{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-3707.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-3707.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-3707.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-3707.html"}],"law_id":58697,"edition_id":1,"section_id":58697,"structure_id":12976,"section_number":"2.2-3707","catch_line":"Meetings to be public; notice of meetings; recordings; minutes","history":"1968, c. 479, \u00a7 2.1-343; 1973, c. 461; 1976, c. 467; 1977, c. 677; 1982, c. 333; 1989, c. 358; 1990, c. 538; 1993, c. 720; 1995, c. 562; 1999, cc. 696, 703, 726; 2000, c. 227; 2001, c. 844; 2004, cc. 730, 768; 2005, c. 352; 2007, c. 300; 2009, c. 628; 2010, c. 309; 2015, c. 131; 2017, c. 616; 2018, c. 55; 2022, c. 597; 2023, c. 536.","full_text":"A\n\nAll meetings of public bodies shall be open, except as provided in §§ 2.2-3707.01 and 2.2-3711.B\n\nAll state public bodies subject to the provisions of this chapter:1\n\nMay allow public access to their meetings through electronic communication means, including telephone or videoconferencing, if already used by the state public body;2\n\nMay provide the public with the opportunity to comment through the use of such electronic communication means at such meetings at the point when public comment is customarily received; and3\n\nShall otherwise comply with the provisions of this chapter.\n\t\t\t\tNo cause of action shall arise against a state public body for accidental or involuntary loss of audio or video signal or inability of the public to comment through the electronic communications means described in this subsection.C\n\nNo meeting shall be conducted through telephonic, video, electronic, or other electronic communication means where the members are not physically assembled to discuss or transact public business, except as provided in §§ 2.2-3708.2 and 2.2-3708.3 or as may be specifically provided in Title 54.1 for the summary suspension of professional licenses.D\n\nEvery public body shall give notice of the date, time, location, and remote location, if required, of its meetings by:1\n\nPosting such notice on its official public government website, if any;2\n\nPlacing such notice in a prominent public location at which notices are regularly posted; and3\n\nPlacing such notice at the office of the clerk of the public body or, in the case of a public body that has no clerk, at the office of the chief administrator.\n\t\t\t\tAll state public bodies subject to the provisions of this chapter shall also post notice of their meetings on a central, publicly available electronic calendar maintained by the Commonwealth. Publication of meeting notices by electronic means by other public bodies shall be encouraged.\n\t\t\t\tThe notice shall be posted at least three working days prior to the meeting.E\n\nNotice, reasonable under the circumstance, of special, emergency, or continued meetings shall be given contemporaneously with the notice provided to the members of the public body conducting the meeting.F\n\nAny person may annually file a written request for notification with a public body. The request shall include the requester’s name, address, zip code, daytime telephone number, electronic mail address, if available, and organization, if any. The public body receiving such request shall provide notice of all meetings directly to each such person. Without objection by the person, the public body may provide electronic notice of all meetings in response to such requests.G\n\nAt least one copy of the proposed agenda and all agenda packets and, unless exempt, all materials furnished to members of a public body for a meeting shall be made available for public inspection at the same time such documents are furnished to the members of the public body. The proposed agendas for meetings of state public bodies where at least one member has been appointed by the Governor shall state whether or not public comment will be received at the meeting and, if so, the approximate point during the meeting when public comment will be received.H\n\nAny person may photograph, film, record, or otherwise reproduce any portion of a meeting required to be open. The public body conducting the meeting may adopt rules governing the placement and use of equipment necessary for broadcasting, photographing, filming, or recording a meeting to prevent interference with the proceedings, but shall not prohibit or otherwise prevent any person from photographing, filming, recording, or otherwise reproducing any portion of a meeting required to be open. No public body shall conduct a meeting required to be open in any building or facility where such recording devices are prohibited.I\n\nMinutes shall be taken at all open meetings. However, minutes shall not be required to be taken at deliberations of (i) standing and other committees of the General Assembly; (ii) legislative interim study commissions and committees, including the Virginia Code Commission; (iii) study committees or commissions appointed by the Governor; or (iv) study commissions or study committees, or any other committees or subcommittees appointed by the governing bodies or school boards of counties, cities, and towns, except where the membership of any such commission, committee, or subcommittee includes a majority of the governing body of the county, city, or town or school board.\n\t\t\tMinutes, including draft minutes, and all other records of open meetings, including audio or audio\/visual records shall be deemed public records and subject to the provisions of this chapter.\n\t\t\tMinutes shall be in writing and shall include (a) the date, time, and location of the meeting; (b) the members of the public body recorded as present and absent; and (c) a summary of the discussion on matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and a record of any votes taken. In addition, for electronic communication meetings conducted in accordance with § 2.2-3708.2 or 2.2-3708.3, minutes shall include (1) the identity of the members of the public body who participated in the meeting through electronic communication means, (2) the identity of the members of the public body who were physically assembled at one physical location, and (3) the identity of the members of the public body who were not present at the location identified in clause (2) but who monitored such meeting through electronic communication means.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":215090,"text":"All meetings of public bodies shall be open, except as provided in §§ 2.2-3707.01 and 2.2-3711.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":215091,"text":"All state public bodies subject to the provisions of this chapter:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":215092,"text":"May allow public access to their meetings through electronic communication means, including telephone or videoconferencing, if already used by the state public body;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":215093,"text":"May provide the public with the opportunity to comment through the use of such electronic communication means at such meetings at the point when public comment is customarily received; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":215094,"text":"Shall otherwise comply with the provisions of this chapter.\n\t\t\t\tNo cause of action shall arise against a state public body for accidental or involuntary loss of audio or video signal or inability of the public to comment through the electronic communications means described in this subsection.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":215095,"text":"No meeting shall be conducted through telephonic, video, electronic, or other electronic communication means where the members are not physically assembled to discuss or transact public business, except as provided in §§ 2.2-3708.2 and 2.2-3708.3 or as may be specifically provided in Title 54.1 for the summary suspension of professional licenses.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"D"},"6":{"id":215096,"text":"Every public body shall give notice of the date, time, location, and remote location, if required, of its meetings by:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"D1"},"7":{"id":215097,"text":"Posting such notice on its official public government website, if any;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"8":{"id":215098,"text":"Placing such notice in a prominent public location at which notices are regularly posted; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"D3"},"9":{"id":215099,"text":"Placing such notice at the office of the clerk of the public body or, in the case of a public body that has no clerk, at the office of the chief administrator.\n\t\t\t\tAll state public bodies subject to the provisions of this chapter shall also post notice of their meetings on a central, publicly available electronic calendar maintained by the Commonwealth. Publication of meeting notices by electronic means by other public bodies shall be encouraged.\n\t\t\t\tThe notice shall be posted at least three working days prior to the meeting.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"D3","prefix_anchor":"D3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"E"},"10":{"id":215100,"text":"Notice, reasonable under the circumstance, of special, emergency, or continued meetings shall be given contemporaneously with the notice provided to the members of the public body conducting the meeting.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D3","next_prefix":"F"},"11":{"id":215101,"text":"Any person may annually file a written request for notification with a public body. The request shall include the requester’s name, address, zip code, daytime telephone number, electronic mail address, if available, and organization, if any. The public body receiving such request shall provide notice of all meetings directly to each such person. Without objection by the person, the public body may provide electronic notice of all meetings in response to such requests.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"12":{"id":215102,"text":"At least one copy of the proposed agenda and all agenda packets and, unless exempt, all materials furnished to members of a public body for a meeting shall be made available for public inspection at the same time such documents are furnished to the members of the public body. The proposed agendas for meetings of state public bodies where at least one member has been appointed by the Governor shall state whether or not public comment will be received at the meeting and, if so, the approximate point during the meeting when public comment will be received.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"13":{"id":215103,"text":"Any person may photograph, film, record, or otherwise reproduce any portion of a meeting required to be open. The public body conducting the meeting may adopt rules governing the placement and use of equipment necessary for broadcasting, photographing, filming, or recording a meeting to prevent interference with the proceedings, but shall not prohibit or otherwise prevent any person from photographing, filming, recording, or otherwise reproducing any portion of a meeting required to be open. No public body shall conduct a meeting required to be open in any building or facility where such recording devices are prohibited.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G","next_prefix":"I"},"14":{"id":215104,"text":"Minutes shall be taken at all open meetings. However, minutes shall not be required to be taken at deliberations of (i) standing and other committees of the General Assembly; (ii) legislative interim study commissions and committees, including the Virginia Code Commission; (iii) study committees or commissions appointed by the Governor; or (iv) study commissions or study committees, or any other committees or subcommittees appointed by the governing bodies or school boards of counties, cities, and towns, except where the membership of any such commission, committee, or subcommittee includes a majority of the governing body of the county, city, or town or school board.\n\t\t\tMinutes, including draft minutes, and all other records of open meetings, including audio or audio\/visual records shall be deemed public records and subject to the provisions of this chapter.\n\t\t\tMinutes shall be in writing and shall include (a) the date, time, and location of the meeting; (b) the members of the public body recorded as present and absent; and (c) a summary of the discussion on matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and a record of any votes taken. In addition, for electronic communication meetings conducted in accordance with § 2.2-3708.2 or 2.2-3708.3, minutes shall include (1) the identity of the members of the public body who participated in the meeting through electronic communication means, (2) the identity of the members of the public body who were physically assembled at one physical location, and (3) the identity of the members of the public body who were not present at the location identified in clause (2) but who monitored such meeting through electronic communication means.","type":"section","prefixes":["I"],"prefix":"I","entire_prefix":"I","prefix_anchor":"I","level":1,"prior_prefix":"H"}},"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; 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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; 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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}],"previous_section":{"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},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-3707\/","history_text":"

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 21 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 1973, chapter 461; in 1976, chapter 467; in 1977, chapter 677; in 1982, chapter 333; in 1989, chapter 358; in 1990, chapter 538; in 1993, chapter 720; in 1995, chapter 562<\/a>; in 1999, chapters 696<\/a>, 703<\/a>, and 726<\/a>; in 2000, chapter 227<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 844<\/a>; in 2004, chapters 730<\/a> and 768<\/a>; in 2005, chapter 352<\/a>; in 2007, chapter 300<\/a>; in 2009, chapter 628<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 309<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 131<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 616<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 55<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 597<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 536<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":58470,"section_number":"2.2-3707.2","catch_line":"Posting of minutes for local public bodies","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3707.2\/"},{"id":54063,"section_number":"2.2-3708.3","catch_line":"Meetings held through electronic communication means; situations other than declared states of emergency","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3708.3\/"},{"id":54622,"section_number":"2.2-3712","catch_line":"Closed meetings procedures; certification of proceedings","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3712\/"},{"id":69183,"section_number":"2.2-3713","catch_line":"Proceedings for enforcement of chapter","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3713\/"},{"id":73159,"section_number":"2.2-3714","catch_line":"Violations and penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3714\/"},{"id":84394,"section_number":"22.1-346.2","catch_line":"Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind established","order_by":null,"url":"\/22.1-346.2\/"},{"id":79716,"section_number":"23.1-1303","catch_line":"Governing boards; duties","order_by":null,"url":"\/23.1-1303\/"},{"id":65879,"section_number":"24.2-107","catch_line":"Meetings; quorum; notice; account of proceedings; seal; records open to inspection","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-107\/"},{"id":73512,"section_number":"24.2-228","catch_line":"Interim appointment to local governing body or elected school board; elected mayor","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-228\/"},{"id":70965,"section_number":"24.2-671.2","catch_line":"Risk-limiting audits","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-671.2\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":58814,"section_number":"2.2-3707.01","catch_line":"Meetings of the General Assembly","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3707.01\/"},{"id":78376,"section_number":"2.2-3708.2","catch_line":"Meetings held through electronic communication means during declared states of emergency","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3708.2\/"},{"id":54063,"section_number":"2.2-3708.3","catch_line":"Meetings held through electronic communication means; situations other than declared states of emergency","order_by":null,"url":"\/2.2-3708.3\/"}],"permalink":{"id":176533,"object_type":"law","relational_id":58697,"identifier":"2.2-3707","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3707","url":"\/2.2-3707\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-3707\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/37\/2.2-3707","dublin_core":{"Title":"Meetings to be public; notice of meetings; recordings; minutes","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-3707","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> All meetings<\/span><\/span> of public bodies<\/span> shall be open, except as provided in §§ 2.2-3707.01<\/a> and 2.2-3711<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> All state public bodies<\/span> subject to the provisions of this chapter: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> May allow public access to their meetings<\/span><\/span> through electronic communication<\/span> means, including telephone or videoconferencing, if already used by the state public body<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> May provide the public with the opportunity to comment through the use of such electronic communication<\/span> means at such meetings<\/span><\/span> at the point when public comment is customarily received; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Shall otherwise comply with the provisions of this chapter.\n\t\t\t\tNo cause of action<\/span> shall arise against a state public body<\/span> for accidental or involuntary loss of audio or video signal or inability of the public to comment through the electronic communications<\/span> means described in this subsection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> No meeting<\/span> shall be conducted through telephonic, video, electronic, or other electronic communication<\/span> means where the members are not physically assembled to discuss or transact public business<\/span>, except as provided in §§ 2.2-3708.2<\/a> and 2.2-3708.3<\/a> or as may be specifically provided in Title 54.1 for the summary suspension of professional licenses. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Every public body<\/span> shall give notice of the date, time, location, and remote location, if required, of its meetings<\/span><\/span> by: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Posting such notice on its official public government website<\/span>, if any; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Placing such notice in a prominent public location at which notices are regularly posted; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Placing such notice at the office of the clerk of the public body<\/span> or, in the case of a public body<\/span> that has no clerk, at the office of the chief administrator.\n\t\t\t\tAll state public bodies<\/span> subject to the provisions of this chapter shall also post notice of their meetings<\/span><\/span> on a central, publicly available electronic calendar maintained by the Commonwealth. Publication of meeting<\/span> notices by electronic means by other public bodies<\/span> shall be encouraged.\n\t\t\t\tThe notice shall be posted at least three working days prior to the meeting<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Notice, reasonable under the circumstance, of special, emergency<\/span>, or continued meetings<\/span><\/span> shall be given contemporaneously with the notice provided to the members of the public body<\/span> conducting the meeting<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> Any person may annually file a written request for notification with a public body<\/span>. The request shall include the requester’s name, address, zip code, daytime telephone number, electronic mail address, if available, and organization, if any. The public body<\/span> receiving such request shall provide notice of all meetings<\/span><\/span> directly to each such person. Without objection by the person, the public body<\/span> may provide electronic notice of all meetings<\/span><\/span> in response to such requests. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> At least one copy of the proposed agenda and all agenda packets and, unless exempt, all materials<\/span> furnished to members of a public body<\/span> for a meeting<\/span> shall be made available for public inspection at the same time such documents are furnished to the members of the public body<\/span>. The proposed agendas for meetings<\/span><\/span> of state public bodies<\/span> where at least one member has been appointed by the Governor shall state whether or not public comment will be received at the meeting<\/span> and, if so, the approximate point during the meeting<\/span> when public comment will be received. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> Any person may photograph, film, record, or otherwise reproduce any portion of a meeting<\/span> required to be open. The public body<\/span> conducting the meeting<\/span> may adopt rules governing the placement and use of equipment necessary for broadcasting, photographing, filming, or recording a meeting<\/span> to prevent interference with the proceedings, but shall not prohibit or otherwise prevent any person from photographing, filming, recording, or otherwise reproducing any portion of a meeting<\/span> required to be open. No public body<\/span> shall conduct a meeting<\/span> required to be open in any building or facility where such recording devices are prohibited. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

I.<\/span> Minutes shall be taken at all open meetings<\/span>. However, minutes shall not be required to be taken at deliberations<\/span> of (i) standing and other committees of the General Assembly; (ii) legislative interim study commissions and committees, including the Virginia Code Commission; (iii) study committees or commissions appointed by the Governor; or (iv) study commissions or study committees, or any other committees or subcommittees appointed by the governing bodies or school boards of counties, cities, and towns, except where the membership of any such commission, committee, or subcommittee includes a majority of the governing body of the county, city, or town or school board.\n\t\t\tMinutes, including draft minutes, and all other records of open meetings<\/span>, including audio or audio\/visual records shall be deemed public records<\/span> and subject to the provisions of this chapter.\n\t\t\tMinutes shall be in writing and shall include (a) the date, time, and location of the meeting<\/span>; (b) the members of the public body<\/span> recorded as present and absent; and (c) a summary of the discussion on matters proposed, deliberated, or decided, and a record of any votes taken. In addition, for electronic communication<\/span> meetings conducted in accordance with § 2.2-3708.2<\/a> or 2.2-3708.3<\/a>, minutes shall include (1) the identity of the members of the public body<\/span> who participated in the meeting<\/span> through electronic communication<\/span> means, (2) the identity of the members of the public body<\/span> who were physically assembled at one physical location, and (3) the identity of the members of the public body<\/span> who were not present at the location identified in clause (2) but who monitored such meeting<\/span> through electronic communication<\/span> means. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nMEETINGS TO BE PUBLIC; NOTICE OF MEETINGS; RECORDINGS; MINUTES (\u00a7 2.2-3707)\n\nA. All meetings of public bodies shall be open, except as provided in\n§§ 2.2-3707.01 and 2.2-3711.\n\nB. All state public bodies subject to the provisions of this chapter:\n\n 1. May allow public access to their meetings through electronic communication\n means, including telephone or videoconferencing, if already used by the state\n public body;\n\n 2. May provide the public with the opportunity to comment through the use of\n such electronic communication means at such meetings at the point when public\n comment is customarily received; and\n\n 3. Shall otherwise comply with the provisions of this chapter.\n \t\t\t\tNo cause of action shall arise against a state public body for accidental\n or involuntary loss of audio or video signal or inability of the public to\n comment through the electronic communications means described in this\n subsection.\n\nC. No meeting shall be conducted through telephonic, video, electronic, or other\nelectronic communication means where the members are not physically assembled to\ndiscuss or transact public business, except as provided in §§\n2.2-3708.2 and 2.2-3708.3 or as may be specifically provided in Title 54.1 for\nthe summary suspension of professional licenses.\n\nD. Every public body shall give notice of the date, time, location, and remote\nlocation, if required, of its meetings by:\n\n 1. Posting such notice on its official public government website, if any;\n\n 2. Placing such notice in a prominent public location at which notices are\n regularly posted; and\n\n 3. Placing such notice at the office of the clerk of the public body or, in\n the case of a public body that has no clerk, at the office of the chief\n administrator.\n \t\t\t\tAll state public bodies subject to the provisions of this chapter shall\n also post notice of their meetings on a central, publicly available electronic\n calendar maintained by the Commonwealth. Publication of meeting notices by\n electronic means by other public bodies shall be encouraged.\n \t\t\t\tThe notice shall be posted at least three working days prior to the\n meeting.\n\nE. Notice, reasonable under the circumstance, of special, emergency, or\ncontinued meetings shall be given contemporaneously with the notice provided to\nthe members of the public body conducting the meeting.\n\nF. Any person may annually file a written request for notification with a public\nbody. The request shall include the requester’s name, address, zip code,\ndaytime telephone number, electronic mail address, if available, and\norganization, if any. The public body receiving such request shall provide\nnotice of all meetings directly to each such person. Without objection by the\nperson, the public body may provide electronic notice of all meetings in\nresponse to such requests.\n\nG. At least one copy of the proposed agenda and all agenda packets and, unless\nexempt, all materials furnished to members of a public body for a meeting shall\nbe made available for public inspection at the same time such documents are\nfurnished to the members of the public body. The proposed agendas for meetings\nof state public bodies where at least one member has been appointed by the\nGovernor shall state whether or not public comment will be received at the\nmeeting and, if so, the approximate point during the meeting when public comment\nwill be received.\n\nH. Any person may photograph, film, record, or otherwise reproduce any portion\nof a meeting required to be open. The public body conducting the meeting may\nadopt rules governing the placement and use of equipment necessary for\nbroadcasting, photographing, filming, or recording a meeting to prevent\ninterference with the proceedings, but shall not prohibit or otherwise prevent\nany person from photographing, filming, recording, or otherwise reproducing any\nportion of a meeting required to be open. No public body shall conduct a meeting\nrequired to be open in any building or facility where such recording devices are\nprohibited.\n\nI. Minutes shall be taken at all open meetings. However, minutes shall not be\nrequired to be taken at deliberations of (i) standing and other committees of\nthe General Assembly; (ii) legislative interim study commissions and committees,\nincluding the Virginia Code Commission; (iii) study committees or commissions\nappointed by the Governor; or (iv) study commissions or study committees, or any\nother committees or subcommittees appointed by the governing bodies or school\nboards of counties, cities, and towns, except where the membership of any such\ncommission, committee, or subcommittee includes a majority of the governing body\nof the county, city, or town or school board.\n\t\t\tMinutes, including draft minutes, and all other records of open meetings,\nincluding audio or audio\/visual records shall be deemed public records and\nsubject to the provisions of this chapter.\n\t\t\tMinutes shall be in writing and shall include (a) the date, time, and\nlocation of the meeting; (b) the members of the public body recorded as present\nand absent; and (c) a summary of the discussion on matters proposed,\ndeliberated, or decided, and a record of any votes taken. In addition, for\nelectronic communication meetings conducted in accordance with § 2.2-3708.2\nor 2.2-3708.3, minutes shall include (1) the identity of the members of the\npublic body who participated in the meeting through electronic communication\nmeans, (2) the identity of the members of the public body who were physically\nassembled at one physical location, and (3) the identity of the members of the\npublic body who were not present at the location identified in clause (2) but\nwho monitored such meeting through electronic communication means.\n\nHISTORY: 1968, c. 479, \u00a7 2.1-343; 1973, c. 461; 1976, c. 467; 1977, c. 677;\n1982, c. 333; 1989, c. 358; 1990, c. 538; 1993, c. 720; 1995, c. 562; 1999, cc.\n696, 703, 726; 2000, c. 227; 2001, c. 844; 2004, cc. 730, 768; 2005, c. 352;\n2007, c. 300; 2009, c. 628; 2010, c. 309; 2015, c. 131; 2017, c. 616; 2018, c.\n55; 2022, c. 597; 2023, c. 536.","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}}