Virginia Freedom of Information Act; clarifies definition of 'public record.' (SB730)
Introduced By
Sen. Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Clarifies that the definition of "public record" does not include records that are not prepared for or used in the transaction of public business. The bill defines "social media account" and creates a new discretionary exemption for social media records of General Assembly members when such records relate to the use of a social media account by a member in such member's individual capacity. The bill requires the public body to be a necessary party in any enforcement proceeding. Read the Bill »
Outcome
Bill Has Failed
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/10/2018 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/18 18100455D |
| 01/10/2018 | Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology |
| 01/23/2018 | Assigned GL&T sub: #1 |
| 01/26/2018 | Impact statement from DPB (SB730) |
| 01/29/2018 | Passed by indefinitely in General Laws and Technology with letter (10-Y 0-N) (see vote tally) |
Comments
This bill states the obvious: records that don't have to do with public business are already outside the reach of FOIA. If a record is about public business, FOIA extends to it, whether it's on a private account, device or social media platform. There is also no reason why General Assembly members, the governor, college presidents and the like should get a free ride on social media activity when no other government employee or official does.