VirginiaVirginia public access hearings would not require a formal summons
People asking Virginia courts to enforce public records or open meeting rights would not need a formal summons for the hearing under this section.
What it does
Public access hearings would not require a summons or formal delivery of court papers. Hearings would occur within seven days of filing, with advance notice required unless an open meeting violation is alleged.
Argument forRemoving the need for a formal summons could make it easier for people to get court hearings about denied public access rights.
Argument againstWithout formal delivery of court papers or a summons, public bodies could have less certainty about when they must appear in court.
More detail
The section would not require formal delivery of court papers or a summons for a hearing once a request to enforce public access rights is filed. People denied rights under Virginia's public records and open meetings law could ask a court to order compliance or stop a violation. The request must include a sworn statement showing good cause and explain specifically how the person's rights were denied. The party being sued must receive a copy at least three working days before filing, unless the request or sworn statement alleges an open meeting violation. The seven-day hearing deadline would run from the date the court request is filed.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 25Continued to next session in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 1-N)
- Feb 24Senate committee offered
- Jan 29Referred to Committee on General Laws and TechnologyMinor
- Jan 29Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
- Jan 28Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB159)
- Jan 28Read third time and passed House (97-Y 0-N 0-A)Passed House
- Jan 27Engrossed by House as amended
- Jan 27committee amendment agreed toMajor
- Jan 27Read second timeMinor
- Jan 26Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB159)
- Jan 26Read first timeMinor
- Jan 22Reported from General Laws with amendment(s) (21-Y 0-N)Minor
- Jan 20Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (10-Y 0-N)
- Jan 20House subcommittee offered
- Jan 19Assigned HGL sub: Procurement/Open GovernmentMinor
- Jan 6Referred to Committee on General LawsMinor
- Jan 6Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102340DIntroduced
Government & Ethics