The following general schedules contain minimum records retention periods for the official copy of the records. These retentions and dispositions apply regardless of physical format, i.e., paper, microfilm, electronic storage, digital imaging, etc. Convenience, informational or duplicate copies are not governed by this regulation and may be destroyed when no longer needed for reference. To destroy records in accordance with this regulation, municipal governments must complete and submit a report on records destroyed form to the Department of Archives and History after eligible records have been destroyed. These forms are available from the Department's Division of Archives and Records Management. Before disposing of public records under these general schedules, municipal governments should insure that the records have no further audit, legal, or fiscal value. These general schedules supersede all schedules approved previously for the same records series. However, municipal governments may opt out of these general schedules and request the continuing use of existing schedules or the establishment of specific retention schedules for their records when appropriate, necessary, or in order to avoid conflict with other laws or regulations.
S.C. Code Regs. § 12-601