REPRODUCTION AND PRESERVATION OF RECORDS.

(a) The retirement system may photograph, microphotograph, or film, or use electronic storage for, all records pertaining to a member's individual file, accounting records, district report records, and investment records. The retirement system may receive any record or report on paper or film or in an electronic storage format.

(b) If a record is reproduced under Subsection (a), the retirement system may destroy or dispose of the original record if the system first:

(1) places the reproduction or electronic record in a file conveniently accessible to retirement system personnel; and

(2) provides for the preservation, examination, and use of the reproduction or stored electronic record.

(c) A photograph, microphotograph, film, or electronic record of a record received or reproduced under Subsection (a) is equivalent to the original record for all purposes, including introduction as evidence in all courts and administrative agency proceedings. A duly certified or authenticated copy of such a photograph, microphotograph, film, or electronic record is admissible as evidence equally with the original photograph, microphotograph, film, or electronic record.

(d) The executive director or an authorized representative may certify the authenticity of a photograph, microphotograph, film, or electronic record of a record reproduced under this section and shall charge a fee for the certified photograph, microphotograph, film, or electronic record as provided by law.

(e) Certified records shall be furnished to any person who is authorized by law to receive them.

(f) In this section:

(1) "Electronic storage" means the maintenance of record data in the form of digital electronic signals on a computer hard disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, or similar medium readable by machine.

(2) "Electronic record" means any information that is recorded in a form for computer processing.