For Virginians seeking public records from universities, police departments, or government agencies, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures access — but that access often comes with a hefty price tag. When agencies set sky-high fees, the cost alone can prevent the public from obtaining critical information. Enter Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, who has […]
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Del. Danica Roem, D-Prince William. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)
For Virginians seeking public records from universities, police departments, or government agencies, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) ensures access — but that access often comes with a hefty price tag. When agencies set sky-high fees, the cost alone can prevent the public from obtaining critical information.
Enter Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, who has spent years pushing for limits on FOIA processing fees. This year’s effort, Senate Bill 1029, aimed to cap hourly rates at either the median salary of a public body or the actual salary of the person handling the request. The proposal also allowed agencies to seek court approval if they believed higher fees were justified.
