Records retention and disposition schedules enable state agencies to systematically manage their records and information by specifying how long state records must be maintained and what their final disposition will be. The retention schedules are developed by using the data compiled in the records inventory, researching legal sources such as state and federal statutes, and discussing the records and information needs of an agency with its records custodians, staff, and legal counsel. The scheduling process is ongoing and involves the cooperation of an agency’s records custodian, liaisons, and legal counsel.
Records retention and disposition schedules are filed as state rules and are compiled in the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC). The official rule for Functional Retention and Disposition Schedule is the 1.21.2 NMAC.