59.1-490 - Retention of electronic record.

§ 59.1-490. Retention of electronic record.

(a) If a law requires that a record be retained, the requirement is satisfiedby retaining an electronic record of the information in the record which:

(1) Accurately reflects the information set forth in the record at the timeand after it was first generated in its final form as an electronic record orotherwise; and

(2) Remains accessible for later reference.

(b) A requirement to retain a record in accordance with subsection (a) doesnot apply to any information the sole purpose of which is to enable therecord to be sent, communicated, or received.

(c) A person may satisfy subsection (a) by using the services of anotherperson if the requirements of that subsection are satisfied.

(d) If a law requires a record to be presented or retained in its originalform, or provides consequences if the record is not presented or retained inits original form, that law is satisfied by an electronic record retained inaccordance with subsection (a).

(e) If a law requires retention of a check, that requirement is satisfied byretention of an electronic record of the information on the front and back ofthe check in accordance with subsection (a).

(f) A record retained as an electronic record in accordance with subsection Asatisfies a law requiring a person to retain a record for evidentiary, audit,or like purposes, unless a law enacted after the effective date of thischapter specifically prohibits the use of an electronic record for thespecified purpose.

(g) This section does not preclude a public body of the Commonwealth fromspecifying additional requirements for the retention of a record subject tosuch public body's jurisdiction.

(2000, c. 995.)