# Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3700: Short title; policy

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3700

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3700
- **Heading:** Short title; policy
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 2.2 / Subtitle II / Part B / Chapter 37 / Section 2.2-3700

## Text

A. This chapter may be cited as "The Virginia Freedom of Information Act."

B. By enacting this chapter, the General Assembly ensures the people of the Commonwealth ready access to public records in the custody of a public body or its officers and employees, and free entry to meetings of public bodies wherein the business of the people is being conducted. The affairs of government are not intended to be conducted in an atmosphere of secrecy since at all times the public is to be the beneficiary of any action taken at any level of government. Unless a public body or its officers or employees specifically elect to exercise an exemption provided by this chapter or any other statute, every meeting shall be open to the public and all public records shall be available for inspection and copying upon request. All public records and meetings shall be presumed open, unless an exemption is properly invoked.

The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities and afford every opportunity to citizens to witness the operations of government. Any exemption from public access to records or meetings shall be narrowly construed and no record shall be withheld or meeting closed to the public unless specifically made exempt pursuant to this chapter or other specific provision of law. This chapter shall not be construed to discourage the free discussion by government officials or employees of public matters with the citizens of the Commonwealth.

All public bodies and their officers and employees shall make reasonable efforts to reach an agreement with a requester concerning the production of the records requested.

Any ordinance adopted by a local governing body that conflicts with the provisions of this chapter shall be void.

1968, c. 479, § 2.1-340; 1976, c. 467, § 2.1-340.1; 1989, c. 358; 1990, c. 538; 1999, cc. 703 , 726 ; 2001, c. 844 ; 2002, c. 393 .

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3700 Short title; policy](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3700.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3701 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3701.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3702 Notice of chapter](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3702.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3703 Public bodies and records to which chapter inapplicable; voter registration and election records; access by persons incarcerated in a state, local, or federal correctional facility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3703.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3703.1 Disclosure pursuant to court order or subpoena](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3703.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3704 Public records to be open to inspection; procedure for requesting records and responding to request; charges; transfer of records for storage, etc](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3704.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3704.1 Posting of notice of rights and responsibilities by state and local public bodies; assistance by the Freedom of Information Advisory Council](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3704.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3704.01 Records containing both excluded and nonexcluded information; duty to redact](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3704.01.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3704.2 Public bodies to designate FOIA officer](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3704.2.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3704.3 Training for local officials](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3704.3.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3705 Repealed](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3705.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3705.1 Exclusions to application of chapter; exclusions of general application to public bodies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3705.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3705.2 Exclusions to application of chapter; records relating to public safety](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3705.2.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 2.2-3705.3 Exclusions to application of chapter; records relating to administrative investigations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3705.3.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T2.2_SII_PB_C37_S2.2-3700. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.