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Committee unanimously advances HB 2152 to require FOIA officer training
Summary
HB 2152 would clarify that FOIA officers, including government attorneys who serve as FOIA officers, must take FOIA Council–approved training at least once every two years; the committee voted 8–0 to report and refer the bill to appropriations.
The committee voted 8–0 to report House Bill 2152 and refer it to the Appropriations Committee after the bill’s patron described it as a clarification to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Delegate Carr, who presented the bill, said HB 2152 would make clear that FOIA officers — including attorneys who serve as FOIA officers — must obtain training at least once every two years and that the FOIA Council should be the primary deliverer of that training. Carr said the change is intended to give FOIA officers uniform guidance and timely legislative updates.
Megan Ryan (affiliation stated in the hearing as representing local government interests) told the committee that some smaller localities hire outside counsel who have taken the position that being a lawyer exempts them from FOIA training; she said funneling training through the FOIA Council would ensure consistent information and accessibility. The bill also authorizes the FOIA Council to approve other training options and noted the council already offers online modules through the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center.
After receiving no public opposition or additional questions, a member moved to report the bill and refer it to Appropriations. The clerk opened the roll; the chair announced the motion carried by a vote of 8–0.
HB 2152 will now go to the Appropriations Committee for consideration.
