At the December 4 meeting of the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory (FOIA) Council, VACo staff testified requesting consideration that a workgroup be convened in 2025 to investigate the relationship between FOIA and public safety issues. This issue was brought to VACo’s attention at the Board of Directors Meeting at the November Annual Conference by numerous member counties. Several recent public emergencies such as the widespread flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Helene and the recent death in the line of duty by a Loudoun County firefighter. VACo had written a letter to the Chair of the FOIA Council, Delegate Marcus Simon, prior to the meeting. Though a quorum of Council members was not present, and therefore could not formally vote on items, the Chair indicated that a potential workgroup should be included in the list of items to be discussed at the Spring 2025 meeting of the Council.
The Council also discussed the executive Summary and report concerning the workgroup created by SB 324 (Roem). As previously reported, the workgroup created by the legislation came to partial consensus on approaches that honor the intent of the legislation but reduce or eliminate potential unfunded mandates to local governments. This includes draft legislation for the 2025 General Assembly session. As the Council did not have a quorum of members present, no formal action was taken, though VACo expects legislation to be filed by the bill’s original patron. The full report of the workgroup can be found here.
VACo is appreciative of the consideration given to our suggestions and concerns by the Council and the workgroup. VACo will continue to engage on these issue and provide feedback and updates going forward.
VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett and Phyllis Errico, Esq., CAE