(a) The State Police Bureau of Identification may maintain the fingerprints of arrested persons received pursuant to § 29-12 and of persons who have submitted fingerprints in connection with a criminal history records check pursuant to § 29-17a in an electronic format in lieu of a paper format.

(b) Whenever the bureau converts fingerprints contained in its files from a paper format to an electronic format, it may destroy the paper copy of such fingerprints.

(c) On and after January 1, 2014, any organized local police department that has the capability to electronically capture the fingerprints of arrested persons under § 29-12 and the fingerprints of persons requesting a criminal history records check under § 29-17a shall submit such fingerprints electronically to the State Police Bureau of Identification.