There are few things more basic to the practice of local government law than the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The Act can be easy to comply with in some respects, and yet can be complex in some details. Violations or suspected violations can hold political or even criminal penalties.

Fortunately, local government attorneys, public officials, and citizens have resources that can help with compliance with the Freedom of Information Act — the primary resource being the Freedom of Information Act Advisory Council. The staff and attorneys of the Council field questions over the telephone, and issue formal advisory opinions that can guide compliance. The Council can even informally assist in resolving disputes involving the Virginia FOIA. I have often appreciated the backup the Council can provide to a local government attorney in a heated political environment.

Recently, I received a reminder of the annual training provided by the FOIA Advisory Council. Here are excerpts from the reminder I received on the Council’s 2011 FOIA Workshops...