dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3310. Vietnam War Memorial Dedication and Veterans' Recognition Week.
A. The first full week of November of each year shall be designated as Vietnam War Memorial Dedication Week and Veterans' Recognition Week in the Commonwealth, to honor in perpetuity the men and women who have served their country as members of the armed forces during the Vietnam War.

B. In accordance with the Board of Education's guidelines as authorized by § 22.1-17.4, any veteran of the Vietnam War may apply for a Commonwealth of Virginia Vietnam War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma by filing with the Virginia Board of Education a statement declaring that:

1. During the years between 1959 and 1975, he served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces and was subsequently honorably discharged;

2. He enlisted in or was drafted into the United States Armed Forces while still enrolled as a secondary school student in any school in any state or territory of the United States or any school located on or associated with a United States military base or embassy; and

3. He was unable to resume his secondary education upon returning to civilian life.

C. Upon receiving a statement in compliance with this section and § 22.1-17.4 that has been filed in accordance with its guidelines, the Board of Education shall award the veteran described in subsection B a Commonwealth of Virginia Vietnam War Veteran Honorary High School Diploma. Such diploma shall also be delivered during Virginia Vietnam War Memorial Dedication and Veterans' Recognition Week in the Commonwealth.

1984, c. 691, § 2.1-27.3; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 684; 2009, c. 66.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3310.1. Display of the POW/MIA flag.
It is the sense of the General Assembly that members of the armed forces of the United States who are or were prisoners of war or reported missing in action should be honored and remembered for their service and sacrifice. In observance of that service and sacrifice, all agencies and institutions of the Commonwealth shall display the POW/MIA flag on public buildings on the following days each year:

Armed Forces Day -- the third Saturday in May.

Memorial Day -- the last Monday in May.

Flag Day -- June 14.

Independence Day -- July 4.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day -- the third Friday in September.

Veterans Day -- November 11.

2001, c. 835, § 2.1-27.3:1.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3310.2. Vietnamese-American Heritage Flag.
The flag of the former Republic of Vietnam, with three horizontal red stripes on a field of golden-yellow, which symbolizes freedom and democracy and represents the cultural heritage of Vietnamese-Americans, is recognized by the Commonwealth as the Vietnamese-American Heritage Flag.

2004, c. 970.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3310.3. Vietnam Human Rights Day.
The 11th day of May of each year shall be designated and recognized as Vietnam Human Rights Day in support of efforts by the Non-Violent Movement for Human Rights in Vietnam to achieve freedom and human rights for the people of Vietnam.

2009, c. 489.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3311. Day of recognition for early childhood and day-care providers and professionals.
The Friday before Mother's Day of each year shall be designated as a day of recognition for early childhood and day-care providers and professionals to acknowledge the contributions of and pay tribute to early childhood and day-care providers and professionals who serve the children of the Commonwealth.

1989, c. 132, § 2.1-27.6; 2001, c. 844; 2006, c. 156.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3311.1. Day of recognition for direct care staffs and other long-term care professionals.
The second Wednesday of every June shall be designated as a day of recognition to acknowledge the contributions of and pay tribute to direct care staffs and members of other professions that provide dedicated assistance and health care services to enhance the quality of life of persons receiving long-term care in the Commonwealth.

2005, c. 454.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3312. Day of recognition for bone marrow donor programs.
The eighth day of April of each year shall be designated as a day of recognition for bone marrow donor programs to acknowledge the critical value of these initiatives in facilitating bone marrow transplant therapy and to increase awareness among the citizens of the Commonwealth regarding opportunities to participate in these programs as donors and volunteers.

1992, c. 605, § 2.1-27.7; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3313. Virginia Drug Free Day.
The Saturday of the last week in October of each year shall be designated and known as "Virginia Drug Free Day" to recognize and support education about the dangers of drug abuse, the penalties for drug crimes, the availability of substance abuse programs, and the need to eradicate drug abuse in Virginia's communities.

1994, c. 480, § 2.1-27.8; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3314. Bill of Rights Day.
The fifteenth day of December of each year shall be designated and known as the "Bill of Rights Day" in recognition of the ratification of the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution.

1998, c. 383, § 2.1-27.10; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3315. Citizenship Day and Constitution Week.
The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting the seventeenth day of September as Citizenship Day and September seventeen through twenty-three as Constitution Week and recommending that they be observed by the Commonwealth with appropriate exercises in the schools and otherwise so that the eventful day on which the Constitution of the United States was formally adopted may forever remain enshrined in the hearts and minds of all citizens and so that they may be reminded on that date annually of the blessings of liberty that they enjoy by the adoption of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all other amendments thereto.

1974, c. 531, § 2.1-24.1; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3315.1. White Cane Safety Day.
Each year, the Governor may take suitable public notice of October 15 as White Cane Safety Day. He may issue a proclamation in which:

1. He comments upon the significance of the white cane;

2. He calls upon the citizens of the Commonwealth to observe the provisions of the White Cane Law and to take precautions necessary to the safety of the disabled;

3. He reminds the citizens of the Commonwealth of the policies with respect to the disabled herein declared and urges the citizens to cooperate in giving effect to them; and

4. He emphasizes the need of the citizens to be aware of the presence of disabled persons in the community and to keep safe and functional for the disabled the streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, public buildings, public facilities, other public places, places of public accommodation, amusement and resort, and other places to which the public is invited, and to offer assistance to disabled persons upon appropriate occasions.

1972, c. 156, § 63.1-171.5; 2002, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3316. Landscape Architecture Week in Virginia.
The second full week of April of each year shall be designated as Landscape Architecture Week in Virginia in recognition of the value and importance of the profession of landscape architecture, which encourages environmental stewardship, promotes energy conservation, enhances the preservation of the Commonwealth's historical heritage, and ensures that the place known as Virginia is preserved through wise design, management, and maintenance of its landscape.

1999, c. 164, § 2.1-27.11; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3317. Virginia Championship Applebutter Making Contest.
The Virginia Championship Applebutter Making Contest, held in Winchester in conjunction with the Rotary Club's Apple Harvest Festival, shall be the third week in September of each year.

1983, c. 95, § 2.1-27.1; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3318. Virginia and American History Month.
January nineteenth through February twenty-second, both inclusive of each year, shall be designated as Virginia and American History Month in special tribute to the founders, builders, and preservers of the Commonwealth and Nation.

1960, c. 354, § 2-22.4; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-28; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3319. American Indian Month and Day of Appreciation.
The month of November shall be designated as "American Indian Month" in Virginia, to honor the culture and heritage of the American Indian, to recognize the historic and continuing contribution of that heritage to American society, and in particular to commemorate the special place of the tribes native to Virginia in the life and history of the Commonwealth. Further, the Wednesday immediately preceding Thanksgiving of each year is designated a special Day of Appreciation for American Indians residing in the Commonwealth.

1987, c. 292, § 2.1-27.4; 1988, c. 685; 1996, c. 1020; 1997, c. 451; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3320. Month for Children in Virginia.
The month of May shall be designated as the "Month for Children" in Virginia to focus on children's special contributions to family, school, and community; to counter the manifold ills that afflict children in the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world; and to encourage the citizens of Virginia to rededicate themselves and to redouble their efforts to improve the lives and ensure the futures of children everywhere.

1997, cc. 432, 442, § 2.1-27.9; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3321. Virginia Mushroom Festival.
The Annual Front Royal and Warren County Mushroom Festival, in conjunction with the Appalachian Mushroom Growers Association's annual meeting, is designated as the Virginia Mushroom Festival, and shall be designated as the official state mushroom festival within the Commonwealth.

1987, c. 593, § 2.1-27.5; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 33 (State Holidays and Other Special Days)
§ 2.2-3322. Office hours to be in accordance with executive orders of Governor.
The offices of all state officers, departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, divisions and institutions in the executive branch of state government required by law to maintain regular business quarters at the seat of government shall be kept open for the transaction of public business in accordance with executive orders issued by the Governor.

This section shall not apply to the offices of the legislative and judicial departments of the state government.

Code 1950, § 2-23; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-29; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 34 (INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF IN AGENCY PROCEEDINGS)
§ 2.2-3400. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Agency" means any state board, department, commission, agency or other unit of state government except a county, city, town or any agency thereof.

"Deaf person" means any person whose hearing is so seriously impaired as to prohibit the person from understanding oral communications spoken in a normal conversational tone.

1978, c. 602, § 2.1-570; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 34 (INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF IN AGENCY PROCEEDINGS)
§ 2.2-3401. Agency proceedings and determinations; application for licenses and services.
A. In the case of any agency proceeding or determination as to whether there is a violation of law or regulation by a deaf person or whether such person may obtain or retain a license or other right or benefit, and when the agency or deaf person requests an interpreter for the deaf, the agency shall request the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to appoint a qualified interpreter or shall appoint such an interpreter from a list of qualified interpreters supplied by the Department to interpret the proceedings to the deaf person and to interpret any testimony the deaf person may give.

B. Whenever a deaf person applies for or receives any license, service, assistance or other right or benefit provided by an agency, the agency shall either request the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing to appoint a qualified interpreter for the deaf or appoint such an interpreter from the list of qualified interpreters maintained by the Department to assist the deaf person in communicating with agency personnel.

1978, c. 602, §§ 2.1-571, 2.1-572; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 34 (INTERPRETERS FOR THE DEAF IN AGENCY PROCEEDINGS)
§ 2.2-3402. How interpreters paid.
An interpreter for the deaf appointed pursuant to § 2.2-3401 shall be paid by the agency out of such state and federal funds as may be available for the purpose or, if the agency has insufficient funds to pay an interpreter, the Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing may appoint and pay an interpreter from the funds it may have available for the purpose.

1978, c. 602, § 2.1-573; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 35 (Information Technology Access Act)
§ 2.2-3500. Findings; policy.
A. The General Assembly finds that (i) the advent of the information age throughout the United States and around the world has resulted in lasting changes in information and communications technology; (ii) use of information and communications technology by state and state-assisted organizations has become a widespread means of access for employees and the public to obtain information available electronically, but access for persons with disabilities has often been overlooked when developing, designing, purchasing, and deploying the latest information and communications technology; (iii) when presentation of data through information and communications technology is not accessible by persons with disabilities, it prevents them from participating on equal terms in crucial areas of life, such as education and employment; (iv) accessible information and communications technology is often cheaper for the government in the long run because it does not require post-implementation adaptions and does not expose the government to liability under various state and federal laws that require access for persons with disabilities; and (v) the goals of the state in obtaining and deploying the most advanced forms of information and communications technology properly include universal access so that persons with disabilities will not continue to be left out of the latest and future technological innovations.

B. It is the policy of the Commonwealth that all covered entities shall conduct themselves in accordance with the following principles: (i) all persons with disabilities have the right to full participation in the life of the Commonwealth, including the use of information and communications technology that is provided by such covered entities for use by employees, program participants, students, and members of the general public, and (ii) technology purchased in whole or in part with funds provided by the Commonwealth, acquired, or developed in-house by a covered entity to be used for the creation, storage, retrieval, display, or dissemination of information and intended for use by employees, program participants, students, and members of the general public shall be accessible by all persons with disabilities.

1999, cc. 769, 773, § 2.1-807; 2001, c. 844; 2025, c. 571.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 35 (Information Technology Access Act)
§ 2.2-3501. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Accessibility" means alignment with federal § 508 standards and § 255 guidelines adopted pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 794d and 47 U.S.C. § 255, and 28 C.F.R. § 35.200.

"Accessibility Conformance Report" means a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) or other document indicating the conformance of a product to accessibility standards such as federal § 508 Standards and § 255 Guidelines adopted pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 794d and 47 U.S.C. § 255. The Accessibility Conformance Report shall be completed by a digital accessibility subject matter expert with significant experience with product evaluation or by a qualified neutral third party.

"Acquired" means obtained from a third party without the need to engage in the procurement process.

"Covered entity" means all state agencies, public school divisions, public institutions of higher education, and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

"Head of each covered entity" means the person responsible for making executive decisions on behalf of the covered entity.

"Information and communications technology" or "ICT" means any website, application, or other product or service primarily intended to fulfill or enable the function of information processing and communication by electronic means, including transmission and display via the Internet.

"Person with a disability" means the same as that term is defined in § 51.5-40.1.

"Procured" means a product or service obtained through a covered entity's procurement process.

"Vendor Accessibility Roadmap" means a document prepared and provided by the vendor highlighting the aspects and elements of the product that do not meet accessibility standards and includes the timelines for these aspects and elements to meet such accessibility standards.

1999, cc. 769, 773, § 2.1-808; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2016, c. 296; 2025, c. 571.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 35 (Information Technology Access Act)
§ 2.2-3502. Assurance of accessibility.
In general, the head of each covered entity or his designee shall ensure that the accessibility of the ICT used by employees, program participants, students, or members of the general public who have a disability (i) is equivalent to that provided to individuals who do not have a disability; (ii) is designed to present information (including prompts used for interactive communications) in formats accessible or adaptable to both persons with and without disabilities; and (iii) conforms with the accessibility requirements as provided in 28 C.F.R. § 35.200, whether developed in-house by a covered entity or procured.

1999, cc. 769, 773, § 2.1-809; 2001, c. 844; 2025, c. 571.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 35 (Information Technology Access Act)
§ 2.2-3503. Procurement requirements.
A. An information and communications technology access clause shall be developed by the Secretary of Administration and shall require that the vendor certify that any product procured by a covered entity conforms with accessibility. If the vendor cannot certify conformance of accessibility of the ICT product being procured, the covered entity may require such vendor to provide a current vendor-paid and completed Accessibility Conformance Report indicating the level of conformance with accessibility for the ICT being procured by the covered entity. Any areas of nonconformance shall be documented with a vendor-paid and completed Vendor Accessibility Roadmap highlighting areas requiring improved accessibility, including a timeline for each nonconforming area's completion. Consistent with 28 C.F.R. § 35.201 and 36 C.F.R. Part 1194, Appendix A, § E202, this clause should allow for the adoption of non-accessible ICT, provided that the use of such technology does not result in individuals with disabilities being denied the benefit of any program, service, or activity provided by the covered entity. The clause shall be included in all future contracts for the procurement of ICT by, or for the use of, entities covered by this chapter for which negotiation or renegotiation is begun on or after the effective date of this chapter.

B. Such procurement procedure adopted pursuant to this section shall not supersede or conflict with any vendor procedure or policy adopted by a public institution of higher education under the Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act (§ 23.1-1000 et seq.).

1999, cc. 769, 773, § 2.1-810; 2001, c. 844; 2020, c. 738; 2025, c. 571.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 35 (Information Technology Access Act)
§ 2.2-3504. Exclusions to digital accessibility.
The head of any covered entity or his designee shall report to the appropriate executive branch agency any ICT that does not conform with accessibility and is not included in the exceptions found in 28 C.F.R. § 35.201 or 36 C.F.R. Part 1194, Appendix A, § E202. Each executive branch agency shall report annually to the General Assembly on such ICT and provide an estimate on the fiscal impact involved in bringing such technology into compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

1999, cc. 769, 773, § 2.1-811; 2001, c. 844; 2020, c. 738; 2025, c. 571.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 35 (Information Technology Access Act)
§ 2.2-3505. Designation of covered entity digital accessibility coordinator.
A. The head of each covered entity or his designee may designate an employee to serve as such covered entity's digital accessibility coordinator. The digital accessibility coordinator shall be responsible for ensuring that the covered entity complies with state and federal laws, including the Virginians with Disabilities Act (§ 51.5-1 et seq.) and the Virginia Human Rights Act (§ 2.2-3900 et seq.), to ensure that the ICT and other products or services can be accessed by persons with disabilities. The covered entity's digital accessibility coordinator shall also be responsible for developing and implementing the covered entity's digital accessibility policy.

B. Each covered entity shall publish, in a conspicuous and easily accessible location on its website, the name, phone number, email address, and office address of the covered entity's digital accessibility coordinator or other person to whom reports of barriers to digital accessibility may be reported. The digital accessibility coordinator or other person designated by the covered entity shall develop procedures to review and respond to reports of barriers to digital accessibility.

2025, c. 571.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 36 (STATE GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEERS ACT)
§ 2.2-3600. Short title; declaration of legislative intent.
A. This chapter may be cited as the Virginia State Government Volunteers Act.

B. Since the spirit of volunteerism has long animated generations of Americans to give of their time and abilities to help others, the Commonwealth would be wise to make use of volunteers in state service wherever practically possible. Effective use of volunteers in state service, however, requires that state agencies be provided guidelines for the development of volunteer programs and the utilization of volunteers. The General Assembly intends by this chapter to assure that people of Virginia may derive optimal benefit from volunteers, and that the time and talents of volunteers in state service may be put to their best use.

1977, c. 347, § 2.1-554; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 36 (STATE GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEERS ACT)
§ 2.2-3601. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Department" includes all departments established in the executive branch of state government and local agencies under the jurisdiction or supervision thereof, and for the purposes of §§ 2.2-3602, 2.2-3604 and 2.2-3605, shall include political subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

"Material donor" means any person who, without financial gain, provides funds, materials, employment, or opportunities for clients of agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth;

"Occasional-service volunteer" means any person who provides a one-time or occasional voluntary service;

"Regular-service volunteer" means any person engaged in specific voluntary service activities on an ongoing or continuous basis;

"Volunteer" means any person who, of his own free will, provides goods or services, without any financial gain, to any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision of the Commonwealth;

"Volunteer in state and local services" shall include, but shall not be limited to, any person who serves in a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit or on a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) while engaged in emergency services and preparedness activities as defined in § 44-146.16.

1977, c. 347, § 2.1-555; 1979, c. 131; 2001, c. 844; 2005, c. 474.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 36 (STATE GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEERS ACT)
§ 2.2-3602. Scope of chapter; status of volunteers; reimbursements.
A. Every department, through its executive head, may develop volunteer programs and accept the services of volunteers, including regular-service volunteers, occasional-service volunteers, or material donors, to assist in programs carried out or administered by that department.

B. Volunteers recruited, trained, or accepted by any department shall, to the extent of their voluntary service, be exempt from all provisions of law relating to state employment, hours of work, rate of compensation, leave time, and employee benefits except those enumerated in or consistent with § 2.2-3605. Volunteers shall, however, at all times comply with applicable work rules.

C. Every department utilizing the services of volunteers may provide volunteers with such incidental reimbursements as are consistent with the provisions of § 2.2-3605, including transportation costs, lodging, and subsistence, as the department deems appropriate to assist volunteers in performing their duties.

D. For the purposes of this chapter, individuals involved in emergency services and preparedness activities pursuant to the definition of "emergency services" in § 44-146.16 shall be considered volunteers in state and local services and shall be accordingly entitled to the benefits conferred in this chapter. As volunteers in state and local services, such individuals shall be deemed to be regular-service volunteers.

1977, c. 347, § 2.1-556; 2001, c. 844; 2005, c. 474.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 36 (STATE GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEERS ACT)
§ 2.2-3603. Responsibilities of departments.
Each department utilizing the services of volunteers shall:

1. Take actions necessary and appropriate to develop meaningful opportunities for volunteers involved in its programs and to improve public services;

2. Develop written rules governing the recruitment, screening, training, responsibility, utilization and supervision of volunteers;

3. Take actions necessary to ensure that volunteers and paid staff understand their respective duties and responsibilities, their relationship to each other, and their respective roles in fulfilling the objectives of their department;

4. Take actions necessary and appropriate to ensure a receptive climate for citizen volunteers;

5. Provide for the recognition of volunteers who have offered exceptional service to the Commonwealth; and

6. Recognize prior volunteer service as partial fulfillment of state employment requirements for training and experience established by the Department of Human Resource Management.

1977, c. 347, § 2.1-557; 1979, c. 107; 1991, c. 563; 2000, cc. 66, 657; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 36 (STATE GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEERS ACT)
§ 2.2-3604. Solicitation of aid from community.
Each department may, through the officer, agent, or employee primarily responsible for the utilization of volunteers in that department, solicit volunteers and voluntary assistance for that department from the community.

1978, c. 121, § 2.1-557.1; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 36 (STATE GOVERNMENT VOLUNTEERS ACT)
§ 2.2-3605. Volunteer benefits.
A. Meals may be furnished without charge to regular-service volunteers if scheduled work assignments extend over an established meal period. Meals may be furnished without charge to occasional-service volunteers at the discretion of the department's executive head.

B. Lodging, if available, may be furnished temporarily, at no charge, to regular-service volunteers.

C. Transportation reimbursement may be furnished those volunteers whose presence is determined to be necessary to the department. Rates or amounts of such reimbursement shall not exceed those provided in § 2.2-2823. Volunteers may utilize state vehicles in the performance of their duties, subject to those regulations governing use of state vehicles by paid staff.

D. Liability insurance may be provided by the department utilizing their services both to regular-service and occasional-service volunteers to the same extent as may be provided by the department to its paid staff. Volunteers in state and local service, including, but not limited to, any person who serves in a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit or on a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), shall enjoy the protection of the Commonwealth's sovereign immunity to the same extent as paid staff.

1977, c. 347, § 2.1-558; 1979, c. 131; 2001, c. 844; 2005, c. 474.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3700. Short title; policy.
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.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3702. Notice of chapter.
Any person elected, reelected, appointed or reappointed to any body not excepted from this chapter shall (i) be furnished by the public body's administrator or legal counsel with a copy of this chapter within two weeks following election, reelection, appointment or reappointment and (ii) read and become familiar with the provisions of this chapter.

1976, c. 467, § 2.1-341.1; 1999, cc. 703, 726; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 393.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 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.
A. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

1. Petit juries and grand juries;

2. Family assessment and planning teams established pursuant to § 2.2-5207;

3. Sexual assault response teams established pursuant to § 15.2-1627.4 and human trafficking response teams established pursuant to § 15.2-1627.6, except that records relating to (i) protocols and policies of the sexual assault or human trafficking response team and (ii) guidelines for the community's response established by the sexual assault or human trafficking response team shall be public records and subject to the provisions of this chapter;

4. Multidisciplinary child sexual abuse response teams established pursuant to § 15.2-1627.5;

5. The Virginia State Crime Commission; and

6. The records maintained by the clerks of the courts of record, as defined in § 1-212, for which clerks are custodians under § 17.1-242, and courts not of record, as defined in § 16.1-69.5, for which clerks are custodians under § 16.1-69.54, including those transferred for storage, maintenance, or archiving. Such records shall be requested in accordance with the provisions of §§ 16.1-69.54:1 and 17.1-208, as appropriate. However, other records maintained by the clerks of such courts shall be public records and subject to the provisions of this chapter.

B. Public access to voter registration and election records shall be governed by the provisions of Title 24.2 and this chapter. The provisions of Title 24.2 shall be controlling in the event of any conflict.

C. No provision of this chapter or Chapter 21 (§ 30-178 et seq.) of Title 30 shall be construed to afford any rights to any person (i) incarcerated in a state, local, or federal correctional facility, whether or not such facility is (a) located in the Commonwealth or (b) operated pursuant to the Corrections Private Services Act (§ 53.1-261 et seq.) or (ii) civilly committed pursuant to the Sexually Violent Predators Act (§ 37.2-900 et seq.). However, this subsection shall not be construed to prevent such persons from exercising their constitutionally protected rights, including, but not limited to, their right to call for evidence in their favor in a criminal prosecution.

1999, cc. 703, 726, § 2.1-341.2; 2001, c. 844; 2003, cc. 989, 1018; 2004, cc. 398, 690; 2007, cc. 438, 548, 626; 2017, c. 620; 2018, cc. 127, 584; 2019, c. 729; 2022, cc. 25, 26; 2023, cc. 805, 806; 2024, c. 366; 2025, c. 337.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3703.1. Disclosure pursuant to court order or subpoena.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall have any bearing upon disclosures required to be made pursuant to any court order or subpoena. No discretionary exemption from mandatory disclosure shall be construed to make records covered by such discretionary exemption privileged under the rules of discovery, unless disclosure is otherwise prohibited by law.

2014, c. 319.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3704.01. Records containing both excluded and nonexcluded information; duty to redact.
No provision of this chapter is intended, nor shall it be construed or applied, to authorize a public body to withhold a public record in its entirety on the grounds that some portion of the public record is excluded from disclosure by this chapter or by any other provision of law. A public record may be withheld from disclosure in its entirety only to the extent that an exclusion from disclosure under this chapter or other provision of law applies to the entire content of the public record. Otherwise, only those portions of the public record containing information subject to an exclusion under this chapter or other provision of law may be withheld, and all portions of the public record that are not so excluded shall be disclosed.

2016, cc. 620, 716.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3704.2. Public bodies to designate FOIA officer.
A. All state public bodies, including state authorities, that are subject to the provisions of this chapter and all local public bodies and regional public bodies that are subject to the provisions of this chapter shall designate and publicly identify one or more Freedom of Information Act officers (FOIA officer) whose responsibility is to serve as a point of contact for members of the public in requesting public records and to coordinate the public body's compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

B. For such state public bodies, the name and contact information of the public body's FOIA officer to whom members of the public may direct requests for public records and who will oversee the public body's compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be made available to the public upon request and be posted on the respective public body's official public government website at the time of designation and maintained thereafter on such website for the duration of the designation.

C. For such local public bodies and regional public bodies, the name and contact information of the public body's FOIA officer to whom members of the public may direct requests for public records and who will oversee the public body's compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be made available in a way reasonably calculated to provide notice to the public, including posting at the public body's place of business, posting on its official public government website, or including such information in its publications.

D. For the purposes of this section, local public bodies shall include constitutional officers.

E. Any such FOIA officer shall possess specific knowledge of the provisions of this chapter and be trained at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years commencing with the date on which he last completed a training session by legal counsel for the public body or the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council (the Council) or through an online course offered or approved by the Council. Any legal counsel for a public body who is also designated as the public body's FOIA officer shall complete a training session or online course offered or approved by the Council. Any such training shall document that the training required by this subsection has been fulfilled.

F. The name and contact information of a FOIA officer trained by legal counsel of a public body shall be (i) submitted to the Council by July 1 of the year a FOIA officer is initially trained on a form developed by the Council for that purpose and (ii) updated in a timely manner in the event of any changes to such information.

G. The Council shall maintain on its website a listing of all FOIA officers, including name, contact information, and the name of the public body such FOIA officers serve.

2016, c. 748; 2017, cc. 290, 778; 2020, c. 1141; 2025, c. 533.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3704.3. Training for local officials.
A. The Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council (the Council) or the local government attorney shall provide in-person or online training sessions for local elected officials; the executive directors and members of industrial development authorities and economic development authorities, as created by the Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act (§ 15.2-4900 et seq.); and members of any boards governing any authority established pursuant to the Park Authorities Act (§ 15.2-5700 et seq.) on the provisions of this chapter.

B. Each local elected official, the executive director and members of each industrial development authority and economic development authority, as created by the Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act, and members of any boards governing any authority established pursuant to the Park Authorities Act (§ 15.2-5700 et seq.) shall complete a training session described in subsection A within two months after assuming the local elected office and thereafter at least once during each consecutive period of two calendar years commencing with the date on which he last completed a training session, for as long as he holds such office. No penalty shall be imposed on a local elected official or an executive director or member of an industrial development authority or an economic development authority for failing to complete a training session.

C. The clerk of each governing body or school board shall maintain records indicating the names of elected officials, executive directors and members of industrial development authorities and economic development authorities, and members of any boards governing any authority established pursuant to the Park Authorities Act (§ 15.2-5700 et seq.) subject to the training requirements in subsection B and the dates on which each such official completed training sessions satisfying such requirements. Such records shall be maintained for five years in the office of the clerk of the respective governing body or school board.

D. For purposes of this section, "local elected officials" shall include constitutional officers.

2019, c. 531; 2020, cc. 76, 80, 904; 2023, c. 461.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3705. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 690.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3705.8. Limitation on record exclusions.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as denying public access to the nonexempt portions of a report of a consultant hired by or at the request of a local public body or the mayor or chief executive or administrative officer of such public body if (i) the contents of such report have been distributed or disclosed to members of the local public body or (ii) the local public body has scheduled any action on a matter that is the subject of the consultant's report.

1999, cc. 485, 518, 703, 726, 793, 849, 852, 867, 868, 881, § 2.1-342.01; 2000, cc. 66, 237, 382, 400, 430, 583, 589, 592, 594, 618, 632, 657, 720, 932, 933, 947, 1006, 1064; 2001, cc. 288, 518, 844, § 2.2-3705; 2002, cc. 87, 155, 242, 393, 478, 481, 499, 522, 571, 572, 633, 655, 715, 798, 830; 2003, cc. 274, 307, 327, 332, 358, 704, 801, 884, 891, 893, 897, 968; 2004, c. 690; 2017, c. 778.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3707.01. Meetings of the General Assembly.
A. Except as provided in subsection B, public access to any meeting of the General Assembly or a portion thereof shall be governed by rules established by the Joint Rules Committee and approved by a majority vote of each house at the next regular session of the General Assembly. At least 60 days before the adoption of such rules, the Joint Rules Committee shall (i) hold regional public hearings on such proposed rules and (ii) provide a copy of such proposed rules to the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council.

B. Floor sessions of either house of the General Assembly; meetings, including work sessions, of any standing or interim study committee of the General Assembly; meetings, including work sessions, of any subcommittee of such standing or interim study committee; and joint committees of conference of the General Assembly; or a quorum of any such committees or subcommittees, shall be open and governed by this chapter.

C. Meetings of the respective political party caucuses of either house of the General Assembly, including meetings conducted by telephonic or other electronic communication means, without regard to (i) whether the General Assembly is in or out of regular or special session or (ii) whether such caucuses invite staff or guests to participate in their deliberations, shall not be deemed meetings for the purposes of this chapter.

D. No regular, special, or reconvened session of the General Assembly held pursuant to Article IV, § 6 of the Constitution of Virginia shall be conducted using electronic communication means pursuant to § 2.2-3708.2 or 2.2-3708.3.

2004, c. 768; 2005, c. 352; 2018, c. 55; 2022, c. 597.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3707.02. Meetings of Virginia Parole Board.
Except for a public meeting convened pursuant to subdivision 10 of § 53.1-136 for conducting the final deliberation and vote regarding whether the Virginia Parole Board will grant parole to a prisoner, a meeting of the Virginia Parole Board members, regardless of whether such members invite staff or other guests to participate in such meeting, shall not be deemed a meeting subject to the provisions of this chapter.

2025, c. 716.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3707.1. Posting of minutes for state boards and commissions.
All boards, commissions, councils, and other public bodies created in the executive branch of state government and subject to the provisions of this chapter shall post minutes of their meetings on such body's official public government website and on a central electronic calendar maintained by the Commonwealth. Draft minutes of meetings shall be posted as soon as possible but no later than 10 working days after the conclusion of the meeting. Final approved meeting minutes shall be posted within three working days of final approval of the minutes.

2002, cc. 580, 618; 2006, cc. 474, 595; 2007, c. 300; 2017, c. 616.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3707.2. Posting of minutes for local public bodies.
Except as provided in subsection I of § 2.2-3707, any local public body subject to the provisions of this chapter shall post minutes of its meetings on its official public government website, if any, within seven working days of final approval of the minutes.

If a local public body does not own or maintain an official public government website, such public body shall make copies of all meeting minutes available no later than seven working days after final approval of the minutes (i) at a prominent public location in which meeting notices are regularly posted pursuant to subdivision D 2 of § 2.2-3707; (ii) at the office of the clerk of the public body; or (iii) in the case of a public body that has no clerk, at the office of the chief administrator.

2022, c. 396; 2023, c. 536.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3708. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2018, c. 55, cl. 2.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 37 (VIRGINIA FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT)
§ 2.2-3708.1. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2018, c. 55, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2018.