HB2402: Virginia Freedom of Information Act; willful violations, grounds for termination.

HOUSE BILL NO. 2402

Offered January 18, 2017
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 37 of Title 2.2 a section numbered 2.2-3715, relating to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; willful violations; grounds for termination.
Patron-- Morris

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 37 of Title 2.2 a section numbered 2.2-3715 as follows:

§ 2.2-3715. Willful violations; grounds for termination.

In addition to the provisions of §§ 2.2-3713 and 2.2-3714, if the court finds that any officer or employee of a public body (i) receives a request for records that was sent by a requester by certified mail, return receipt requested, and (ii) without legal excuse or justification, deliberately, willfully, and knowingly fails to make a response to such request, such officer or employee may be terminated for cause by his appointing authority or agency head.