The State Records Management Act (Government Code, Section 14740-14774) requires the Director of the Department of General Services (DGS) to establish and administer the state’s records management program. The program applies “ to the creation, utilization, maintenance, retention, preservation, and disposal of state records.” DGS administers the program though the State Administrative Manual (SAM), Chapter 1600 and the California Acquisition Manual (CAM). SAM and CAM require every state agency to establish Records Retention Schedules which, when approved, become the legal authority for the agency to dispose of official public records. Retention schedules are the key element in effective records management programs for both government and private industry. State agencies.
