(a) The Secretary of State may cause any record, document, plat, file, book, map, paper or other writing made, acquired or received as required by law to be photographed or microphotographed on plate or film. Such photographs, microfilms or prints made therefrom, when duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, shall have the same force and effect at law as the original record or of a record made by any other legally authorized means and may be offered in like manner and shall be received in evidence in any court where such original record, or record made by other legally authorized means, could have been introduced and received.
(b) The Secretary of State may buy or lease photographic or microphotographic equipment and supplies necessary to carry out the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.