Public Records Act

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Public Records Act - Defines the terms used in this Act, including "public record". States that every public record is the property of the United States. Provides that, except as otherwise provided by law, the President or Vice President may destroy or cause to be destroyed any public record in his custody within thirty days after he prepares or receives it, if such record was received, held, prepared, or originated by or for him. States that after an individual ceases to hold the office of President or Vice President, the Administrator of General Services shall take custody of the existing public records received, held, prepared, or originated during the period when such individual held office, except that the successor to the office held by the individual shall retain temporary custody of such records as the successor certifies to be necessary in the performance of his duties. Provides for the preservation of public records by the Administrator in the National Archives. States that the President or Vice President may impose restrictions on public access to any public record obtained from him by the Administrator under this Act for a period of not more than five years from the dat…