HB 159 VA
Va. Freedom of Information Act; proceedings for enforcement, petition for mandamus or injunction.
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Summary
This bill would modify provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act governing enforcement proceedings. The Freedom of Information Act provides the public with rights to access government records and information. The bill would amend provisions governing how individuals can seek court enforcement of FOIA rights through legal proceedings. Specifically, the bill would address how petitions for mandamus (court orders to compel government action) or injunctions (court orders stopping government action) can be used to enforce FOIA compliance.
AI-generated plain-language summary of the bill (from the OpenStates abstract — no full text available yet) — neutral, and may be imperfect.
Official abstract
A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.2-3713 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act; proceedings for enforcement; petition for mandamus or injunction.
Sponsor (1)
- Marcus B. Simon Democratic · primary
Action history (18)
- Jan 6, 2026 Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102340D · lower
- Jan 6, 2026 Referred to Committee on General Laws · lower
- Jan 19, 2026 Assigned HGL sub: Procurement/Open Government · lower
- Jan 20, 2026 House subcommittee offered · lower
- Jan 20, 2026 Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (10-Y 0-N) · lower
- Jan 22, 2026 Reported from General Laws with amendment(s) (21-Y 0-N) · lower
- Jan 26, 2026 Read first time · lower
- Jan 26, 2026 Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB159) · lower
- Jan 27, 2026 Read second time · lower
- Jan 27, 2026 committee amendment agreed to · lower
- Jan 27, 2026 Engrossed by House as amended · lower
- Jan 28, 2026 Read third time and passed House (97-Y 0-N 0-A) · lower
- Jan 28, 2026 Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB159) · lower
- Jan 29, 2026 Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) · upper
- Jan 29, 2026 Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology · upper
- Feb 24, 2026 Senate committee offered · upper
- Feb 25, 2026 Continued to next session in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 1-N) · upper
- Jul 21, 2026 Continued from last session · upper
Full text
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