Authority of department to photograph or microphotograph records and to destroy original records; admissibility of photographs or microphotographs in evidence.

(1) The department is authorized to photograph, microphotograph, or reproduce on film, whereby each page will be exposed in exact conformity with the original, all its documents, records, maps, data, and information of a permanent character. The department is further authorized to destroy any documents after they have been photographed and filed except the original minutes of the meetings of the former State Road Board and such title deeds, maps, easements, leases, and releases relating to the rights-of-way of state roads and other property owned or leased by the department, which deeds, maps, easements, leases, and releases the department deems should be preserved in original form.

(2) Photographs or microphotographs in the form of film or print of any records made in compliance with the provisions of this section shall have the same force and effect as the originals for the purpose of their admissibility in evidence. Duly certified or authenticated reproductions of such photographs or microphotographs shall be admitted in evidence equally with original photographs or microphotographs.