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VA HB159

Bill

Status

Engrossed

1/27/2026

Primary Sponsor

Marcus Simon

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends Virginia Code § 2.2-3713 to require that FOIA enforcement petitions provide three working days' notice to both the public body's designated FOIA officer and the party being sued before filing

  • Clarifies that service of process by a sheriff or private process server is not required when filing a petition for mandamus or injunction to enforce FOIA rights

  • Maintains the existing requirement that courts must hear FOIA enforcement petitions within seven days of filing

  • Preserves existing venue rules allowing petitions against state agencies to be filed in either the aggrieved party's county of residence or the City of Richmond

Legislative Description

Va. Freedom of Information Act; proceedings for enforcement, petition for mandamus or injunction.

Last Action

Continued to next session in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 1-N)

2/25/2026

Committee Referrals

General Laws and Technology1/29/2026
General Laws: Open Government/Procurement1/19/2026
General Laws1/6/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available