Bill
Bill > SB699
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Passed
03/09/2026
03/09/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Virginia Freedom of Information Act; public bodies to post meeting agendas. Requires public bodies subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to post the proposed agenda on the public body's official government website, if any, prior to the meeting. The bill provides that no final action may be taken on any items added to an agenda after a meeting commences unless the matter is time-sensitive or is the subject of a closed meeting properly identified in a motion in accordance with FOIA requirements and defines "final action." This bill is a recommendation of the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to require public bodies, such as government agencies and local boards, to post their proposed meeting agendas on their official websites, if they have one, before the meeting takes place. This change aims to increase transparency by giving the public advance notice of what will be discussed. The bill also clarifies that public bodies cannot take "final action" on items that are added to an agenda after a meeting has already started, unless the matter is urgent or is discussed in a closed session that has been properly announced according to FOIA rules. "Final action" is defined as a vote, adjudication, or other formal decision that concludes a matter, and it specifically excludes actions like referring an item to a committee, scheduling it for a future meeting, asking staff for more information, or issuing a proclamation. This provision is a recommendation from the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council, which studies and advises on FOIA matters.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (5)
Adam Ebbin (D)*,
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D),
Mamie Locke (D),
Marcus Simon (D),
David Suetterlein (R),
Last Action
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026 (on 03/10/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB699 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB699/text/SB699ER |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB699) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1199551.PDF |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB699) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1093653.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB699/text/SB699 |
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