The state Senate has approved a bill that allows the University System of Georgia to take over management of the Georgia Archives.

The bill unanimously passed the Senate Thursday. It now heads to Gov. Nathan Deal.

The archives have been administered by the Secretary of State's office, where it was heavily affected by budget cuts. It was nearly closed to the public last year except for limited appointments.

The transfer is part of a long-term agreement reached by the governor and Secretary of State Brian Kemp to keep the research facilities open, but it required legislative approval.

The transfer is set to begin July 1. The University System has already formed a task force to make recommendations on how to handle the transition.

Tags: University System of Georgia, governor deal, state archives, transfer