Raleigh, N.C. — The state's new e-mail records review panel will hold a public hearing Thursday in Raleigh.

Gov. Mike Easley created the panel, in part, to give state employees improved guidance on when to retain or dispose of e-mail.

The review came about after a fired spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Human Services said state employees were told to delete e-mails they sent to the governor's office.

The Easley administration has denied the allegation.

Easley wants the panel to recommend changes in policies or state law on retaining electronic correspondence by May 20. The governor is interested, among other things, in how to handle electronic messages sent on newer technology, such as Blackberry units.

E-mails are public record, and throwing them away without following the guidelines set by the state is a misdemeanor.

Thursday's meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. in the Council of State meeting room on the 5th floor of the administration building at 116 W. Jones St.

Anyone interested in speaking at the hearing should contact Liz Riley at 919-715-0834 or liz.riley@ncmail.net by 5 p.m. Wednesday.