Sunrise over V.A. Capitol.
VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA


ADVISORY OPINIONS ISSUED

2026


Opinion No. Issue(s)

February


AO-01-26

While FOIA does not explicitly state the level of specificity
required when posting the location of a meeting, following
FOIA's policy and purpose the notice must include
sufficient information for the public to locate and attend the
meeting.

AO-02-26

This opinion examines the interaction of copyright law with
FOIA, the scholastic records exemption, and the exemption
for tests and examinations in the context of a request for
public records from a public school.

AO-03-26

In general, an organization or entity receiving at least two-
thirds, or 66.6 percent, of its operating budget from
government sources through government appropriation,
largess, or a noncompetitive contract or grant is a "public
body supported wholly or principally by public funds" as
defined in § 2.2-3701 of the Code of Virginia and subject to
FOIA for meetings and public records. Such entities within
a state university's governance structure would also likely
be considered public bodies if they are found to be
"supported wholly or principally by public funds" in the
established amount and manner. The FOIA Council has no
investigative powers and is not a trier of fact and cannot
resolve factual disputes between a requester and a public
body. The courts of Virginia are determiners of fact and
authorized to enforce the provisions of FOIA.

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