COUNTIES-CLERK-TECHNOLOGY

Amends the Local Records Act. Provides that a unit of local government, acting through its governing board, may authorize the use of technology to execute its duties, or assist in the execution of certain portions of public duties, where those technologies utilize commonly accepted methods of data storage and cybersecurity, and the unit of local government otherwise continues adherence to the Local Records Act. Provides that, where applicable law requires accepting information in writing, an appearance before an official in person, or requires a signature, the unit of local government may, in place of those requirements, adopt widely used technologies, such as video chat and secure digital signatures, to verify identity and process service requests. Provides that a unit of local government may also adopt a method of certifying paperless digital copies of any record using PDF file delivery if the unit of local government provides for free on its website an upload tool for any person in recipient of a certified digital file to confirm its authenticity. Requires a unit of local government to provide notice before adopting such procedures. Provides that the Act may be referred to as the At Your Service Act. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 50 ILCS 205/25 new Adds reference to: 55 ILCS 5/3-2003.6 new Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Counties Code. Provides that a county clerk may authorize the use of technology to execute the clerk's duties or assist in the execution of certain portions of public duties in specified circumstances. Provides that, where applicable law requires accepting information in writing, an appearance before an official in person, service of official records in paper copy, or requires a signature, the county clerk may, in place of those requirements, adopt widely used technologies such as video chat, secure data transmission portals, and secure digital signatures to verify identity and process service requests. Provides that a county clerk may also adopt a method of certifying paperless digital copies of any record using PDF or similar file delivery in specified circumstances. Provides that a county clerk replacing a previously paper-based process or appearance method must publish notice on the clerk's website, or in a newspaper of general circulation if the county clerk does not have a website, and in the principal office of business 60 days prior to making such a change.