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Deputy county attorney gives Virginia FOIA briefing to Electoral Board
Summary
Deputy County Attorney Leah Dubuisson Han presented a Virginia Freedom of Information Act overview to the board, covering definitions of public records, common exemptions including election-security materials, meeting notice and remote attendance rules, and penalties for knowing violations.
Deputy County Attorney Leah Dubuisson Han presented a Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) briefing to the Hanover County Electoral Board on Feb. 6, giving members a written copy of the statutes and highlighting key duties and exemptions.
During the presentation Han cited the VFOIA definition of public records: "Public records means all writings and recordings that consist of letters, words or numbers, or their equivalent, set down by handwriting, typewriting, printing, photostatting, photography, magnetic impulse, optical or magneto-optical form, mechanical or electronic recording or other form of data compilation, however stored, and regardless of physical form or characteristics, prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business." She also emphasized statutory exemptions for records that would compromise election security, pointing to Va. Code § 24.2-625.1(A), and reviewed requirements for notice, minutes and when closed sessions are permitted.
Han walked members through remote-attendance rules for board members and the potential civil penalties for knowing and willful VFOIA violations, noting fines that range from $500 for an initial violation to greater amounts for subsequent violations and other sanctions for altering or destroying records. The materials and the presentation were provided to board members for reference.
The minutes record that Han supplied the board with a copy of VaFOIA and that members were reminded to consult counsel on FOIA questions. The record does not show further debate or a formal vote tied to the training.
