912 Preservation of Electronic Messages and Other Records
Title 44 › Chapter 29— RECORDS MANAGEMENT BY THE ARCHIVIST OF THE UNITED STATES AND BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF GENERAL SERVICES › § 2912
Summary
The Archivist must make rules telling federal agencies how to capture, manage, and preserve electronic messages that are records. The rules must follow chapter 33, keep records searchable, and set timelines so agencies comply as quickly as reasonably possible. Where possible, the rules should also cover other electronic records. The Archivist must review and update the rules regularly.
Full Legal Text
Title 44, §2912
Public Printing and Documents — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)The Archivist shall promulgate regulations governing Federal agency preservation of electronic messages that are determined to be records. Such regulations shall, at a minimum—
(1)require the electronic capture, management, and preservation of such electronic records in accordance with the records disposition requirements of chapter 33;
(2)require that such electronic records are readily accessible for retrieval through electronic searches; and
(3)include timelines for Federal agency implementation of the regulations that ensure compliance as expeditiously as practicable.
(b)To the extent practicable, the regulations promulgated under subsection (a) shall also include requirements for the capture, management, and preservation of other electronic records.
(c)The Archivist shall periodically review and, as necessary, amend the regulations promulgated under subsection (a).
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Deadline for
Regulations
Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCVI, § 9602(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4828, provided that: “Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021], the Archivist shall propose the
Regulations
required under section 2912(a) of title 44, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1).”
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
44 U.S.C. § 2912
Title 44 — Public Printing and Documents
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60