RE: Followup to question on Public Record Definition

The feedback I received regarding the meeting included an impression that Rep. Cox believed there was not a widespread concern about the revised Act as presented in HB1791, because his office had received only a handful of e-mails and there were so few concerned folks at the meeting. This is obviously not the case, but Rep. Cox has no way of knowing the amount of concern unless those concerned contact him or his office directly. This must be done as soon as possible, because he is sure the public hearing will be scheduled quickly - possibly as early as next week. If the concerns are not stated to him or his staff via e-mail and phone, and he is not convinced that there are a number of Virginia records officers with articulated concerns about the wording of the bill, then the bill will pass as presented on Jan. 18. I am not even sure if the changes to the bill agreed to by Bob in his posting yesterday will be included while the bill is still in committee and before it is voted on. Rep Cox can be reached via e-mail at [log in to unmask]. His phone numbers are: Capitol phone (804) 698-1066 and District phone (804) 526-5135. If you are concerned about the bill passing as originally worded (or even if you favor passage as is) then you should definitely get your message to his office. It probably would not hurt to also voice your concerns to your local delegate.

Ginny Jones
(Virginia A. Jones, CRM)
Records Manager
Information Technology Division
Newport News Dept. of Public Utilities
Newport News, VA
[log in to unmask]

There has been some traffic on this listserv related to HB1791. HB1791 will make certain revisions to several sections of the Virginia Public Records Act. While I agree with some of the changes that would be made by the legislation, there are other changes that concern me.

I and a few other individuals concerned with the legislation met yesterday with the legislation's patron, delegate Kirk Cox, Bob Nawrocki, and Nolan Yelich. Delegate Cox was extremely generous with his time and Bob agreed to some of the changes that were suggested but there are a number of changes besides the definition. I've included a link to the legislation, sans any changes that might be made prior to the public hearing. I've also included the background report (that I first saw last night) that led to the proposed legislation.

I would encourage everyone to review the legislation. If you have strong feelings, pro or con, I would plan to be at the pubic hearing or contact your local legislator and let them know how you feel.