House Bill 5795 Summary

• Transfers custody of probate court records from judges to the clerk of the probate court, and requires the clerk to maintain all records created by or filed with the court in accordance with supreme court rules.

• Allows courts to charge reasonable fees for providing enhanced electronic access to court records and case management systems, with written agreements required for fee-free access to other courts or public agencies.

• Permits court documents and writs to be filed in any medium authorized by supreme court rules and allows electronic signatures to satisfy signature requirements on court documents.

• Establishes records management policies and procedures for all courts, including retention and disposal schedules developed in accordance with supreme court rules and state law.

• Modifies record retention periods for district courts, probate courts, and circuit courts, and allows destruction of records after specified timeframes while preserving the register of actions as the official record of judgment.