VA SB56

Creates a new Code section (§ 2.2-3704.02) consolidating all provisions related to charges for producing public records, including rules on cost estimates, deposits for requests over $200, and collection of unpaid amounts

Caps staff time charges at the lesser of the median hourly rate of pay for public body employees (as of July 1) or the actual hourly rate of the employee fulfilling the request, excluding fringe benefits and overhead costs

Allows public bodies to petition general district or circuit court for additional response time when facing extraordinary volume requests, with the response period tolled while the petition is pending

Grants general district courts jurisdiction to hear petitions from public bodies seeking additional time to respond to FOIA requests and petitions seeking relief from the staff time fee cap

Requires public bodies posting FOIA rights notices to include the new language about median hourly rate calculations for staff time charges