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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 3Pt. 2Ch. 3Art. 4§ 12236 Local Government Records Program

§ 12236 Local Government Records Program

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12236 Local Government Records Program

Key Takeaways

  • •The state creates rules for how local governments (like cities and counties) should keep and store their records.
  • •These rules are written down and shared online and in paper form so everyone can see them.
  • •The state checks and updates these rules when laws or best practices change.
  • •The state helps local governments with advice on storing records and preserving history.

Example

A small town wants to throw away old papers from 20 years ago to make space in their office.

Before they toss anything, they must check the state’s rules to see if those papers need to be kept. The state’s guidelines will tell them what to save and what can go. If they’re unsure, they can ask the state for help.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12236 Local Government Records Program

(a) The Secretary of State shall establish a Local Government Records Program to be administered by the State Archives to establish guidelines for local government records retention and to provide archival support to local agencies in this state. (b) The Secretary of State shall establish, publish, update, and maintain on a permanent basis guidelines for local government records retention. The Secretary of State may consult with appropriate professional organizations representing city, county, and special district records administrators regarding the establishment of these guidelines. (c) The program shall be primarily responsible for the performance of the following functions: (1) Publish the guidelines developed pursuant to subdivision (b) in paper form initially and on the Internet web site for the Secretary of State. (2) Monitor and review changes in state laws and administrative regulations that pertain to local government records retention. (3) Monitor practices and procedures in records administration that have bearing on local government records retention and management. (4) Update published guidelines on a current and timely basis as changes occur. (5) Make supporting information about state laws and administrative regulations that pertain to local government records retention available to local government agencies. (6) Function as the liaison for the State Archives with appropriate professional organizations. (7) Maintain communication with individual local government agencies. (8) Consult and provide information and advice to local government agencies on archival and records management practices. (9) Consult and provide information and advice to local government agencies on history and heritage. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 28, Sec. 23. (SB 854) Effective June 20, 2014.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

Local Government Records Programrecords retentionState Archiveslocal government agencies

Related Statutes

  • § 12223.5 State Archives File Preservation
  • § 12227 Archives Preservation And Access
  • § 12233 State Policy Oral History
  • § 12237 State Archives Disclosure Rule
  • § 12220 Definition Of Item

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 12236.
View Official Source