S. 5632: National Archives Protection Act

This bill would change how the National Archives can handle existing federal records centers and archive facilities.

What it would do

• It would add a rule saying the Archivist of the United States may not close any federal records center or archive facility that was already established before this law takes effect.
• It would also prevent the Archivist from placing unreasonable restrictions on public access to those existing facilities.
• In addition, it would bar the Archivist from reconstructing, converting, or rehabilitating any of those facilities if that work would require moving records for more than 180 days.

Plain-language effect

In practical terms, the bill would limit the National Archives’ ability to shut down, significantly restrict access to, or undertake long-term renovation projects at existing records centers and archive facilities if those projects would require records to be moved away for an extended period. The goal appears to be keeping these facilities open and available to the public, while preventing disruptions that could limit access to records.

Relevant Companies

None found