For the fifth year in a row, the Freedom of Information Advisory Council conducted statewide training sessions. From Oct. 4 to Oct. 13, the council held sessions in Wytheville, Harrisonburg, Fairfax, Richmond and Norfolk.

Nearly 450 people attended this year’s workshops, a decline from recent years’ registrations. Discussions were held at each workshop on access to records, access to meetings, e-mail and law enforcement records. Attendees were given scenarios to work from to help understand various FOIA issues, as well as the interests and expectations of government, citizens and press.

The workshops were again approved for continuing legal education credits from the state bar. With attendance fees still under $50, the workshop is one of the most inexpensive CLE credits available.

The Virginia Coalition for Open Government is one of nine sponsors of the workshops.