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HB 1874

Retired or former law-enforcement officers; definition, publication of personal information.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Debra Gardner and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia law now protects retired/former law-enforcement officers' personal information from public disclosure, effective July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0207)
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Bill Summary · HB 1874

Legislative bill overview

HB 1874 expands Virginia's definition of "retired or former law-enforcement officers" and restricts the publication of their personal information. The bill likely clarifies which officers qualify for privacy protections and establishes penalties or prohibitions against releasing sensitive identifying details about these individuals.

Why is this important

Law enforcement officers and their families can face safety risks from individuals they've arrested or investigated. This bill aims to protect retired and former officers by limiting public access to home addresses, phone numbers, and other personal data that could enable harassment or violence. The expansion of the definition may extend these protections to additional categories of former officers previously excluded.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. public records access: Restricting information about public employees may conflict with open government principles and citizens' ability to research official backgrounds
  • Scope of coverage: Disagreement over which former officers deserve protection (federal vs. state, correctional officers vs. police, etc.)
  • Enforcement clarity: Questions about how violations are prosecuted and what remedies are available to affected individuals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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