Following a statement of purpose, the act defines terms used in the legislation and its applicability to State and local government agencies. The act then addresses the completeness and accuracy of criminal history records and presents guidelines governing the dissemination of such data. It contends that the right to inspect or reproduce public criminal justice information should be guaranteed, and it favors open access to criminal history record information, subject only to reasonable rules protecting security and an agency's efficient operations. Guidelines also consider nonconviction information, setting a 1-year period of open accessibility and limited access thereafter to law enforcement agencies and persons with a need to know. The law details procedures for processing a public request for criminal history information and provides judicial remedies for failure to comply with the act, including civil damages, criminal penalties, and administrative sanctions. The act discusses coordination of its polices and guidelines for effective implementation.