Us Code § 2912 - Preservation of electronic messages and other records

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 2912 — Preservation of electronic messages and other records, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2912. Preservation of electronic messages and other records

(a) Regulations Required.—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) Coverage of Other Electronic Records.—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) Review of Regulations Required.—The Archivist shall periodically review and, as necessary, amend the regulations promulgated under subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. H, title XCVI, §9602(b)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4828.)


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)."

CHAPTER 31—RECORDS MANAGEMENT BY FEDERAL AGENCIES

Sec.
3101.
Records management by agency heads; general duties.
3102.
Establishment of program of management.
3103.
Transfer of records to records centers.
3104.
Certifications and determinations on transferred records.
3105.
Safeguards.
3106.
Unlawful removal, destruction of records.
3107.
Authority of Comptroller General.

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1976—Pub. L. 94–575, §3(b), Oct. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 2727, substituted "Transfer of records to records centers" for "Storage, processing, and servicing of records" in item 3103.

About This Section

44 U.S.C. § 2912 is part of Title 44 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 44 U.S.C. § 2912. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 2912

What does United States Code § 2912 cover?

Section 2912 ("Preservation of electronic messages and other records") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 2912?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 2912" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 2912 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.