Virginia Freedom of Information Act; right to speak at open meetings. (HB1101)

Introduced By

Del. Roxann Robinson (R-Chesterfield) with support from co-patron Del. Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church)

Description

Virginia Freedom of Information Act; right to speak at open meetings. Requires that every public body, except for governing boards of public institutions of higher education, afford an opportunity for public comment during any open meeting. The bill provides, however, that if a public body holds more than four meetings in a calendar year, such public body may, by recorded vote, limit the number of meetings at which an opportunity for public comment is afforded to four meetings per calendar year. The bill requires that the notice given by a public body prior to a meeting include information as to the approximate point during the meeting when public comment will be received. In current law, this requirement applies only to public bodies where at least one member has been appointed by the Governor. The bill permits public bodies to choose the approximate point during the meeting when public comment will be received and permits public bodies to adopt reasonable rules governing the public comment portion of the meeting, including imposing reasonable restrictions on time, place, and manner, but prohibits public bodies from limiting public comment to only the submission of written comments. Read the Bill »

Outcome

History