Bill > HJR76

This resolution commends the Virginia Coalition for Open Government (VCOG) for its 30 years of advocating for transparency in Virginia's local and state government. The VCOG is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group formed in 1996, comprised of various individuals and organizations dedicated to improving government accountability. The resolution highlights the VCOG's extensive work, including collaborating with officials and citizens on legislation to improve access to public meetings and records, its role in establishing the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council (FOIA Council), and its maintenance of resources like an online archive of FOIA interpretations and hotlines to help the public understand FOIA, which is Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. The VCOG also publishes newsletters, engages on social media, offers educational programs and fellowships, hosts an annual conference, and has authored reports leading to legislative reforms. Furthermore, it assisted local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic with public meeting rules and has helped establish similar organizations in other states, even becoming the administrator of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. The General Assembly expresses its admiration for the VCOG's commitment to open government principles.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HJ76