Lindsay Fisher

The Commonwealth Transportation Board reviewed existing policies and recommended updates intended to encourage widespread use of funds. The updates to the Rail Industrial Access Policy Resolution include increasing the total amount of grant funds per project to $750,000, with a minimum 30% local or private match.

The Freedom of Information Advisory Council held a meeting to receive progress reports from its subcommittees and welcomed a new Council member. The Electronic Meeting Subcommittee reported on bills related to electronic meetings, including discussions on allowing local public bodies to meet electronically under specific emergency circumstances. The Personal Identifying Information Subcommittee discussed bills concerning access to Social Security Numbers and other personal information, as well as the issue of concealed carry handgun permits. Additionally, the Council heard a presentation from the University of Virginia regarding a proposed exemption for certain donor records.

The Freedom of Information Advisory Council convened to discuss reports from subcommittees and finalize legislative recommendations for the upcoming General Assembly session. Key topics included amendments to the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act, protection of Social Security Numbers in public records, and recommendations regarding concealed handgun permits. The council also considered electronic meetings, database index requirements, and meeting minutes. Additionally, the council discussed potential FOIA exemptions for agency risk management, economic development, school system's electronic visitor identification system, and complainant information related to zoning violations.

The Records Subcommittee meeting included a presentation and discussion on HB 1590, which aims to exclude personal information regarding minors' participation in state public body programs from mandatory disclosure under FOIA. The subcommittee also discussed a study request to define "personal information" for FOIA, considering the breadth of the definition used in the Government Data Collection and Dissemination Practices Act. Additionally, the subcommittee revisited the topic of vexatious requests and harassment by requesters, directing staff to update multistate research on the issue.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board discussed updates to the Rail Preservation Fund evaluation criteria. The updates include threshold criteria focusing on retaining and improving the shortline railway network, scoring criteria based on program goals, state initiatives, cost-effectiveness, and applicant priority, and cost considerations for funding recommendations. The Board adopted the outlined evaluation policy to be administered by the Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation.