The Law
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VCOG’s 2025 bill chart
Check here for bills we are following. The chart will be updated each night. Use the scroll bar on the right the chart to see more bills.
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2023-2024 Virginia Freedom of Information Act
Virginia Freedom of Information Act, effective July 1, 2023* – June 30, 2024*NOTES: 2.2-3703 was amended in to eliminate the exception from FOIA for the Parole Board, but the change will not become effective until July 1, 2024.2.2-3705.4(5) and 2.2-3711(A)(22): These amendments are name changes only. They don’t go into effect until the governor and the…
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Freedom of Information as enacted in 1968
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, July 1, 1968
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2023 legislative bill chart
Note: Use the scroll bar on the right of each chart to see the full list of bills
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2022-2023 Virginia Freedom of Information Act
Chapter 37. Virginia Freedom of Information Act Effective July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 Note: We have attempted to highlight all new language. However, please be aware that much of what had been in section 2.2-3708.2 has been repackaged and moved to section 2.2-3708.3, which goes into effect Sept. 1. Section 2.2-3706.1 has…
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2022 legislative position papers
Initial position papers for some 2022 bills SB 5 (Suetterlein): Makes Parole Board votes subject to FOIA (SUPPORT) HB 150 (March): Requires online posting of local public body meeting minutes (SUPPORT WITH RECOMMENDATION) THE PATRON ASKED FOR HER BILL TO BE STRICKEN FROM THE DOCKETHB 154 (March): Requires all public bodies to pre-redact…
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2022 legislative bill chart
These are the bills VCOG tracked during the 2022 General Assembly session. Our initial position papers can be found here. Many become irrelevant as the session moves on and bills are amended to address concerns. Support VCOG’s advocacy work year-round with a donation today! $10/month $5/month
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2021-2022 Virginia Freedom of Information Act
Chapter 37. Virginia Freedom of Information Act Effective July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022 new language has been bolded and italicized § 2.2-3700. Short title; policy. A. This chapter may be cited as “The Virginia Freedom of Information Act.” B. By enacting this chapter, the General Assembly ensures the people of the Commonwealth ready…
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2021 Legislative Bill Chart
VCOG’s annual chart tracking legislation of special interest to our organization, members and supporters.
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CNS v. Schaefer amicus brief
VCOG joined the Virginia Press Association, the National FOI Coalition and 25 other media-related outlets across the country in support of the Courthouse News Service’s case against two Virginia circuit court clerks who do not allow same-day access to new case files, as the rest of the state’s circuit courts do.
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2020-2021 Virginia Freedom of Information Act
Virginia FOIA, effective date July 1, 2020
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CNS v. Schaefer district court opinion
Courthouse News Service v. Schaefer opinion saying there’s a First Amendment right fo same-day access to new case files in Norfolk and Prince William County.
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2020 Legislative Bill Chart
VCOG’s annual chart tracking legislation of special interest to our organization, members and supporters.
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2019-2020 Virginia Freedom of Information Act
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, with amendments effective July 1, 2019.
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Transparent GMU v. George Mason University — filings, orders and opinions
Records filed in the case of Transparent GMU v. George Mason University, which seeks to make university foundation records subject to FOIA.
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2019 legislative wrap-up
A look back at the bills VCOG followed in the 2019 General Assembly session Though the fate of many bills rests in the governor’s pen — and any subsequent vote to override a possible veto — for all intents and purposes, the 2019 General Assembly session came to an end February 24. VCOG started off…
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2019 Legislative Bill Chart
THIS IS THE HOME OF VCOG’S ANNUAL BILL CHART FOR THE 2018 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION. BILLS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY ARE FILED AND UPDATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
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Injunction/Mandamus petition for general district court
The form and instructions needed to file for an injunction or a writ of mandamus under FOIA in general district court
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2018-2019 Virginia Freedom of Information Act
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act: §§ 2.2-3700 – 2.2-3714 Effective July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019 Major changes have been noted in italics and old language struck through. Several techical or minor changes have not been highlighted or noted. Thanks to VCOG’s Lawrence E. Richardson Legal Fellow for 2018, Andrew Abraham. Click HERE…
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Turner v. OES
Below are links to various filings and briefs in a case between William Turner of Accomack and the Office of Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. A district court ruled in August of 2017 (read the news article from DelmarvaNow.com) that the OES failed to follow FOIA when Turner requested various emails from the office. The…
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Bergano v. Virginia Beach amicus brief
VCOG filed an amicus brief in the Virginia Supreme Court case Bergano v. Virginia Beach.
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2018 Legislative Chart
THIS IS THE HOME OF VCOG’S ANNUAL BILL CHART FOR THE 2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION. BILLS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY ARE FILED.
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2017-2018 Virginia Freedom of Information Act
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act: §§ 2.2-3700 – 2.2-3714 Effective July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 Major changes have been noted in italics. Most techical or minor changes have not been highlighted or noted in any way. § 2.2-3700 Short title; policy. § 2.2-3701 Definitions. § 2.2-3702 Notice of chapter. § 2.2-3703…
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2017 Legislative Chart
THIS IS THE HOME OF VCOG’S ANNUAL BILL CHART FOR THE 2017 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION. BILLS WILL BE ADDED AS THEY ARE FILED. Do you want to be part of VCOG’s advoacy efforts? Someone who would be willing to call or write or email or even testify? Then fill out our Sunshine Caucus form…