Public Record Text Message (March) Read All Laws Here! >> Read this article to acknowledge what are the rules regarding SMS or texts record and read to gather knowledge.
Are you aware of state laws against Public Record Text Message? United States Government has recently issued new rules and regulations regarding public records.
In the Government place, communication via electronic platforms has become common. Therefore, states have started to collect records of this electronic communication according to new government laws.
In this article post, we are going delve into public record laws regarding text messages, so keep reading to know in-depth-
Is the text message considered as a Public record’s part?
Government laws differ by jurisdiction; however, the text message is undoubtedly included in the public record. United States Government requires all the communications, which are sent from privately owned devices and text messages that are sent from devices issued by a government body, as per the rules, it must be considered under Public Record Text Message jurisdiction.
As per the latest rules, the government agency will be accountable if they have not implied a solution for capturing and retaining SMS or mobile messaging that includes official business data no matter which devices the person use.
Agency’s policy for record maintenance requires improvement. It has been founded from a different source that the government fails to collect and store mobile messages or text data too often because there is a possibility that they think the solution is perfect and sufficient. However, the practice is done more manually, like device collection from an employee, filling documents, photocopying a device, only after receiving a message request. The manual practice consumes more timing than it should take.
Few Major States Public Record Text Message Rules:
Here we will look into a few major states’ public record laws, so let’s get started-
California: According to California Public Record Act, it is not clearly mentioned relating to official agencies’ businesses are considered writings. Moreover, text messages those comprise data related to public business and are in charge of public agencies, individual public employee or public officials are as per the definition, public record.
Florida: In Florida’s public record laws, the definition of public record is given as- all the documents like letters, papers, books, maps, sounding records, photographs, data processing software, films, or anything regardless of the characteristics, physical form, mean of transportation received or made according to law or in connection with the transaction of official business by agencies.
Illinois: As per the Public Record Text Message Rules, text or mobile message, or SMS, is considered public record.
Texas: As per the open record decision from the ‘Texas Attorney General’ digitally, all the data in a governmental body’s possession constitutes public details, and therefore, it is subjected to the ‘Public Information Act. Hence, texts related to the government body’s official business are included in this act.
The Final Line:
The rules vary from state to state, and all 50 states have their laws regarding public records. We have discussed a few states’ rules for our audience. If you want to be updated about Public Record Text Message laws, check our daily blogs.
Is there anything else you want to know? Then mention it in the comment section.