Freedom of Information and ED Confidentiality

Some Virginia legislators are trying to close a loophole in Virginia law that might allow the public to learn details about an economic-development deal before the ink is on the contract.

Right now any documents prepared by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership or submitted by a company can't be obtained through Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, requests before a deal is done. But papers produced by local government officials and other state agencies might not have the same protection.

These are issues for any state or locality. Go here to read more about the Virginia situation.