(a) Validation of records.--Except as otherwise provided by law, city records that are required to be recorded or copied shall be deemed valid if recorded or transcribed by any digital, photostatic, photographic, microphotographic, microfilm, microcard, miniature photographic, optical, electronic or other process that accurately reproduces the original and forms a durable medium for recording, storing and reproducing the original in accordance with standards, policies and procedures for the creation, maintenance, transmission or reproduction of images of records approved by the county or local government records committees, as applicable, and as otherwise provided by law. Where recording in a specific book is required, except for minutes or the proceedings of council, the records may be recorded, transcribed or otherwise assembled in an appropriate book, disk or other medium approved by resolution of council, and all records recorded and assembled in any manner are validated.

(b) Maintenance of records.--A city shall not be required to retain original or paper copies of documents after the documents are archived by any of the methods provided for in subsection (a) or as otherwise provided by law.