{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-3700.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-3700.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-3700.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-3700.html"}],"law_id":55569,"edition_id":1,"section_id":55569,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3700","catch_line":"Short title; policy","history":"1968, c. 479, \u00a7 2.1-340; 1976, c. 467, \u00a7 2.1-340.1; 1989, c. 358; 1990, c. 538; 1999, cc. 703, 726; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 393.","full_text":"A\n\nThis chapter may be cited as &#8220;The Virginia Freedom of Information Act.&#8221;B\n\nBy enacting this chapter, the General Assembly ensures the people of the Commonwealth ready access to public records in the custody of a public body or its officers and employees, and free entry to meetings of public bodies wherein the business of the people is being conducted. The affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government. Unless a public body or its officers or employees specifically elect to exercise an exemption provided by this chapter or any other statute, every meeting shall be open to the public and all public records shall be available for inspection and copying upon request. All public records and meetings shall be presumed open, unless an exemption is properly invoked.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government. Any exemption from public access to records or meetings shall be narrowly construed and no record shall be withheld or meeting closed to the public unless specifically made exempt pursuant to this chapter or other specific provision of law. This chapter shall not be construed to discourage the free discussion by government officials or employees of public matters with the citizens of the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\tAll public bodies and their officers and employees shall make reasonable efforts to reach an agreement with a requester concerning the production of the records requested.\n\t\t\tAny ordinance adopted by a local governing body that conflicts with the provisions of this chapter shall be void.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":203657,"text":"This chapter may be cited as &#8220;The Virginia Freedom of Information Act.&#8221;","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":203658,"text":"By enacting this chapter, the General Assembly ensures the people of the Commonwealth ready access to public records in the custody of a public body or its officers and employees, and free entry to meetings of public bodies wherein the business of the people is being conducted. The affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government. Unless a public body or its officers or employees specifically elect to exercise an exemption provided by this chapter or any other statute, every meeting shall be open to the public and all public records shall be available for inspection and copying upon request. All public records and meetings shall be presumed open, unless an exemption is properly invoked.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government. Any exemption from public access to records or meetings shall be narrowly construed and no record shall be withheld or meeting closed to the public unless specifically made exempt pursuant to this chapter or other specific provision of law. This chapter shall not be construed to discourage the free discussion by government officials or employees of public matters with the citizens of the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\tAll public bodies and their officers and employees shall make reasonable efforts to reach an agreement with a requester concerning the production of the records requested.\n\t\t\tAny ordinance adopted by a local governing body that conflicts with the provisions of this chapter shall be void.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12976,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Freedom of Information Act","identifier":"37","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12751,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:06","permalink":{"id":176447,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12976,"identifier":"37","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37","url":"\/2.2\/II\/B\/37\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12751,"edition_id":1,"name":"Transaction of Public Business","identifier":"B","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12750,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":176445,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12751,"identifier":"B","token":"2.2\/II\/B","url":"\/2.2\/II\/B\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12750,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of State Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12749,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":176253,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12750,"identifier":"II","token":"2.2\/II","url":"\/2.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12749,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of Government","identifier":"2.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":171453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12749,"identifier":"2.2","token":"2.2","url":"\/2.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":55569,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3700","catch_line":"Short title; policy","url":"\/2.2-3700\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3700","metadata":false},{"id":62411,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3701","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/2.2-3701\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3701","metadata":false},{"id":84993,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3702","catch_line":"Notice of chapter","url":"\/2.2-3702\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3702","metadata":false},{"id":72501,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3703","catch_line":"Public bodies and records to which chapter inapplicable; voter registration and election records; access by persons incarcerated in a state, local, or federal correctional facility","url":"\/2.2-3703\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3703","metadata":false},{"id":65525,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3703.1","catch_line":"Disclosure pursuant to court order or subpoena","url":"\/2.2-3703.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3703.1","metadata":false},{"id":55816,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3704","catch_line":"Public records to be open to inspection; procedure for requesting records and responding to request; charges; transfer of records for storage, etc","url":"\/2.2-3704\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3704","metadata":false},{"id":59602,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3704.01","catch_line":"Records containing both excluded and nonexcluded information; duty to redact","url":"\/2.2-3704.01\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3704.01","metadata":false},{"id":85069,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3704.1","catch_line":"Posting of notice of rights and responsibilities by state and local public bodies; assistance by the Freedom of Information Advisory Council","url":"\/2.2-3704.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3704.1","metadata":false},{"id":71452,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3704.2","catch_line":"Public bodies to designate FOIA officer","url":"\/2.2-3704.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3704.2","metadata":false},{"id":84504,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3704.3","catch_line":"Training for local officials","url":"\/2.2-3704.3\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3704.3","metadata":false},{"id":86102,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-3705\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705","metadata":false},{"id":72874,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.1","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; exclusions of general application to public bodies","url":"\/2.2-3705.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.1","metadata":false},{"id":67553,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.2","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; records relating to public safety","url":"\/2.2-3705.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.2","metadata":false},{"id":77912,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.3","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Exclusions to application of chapter; records relating to administrative investigations","url":"\/2.2-3705.3\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.3","metadata":false},{"id":69909,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.4","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; educational records and certain records of educational institutions","url":"\/2.2-3705.4\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.4","metadata":false},{"id":60253,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.5","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; health and social services records","url":"\/2.2-3705.5\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.5","metadata":false},{"id":59772,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.6","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; proprietary records and trade secrets","url":"\/2.2-3705.6\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.6","metadata":false},{"id":79544,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.7","catch_line":"Exclusions to application of chapter; records of specific public bodies and certain other limited exclusions","url":"\/2.2-3705.7\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.7","metadata":false},{"id":59878,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3705.8","catch_line":"Limitation on record exclusions","url":"\/2.2-3705.8\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3705.8","metadata":false},{"id":76628,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3706","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Disclosure of law-enforcement and criminal records; limitations","url":"\/2.2-3706\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3706","metadata":false},{"id":78370,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3706.1","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Disclosure of law-enforcement records; criminal incident information and certain criminal investigative files; limitations","url":"\/2.2-3706.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3706.1","metadata":false},{"id":58697,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3707","catch_line":"Meetings to be public; notice of meetings; recordings; minutes","url":"\/2.2-3707\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3707","metadata":false},{"id":58814,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3707.01","catch_line":"Meetings of the General Assembly","url":"\/2.2-3707.01\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3707.01","metadata":false},{"id":79260,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3707.02","catch_line":"Meetings of Virginia Parole Board","url":"\/2.2-3707.02\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3707.02","metadata":false},{"id":66397,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3707.1","catch_line":"Posting of minutes for state boards and commissions","url":"\/2.2-3707.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3707.1","metadata":false},{"id":58470,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3707.2","catch_line":"Posting of minutes for local public bodies","url":"\/2.2-3707.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3707.2","metadata":false},{"id":87037,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3708","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-3708\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3708","metadata":false},{"id":55165,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3708.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-3708.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3708.1","metadata":false},{"id":78376,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3708.2","catch_line":"Meetings held through electronic communication means during declared states of emergency","url":"\/2.2-3708.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3708.2","metadata":false},{"id":54063,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3708.3","catch_line":"Meetings held through electronic communication means; situations other than declared states of emergency","url":"\/2.2-3708.3\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3708.3","metadata":false},{"id":84465,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3709","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/2.2-3709\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3709","metadata":false},{"id":66505,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3710","catch_line":"Transaction of public business other than by votes at meetings prohibited","url":"\/2.2-3710\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3710","metadata":false},{"id":72789,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3711","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Closed meetings authorized for certain limited purposes","url":"\/2.2-3711\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3711","metadata":false},{"id":54622,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3712","catch_line":"Closed meetings procedures; certification of proceedings","url":"\/2.2-3712\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3712","metadata":false},{"id":69183,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3713","catch_line":"Proceedings for enforcement of chapter","url":"\/2.2-3713\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3713","metadata":false},{"id":73159,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3714","catch_line":"Violations and penalties","url":"\/2.2-3714\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3714","metadata":false},{"id":71321,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3715","catch_line":"Effect of advisory opinions from the Freedom of Information Advisory Council on liability for willful and knowing violations","url":"\/2.2-3715\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3715","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":62411,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3701","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/2.2-3701\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3701","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-3700\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1968. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 479 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1968 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 6 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1976, chapter 467; in 1989, chapter 358; in 1990, chapter 538; in 1999, chapters <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?991+ful+CHAP0703\">703<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?991+ful+CHAP0726\">726<\/a>; in 2001, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?011+ful+CHAP0844\">844<\/a>; in 2002, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?021+ful+CHAP0393\">393<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":64547,"section_number":"10.1-104.2","catch_line":"Voluntary nutrient management training and certification program","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-104.2\/"},{"id":80035,"section_number":"10.1-104.5","catch_line":"Nutrient management plans required for golf courses; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-104.5\/"},{"id":63499,"section_number":"10.1-104.6","catch_line":"Supplemental environmental projects","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-104.6\/"},{"id":76236,"section_number":"10.1-104.7","catch_line":"Resource management plans; effect of implementation; exclusions","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-104.7\/"},{"id":82127,"section_number":"10.1-1105","catch_line":"Additional powers and duties of State Forester","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1105\/"},{"id":79857,"section_number":"10.1-1186.1:1","catch_line":"Hazardous Waste Site Inventory","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1186.1_1\/"},{"id":57333,"section_number":"10.1-1186.2","catch_line":"Supplemental environmental projects","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1186.2\/"},{"id":77963,"section_number":"10.1-1307.04","catch_line":"Greenhouse gas emissions inventory","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1307.04\/"},{"id":80006,"section_number":"15.2-1242","catch_line":"Minutes of meetings and proceedings","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1242\/"},{"id":86409,"section_number":"15.2-1415","catch_line":"At what meetings governing body may act","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1415\/"},{"id":69038,"section_number":"15.2-1708","catch_line":"Notice of decertification; decertification review process","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1708\/"},{"id":73557,"section_number":"15.2-2103.1","catch_line":"Solar services agreements; nondisclosure of proprietary information","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2103.1\/"},{"id":79304,"section_number":"15.2-2108.11","catch_line":"General operating limitations","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2108.11\/"},{"id":56562,"section_number":"15.2-2160","catch_line":"Provision of telecommunications services","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2160\/"},{"id":84013,"section_number":"15.2-2708","catch_line":"Exemptions from disclosure","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2708\/"},{"id":63000,"section_number":"15.2-2907","catch_line":"Actions for annexation, immunity, establishment of city, etc.; investigations and reports by Commission; negotiation","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2907\/"},{"id":80330,"section_number":"15.2-5102.1","catch_line":"(For contingent expiration date, see Acts 2009, c. 742, cl. 3) Hampton Roads area refuse collection and disposal system authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-5102.1\/"},{"id":67301,"section_number":"15.2-5431.25","catch_line":"Rates and charges","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-5431.25\/"},{"id":65640,"section_number":"15.2-6308","catch_line":"Powers of authorities generally","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-6308\/"},{"id":79702,"section_number":"16.1-106","catch_line":"Appeals from courts not of record in civil cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-106\/"},{"id":72168,"section_number":"16.1-77","catch_line":"Civil jurisdiction of general district courts; amending amount of claim","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-77\/"},{"id":85267,"section_number":"16.1-83","catch_line":"Consent of parties required for trial within five days of service","order_by":null,"url":"\/16.1-83\/"},{"id":71693,"section_number":"17.1-293","catch_line":"Posting and availability of certain information on the Internet; prohibitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/17.1-293\/"},{"id":81693,"section_number":"18.2-265.13","catch_line":"Confidentiality of data in possession of Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-265.13\/"},{"id":86034,"section_number":"18.2-340.19","catch_line":"Regulations of the Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-340.19\/"},{"id":85970,"section_number":"18.2-340.34","catch_line":"Suppliers of charitable gaming supplies; manufacturers of electronic gaming devices; permit; qualification; suspension, revocation, or refusal to renew certificate; maintenance, production and release of records","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-340.34\/"},{"id":79451,"section_number":"18.2-340.34:2","catch_line":"Licensing of network bingo providers; 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exempt purchases","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1111\/"},{"id":64992,"section_number":"2.2-1203","catch_line":"Certain information not to be made public","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1203\/"},{"id":58329,"section_number":"2.2-1617","catch_line":"One-stop small business permitting program","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-1617\/"},{"id":80478,"section_number":"2.2-2007","catch_line":"Powers of the CIO","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2007\/"},{"id":74110,"section_number":"2.2-2012","catch_line":"Additional powers and duties related to the procurement of information technology","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2012\/"},{"id":86488,"section_number":"2.2-220.3","catch_line":"Development of strategies to collect land use and conservation information","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-220.3\/"},{"id":57659,"section_number":"2.2-2237.3","catch_line":"Division of Incentives","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2237.3\/"},{"id":58846,"section_number":"2.2-2240.1","catch_line":"Grants paid to the Authority to promote research, development, and commercialization of products","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2240.1\/"},{"id":61272,"section_number":"2.2-2340","catch_line":"Additional declaration of policy; powers of the Authority; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2340\/"},{"id":61949,"section_number":"2.2-2456","catch_line":"Duties of the Charitable Gaming Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2456\/"},{"id":85581,"section_number":"2.2-2475","catch_line":"Trade secrets","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2475\/"},{"id":82856,"section_number":"2.2-2754","catch_line":"Virginia Freedom of Information Act","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2754\/"},{"id":64304,"section_number":"2.2-2822","catch_line":"Ownership and use of patents and copyrights developed by certain public employees; Creative Commons copyrights","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2822\/"},{"id":66971,"section_number":"2.2-2827","catch_line":"Restrictions on state employee access to information infrastructure","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-2827\/"},{"id":55243,"section_number":"2.2-3112","catch_line":"Prohibited conduct concerning personal interest in a transaction; exceptions","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3112\/"},{"id":58445,"section_number":"2.2-3806","catch_line":"Rights of data subjects","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3806\/"},{"id":62639,"section_number":"2.2-3808.1","catch_line":"Agencies' disclosure of certain account information prohibited","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3808.1\/"},{"id":84798,"section_number":"2.2-3815","catch_line":"Access to social security numbers prohibited; 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exemption","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-4115\/"},{"id":81761,"section_number":"3.2-6593.2","catch_line":"Animal testing facilities; public notification","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6593.2\/"},{"id":80874,"section_number":"30-147","catch_line":"Contracting with publishers; property rights regarding Code of Virginia and Virginia Administrative Code material","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-147\/"},{"id":60080,"section_number":"30-178","catch_line":"Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council; membership; terms; quorum; expenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-178\/"},{"id":70810,"section_number":"30-179","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Council","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-179\/"},{"id":87506,"section_number":"30-331","catch_line":"Duties and powers","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-331\/"},{"id":61753,"section_number":"30-356","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Council","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-356\/"},{"id":76731,"section_number":"30-392","catch_line":"Membership; terms; vacancies; 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when unlawful; when permitted; proceeding to compel disclosure; when certain records made public","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-271\/"},{"id":85887,"section_number":"32.1-276.7:1","catch_line":"All-Payer Claims Database created; purpose; reporting requirements","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-276.7_1\/"},{"id":80143,"section_number":"32.1-276.9","catch_line":"Confidentiality, subsequent release of data and relief from liability for reporting; penalty for wrongful disclosure; individual action for damages","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-276.9\/"},{"id":83516,"section_number":"32.1-283.1","catch_line":"State Child Fatality Review Team; membership; access to and maintenance of records; confidentiality; etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-283.1\/"},{"id":83036,"section_number":"32.1-283.2","catch_line":"Local and regional child fatality review teams established; membership; authority; confidentiality; immunity","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-283.2\/"},{"id":63867,"section_number":"32.1-283.3","catch_line":"Family violence fatality review teams established; 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notice to policy owners","order_by":null,"url":"\/38.2-1715\/"},{"id":66273,"section_number":"38.2-5002.1","catch_line":"Representation by Office of Attorney General; applicability of Public Procurement Act, Freedom of Information Act, and Administrative Process Act","order_by":null,"url":"\/38.2-5002.1\/"},{"id":54793,"section_number":"38.2-5802","catch_line":"Establishment of an MCHIP","order_by":null,"url":"\/38.2-5802\/"},{"id":63911,"section_number":"4.1-1601","catch_line":"Certification for use of cannabis for treatment","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-1601\/"},{"id":71117,"section_number":"42.1-86.1","catch_line":"Disposition of public records","order_by":null,"url":"\/42.1-86.1\/"},{"id":79644,"section_number":"42.1-92","catch_line":"Short title; policy","order_by":null,"url":"\/42.1-92\/"},{"id":63764,"section_number":"44-146.18:6","catch_line":"Geographic Information Network Division established; powers and duties; Division Coordinator","order_by":null,"url":"\/44-146.18_6\/"},{"id":59248,"section_number":"45.2-1008","catch_line":" Coal exploration operations","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1008\/"},{"id":84230,"section_number":"45.2-1019","catch_line":" Inspections and monitoring","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1019\/"},{"id":58570,"section_number":"45.2-1129","catch_line":" Annual reports; condition to issuance of license following transfer of ownership","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1129\/"},{"id":54214,"section_number":"45.2-1164","catch_line":" Reports of violations","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1164\/"},{"id":62469,"section_number":"45.2-1719","catch_line":"(Effective until July 1, 2029) Membership; terms; vacancies; expenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1719\/"},{"id":75533,"section_number":"45.2-1722","catch_line":"(Effective until July 1, 2029)  Confidentiality of information","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1722\/"},{"id":75025,"section_number":"45.2-1805","catch_line":" Membership; terms; vacancies; expenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1805\/"},{"id":68062,"section_number":"45.2-1809","catch_line":" Confidentiality of information","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1809\/"},{"id":75463,"section_number":"45.2-2105","catch_line":" Establishment of the Consortium","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-2105\/"},{"id":67588,"section_number":"45.2-2107","catch_line":" Audits; external reviews","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-2107\/"},{"id":76187,"section_number":"45.2-528","catch_line":" Board action; suspend, revoke, or take other action","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-528\/"},{"id":57667,"section_number":"45.2-575","catch_line":" Reports of violations","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-575\/"},{"id":57969,"section_number":"46.2-1163","catch_line":"Official inspection stations; safety inspection approval stickers; actions of Superintendent subject to the Administrative Process Act","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1163\/"},{"id":68475,"section_number":"46.2-2099.53","catch_line":"Recordkeeping and reporting requirements for transportation network companies","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-2099.53\/"},{"id":79684,"section_number":"46.2-706.1","catch_line":"Insurance and surety companies to furnish certain insurance information","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-706.1\/"},{"id":54937,"section_number":"46.2-773","catch_line":"(For contingent expiration, see Acts 2020, cc. 1230 and 1275) Mileage-based user fee program","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-773\/"},{"id":75641,"section_number":"51.5-184","catch_line":"Confidentiality of records of Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman","order_by":null,"url":"\/51.5-184\/"},{"id":84698,"section_number":"52-48","catch_line":"Confidentiality and immunity from service of process; penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/52-48\/"},{"id":75655,"section_number":"52-8.3","catch_line":"Disclosure of criminal investigative records and reports; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/52-8.3\/"},{"id":85833,"section_number":"53.1-160","catch_line":"Notice to be given upon prisoner release, escape, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-160\/"},{"id":85707,"section_number":"53.1-17.5","catch_line":"Communications; confidentiality","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-17.5\/"},{"id":69961,"section_number":"53.1-231","catch_line":"Investigation of cases for executive clemency by Parole Board","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-231\/"},{"id":69536,"section_number":"53.1-37","catch_line":"Furloughs generally; travel expenses; penalties for violations","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-37\/"},{"id":84059,"section_number":"53.1-56","catch_line":"Construction and maintenance of highways; grass cutting; acquisition of quarries, etc.; use of materials for county roads","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-56\/"},{"id":87161,"section_number":"53.1-59","catch_line":"Prisoners performing work for localities, state agencies or nonprofit civic organizations; payment of costs; foremen as guards","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-59\/"},{"id":75101,"section_number":"54.1-108","catch_line":"Disclosure of official records","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-108\/"},{"id":63751,"section_number":"54.1-2400.02","catch_line":"Information concerning health professionals; posting of addresses on the Internet; providing personal information under certain circumstances prohibited; collection of address information from health professionals","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2400.02\/"},{"id":64901,"section_number":"54.1-2517","catch_line":"Health Practitioners' Monitoring Program Committee; certain meetings, decisions to be excepted from the Freedom of Information Act; confidentiality of records; immunity from liability","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2517\/"},{"id":56919,"section_number":"54.1-2523","catch_line":"Confidentiality of data; disclosure of information; discretionary authority of Director","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2523\/"},{"id":59456,"section_number":"54.1-2808.2","catch_line":"Identification of unclaimed cremains of veterans and eligible dependents","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2808.2\/"},{"id":79576,"section_number":"54.1-2910.2","catch_line":"Posting of disciplinary information","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2910.2\/"},{"id":79267,"section_number":"54.1-2995","catch_line":"Filing of documents with the registry; regulations; fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2995\/"},{"id":72620,"section_number":"54.1-4424","catch_line":"Certain information not to be made public","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-4424\/"},{"id":55350,"section_number":"56-265.4:4","catch_line":"Certificate to operate as a telephone utility","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.4_4\/"},{"id":82681,"section_number":"58.1-1017.4","catch_line":"Documents to be provided at purchase","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-1017.4\/"},{"id":55618,"section_number":"58.1-1034","catch_line":"Records to be kept; filing with Department","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-1034\/"},{"id":85845,"section_number":"58.1-4015.1","catch_line":"Voluntary exclusion program","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-4015.1\/"},{"id":76783,"section_number":"58.1-4103","catch_line":"Voluntary exclusion program","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-4103\/"},{"id":58852,"section_number":"59.1-284.39","catch_line":"Shipping and Logistics Headquarters Grant Program","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-284.39\/"},{"id":76851,"section_number":"59.1-284.40","catch_line":"Nitrile Glove Manufacturing Training Program","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-284.40\/"},{"id":80257,"section_number":"59.1-284.44","catch_line":"Current and Mature Semiconductor Technology Grant Fund","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-284.44\/"},{"id":79397,"section_number":"59.1-293.19","catch_line":"Recordkeeping; 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established; responsibilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/60.2-121.3\/"},{"id":59591,"section_number":"62.1-44.121","catch_line":"(For contingent effective date, see \u00a7 62.1-44.119:1) Chesapeake Bay cropland; nutrient management plans","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.121\/"},{"id":81100,"section_number":"62.1-44.15:40","catch_line":"Information to be furnished","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.15_40\/"},{"id":80209,"section_number":"62.1-44.34:38","catch_line":"Recordkeeping and access to records and facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.34_38\/"},{"id":80917,"section_number":"63.2-1251","catch_line":"Furnishing information; confidentiality; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1251\/"},{"id":84089,"section_number":"63.2-1605","catch_line":"Protective services for adults by local departments","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1605\/"},{"id":63460,"section_number":"63.2-904.2","catch_line":"Complaint system","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-904.2\/"},{"id":80386,"section_number":"65.2-205","catch_line":"Ombudsman program; confidentiality","order_by":null,"url":"\/65.2-205\/"},{"id":67541,"section_number":"65.2-605","catch_line":"Liability of employer for medical services ordered by Commission; fee schedules for medical services; malpractice; assistants-at-surgery; coding","order_by":null,"url":"\/65.2-605\/"},{"id":75968,"section_number":"8.01-622.2","catch_line":"Injunction against disclosure of criminal investigative file materials under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act","order_by":null,"url":"\/8.01-622.2\/"},{"id":67180,"section_number":"9.1-177.1","catch_line":"Confidentiality of records of and reports on adult persons under investigation by, or placed on probation supervision with a local community-based probation services agency","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-177.1\/"},{"id":76468,"section_number":"9.1-408","catch_line":"Records of investigation confidential","order_by":null,"url":"\/9.1-408\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":176449,"object_type":"law","relational_id":55569,"identifier":"2.2-3700","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3700","url":"\/2.2-3700\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-3700\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3700","dublin_core":{"Title":"Short title; policy","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-3700","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> This chapter may be cited as &#8220;The Virginia Freedom of Information Act.&#8221; <a id=\"paragraph-203657\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/2.2-3700\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> By enacting this chapter, the General Assembly ensures the people of the Commonwealth ready access to <span class=\"dictionary\">public records<\/span> in the <span class=\"dictionary\">custody<\/span> of a <span class=\"dictionary\">public body<\/span> or its officers and employees, and free entry to <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">meetings<\/span><\/span> of <span class=\"dictionary\">public bodies<\/span> wherein the business of the people is being conducted. The affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government. Unless a <span class=\"dictionary\">public body<\/span> or its officers or employees specifically elect to exercise an exemption provided by this chapter or any other <span class=\"dictionary\">statute<\/span>, every <span class=\"dictionary\">meeting<\/span> shall be open to the public and all <span class=\"dictionary\">public records<\/span> shall be available for inspection and copying upon request. All <span class=\"dictionary\">public records<\/span> and <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">meetings<\/span><\/span> shall be presumed open, unless an exemption is properly invoked.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to <span class=\"dictionary\">witness<\/span> the operations of government. Any exemption from public access to records or <span class=\"dictionary\"><span class=\"dictionary\">meetings<\/span><\/span> shall be narrowly construed and no record shall be withheld or <span class=\"dictionary\">meeting<\/span> closed to the public unless specifically made exempt pursuant to this chapter or other specific provision of <span class=\"dictionary\">law<\/span>. This chapter shall not be construed to discourage the free discussion by government officials or employees of public matters with the citizens of the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\tAll <span class=\"dictionary\">public bodies<\/span> and their officers and employees shall make reasonable efforts to reach an agreement with a requester concerning the production of the records requested.\n\t\t\tAny <span class=\"dictionary\">ordinance<\/span> adopted by a local governing body that conflicts with the provisions of this chapter shall be void. <a id=\"paragraph-203658\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/2.2-3700\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSHORT TITLE; POLICY (\u00a7 2.2-3700)\n\nA. This chapter may be cited as &#8220;The Virginia Freedom of Information\nAct.&#8221;\n\nB. By enacting this chapter, the General Assembly ensures the people of the\nCommonwealth ready access to public records in the custody of a public body or\nits officers and employees, and free entry to meetings of public bodies wherein\nthe business of the people is being conducted. The affairs of government are not\nintended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the\npublic is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government.\nUnless a public body or its officers or employees specifically elect to exercise\nan exemption provided by this chapter or any other statute, every meeting shall\nbe open to the public and all public records shall be available for inspection\nand copying upon request. All public records and meetings shall be presumed\nopen, unless an exemption is properly invoked.\n\t\t\tThe provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote an\nincreased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every\nopportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government. Any exemption\nfrom public access to records or meetings shall be narrowly construed and no\nrecord shall be withheld or meeting closed to the public unless specifically\nmade exempt pursuant to this chapter or other specific provision of law. This\nchapter shall not be construed to discourage the free discussion by government\nofficials or employees of public matters with the citizens of the Commonwealth.\n\t\t\tAll public bodies and their officers and employees shall make reasonable\nefforts to reach an agreement with a requester concerning the production of the\nrecords requested.\n\t\t\tAny ordinance adopted by a local governing body that conflicts with the\nprovisions of this chapter shall be void.\n\nHISTORY: 1968, c. 479, \u00a7 2.1-340; 1976, c. 467, \u00a7 2.1-340.1; 1989, c. 358;\n1990, c. 538; 1999, cc. 703, 726; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 393.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}