(a) A county officer may record documents by miniature photographic process or microfilm process if:

1. (1) the installation of the process is approved by the county executive; and

2. (2) the process provides for an original and a duplicate film copy of each document that the officer is required to record.

   The officer shall index and file the original copy in a suitable container in the office where the document is recorded, in such a manner that it is easily accessible and readable by an interested person. The officer shall preserve the duplicate copy in a fireproof vault, either in the courthouse where the office is located or in a place designated by the county executive.

(b) When recording a release, assignment, or other document that requires a marginal entry or notation on a prior record made under this section, an officer acting under this section shall:

1. (1) record the document on the index page of the photographic or microfilm record containing the prior record; or
2. (2) index and cross-reference the marginal entry or notation and record it on a separate page attached to or filed with and made a part of the prior record.

(c) An officer recording a document under this section has exclusive control over the film and records in the officer's office, and the officer may not return an original document to the person presenting it for record until the film copy of that document is properly recorded, indexed, filed, and made available to interested persons.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 17-3-3-1; 17-3-3-2; 17-3-3-3.]

As added by Acts 1980, P.L.212, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.127-2017, SEC.102.