Expands who can request public records under FOIA to include non-citizens who own property in Virginia, allowing greater access to government information for certain non-citizens.
all public records shall be open to citizens of the Commonwealth, non-citizens owning property within the Commonwealth, representatives of newspapers and magazines with circulation in the Commonwealth, and representatives of radio and television stations broadcasting in or into the Commonwealth
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill amends Virginia's FOIA statute to explicitly include non-citizen property owners as eligible requesters of public records, expanding access rights for this group of non-citizens. This does not address immigration enforcement, state-federal cooperation, sanctuary policies, E-Verify, detention, border crimes, or any other listed topic.
Related bills
SB845Pregnant & postpartum inmates; reporting requirements of state, regional, & local correctional fac.=No change to abortion access↓Restricts immigration enforcement Committee
HB28Voter registration; regular periodic review of registration records.↑Expands immigration enforcement Passed one chamber
HB1257Law-enforcement agencies; use of certain technologies & interrogation practices; forensic lab.=No change to gun access=No change to transgender recognition & access Committee
HB1261Law-enforcement agencies; use of certain technology & interrogation practices; forensic laboratory.=No change to gun access=No change to transgender recognition & access Committee
Hearings and calendar
2026-01-27 00:00 · Hearing · House General Laws: Procurement/Open Government Hearing House Committee Room B - 205
Votes
Date
Chamber
Motion
Yea-Nay
2026-01-27
H
Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 3-N)