Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 709: Virginia Freedom of Information Act; exclusions of general application to public bodies.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 709 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Virginia Freedom of Information Act; exclusions of general application to public bodies. Primary sponsor: Cliff Hayes (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee General Laws.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Virginia Freedom of Information Act; exclusions of general application to public bodies; personnel contact information. Exempts personnel information such as the home address, personal email address, and home and personal phone numbers of any officer, official, or employee of a public body from the mandatory disclosure provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cliff Hayes | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 91 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee General Laws
- Subcommittee recommends striking from the docket (10-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HGL sub: Procurement/Open Government
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB709)
- Referred to Committee on General Laws
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104260D