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SB 781

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Carroll Foy

Virginia law (SB 781) prohibits publishing personal information of retired/former law enforcement officers without consent, effective July 1, 2025, to protect their post-service safety.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0215)
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Bill Summary · SB 781

Legislative bill overview

SB 781 prohibits the publication of personal information (such as home addresses, phone numbers, and family member details) of retired or former law enforcement officers without their consent. The bill aims to protect officers' privacy and safety after they leave active duty. It became effective July 1, 2025.

Why is this important

Retired and former law enforcement officers may face elevated safety risks due to their previous professional duties, including potential retaliation from individuals they arrested or prosecuted. This law provides a privacy safeguard that extends protections beyond an officer's active service period, recognizing that threats may persist long after retirement.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Critics may argue the law restricts freedom of the press and public access to information, particularly for investigative journalism or public accountability purposes
  • Scope ambiguity: Questions about what constitutes "personal information," which entities are bound by the restriction, and enforcement mechanisms remain potentially unclear
  • Asymmetrical privacy protections: The law grants special privacy status to one professional group, raising fairness questions about why other professions with safety risks (judges, prosecutors, social workers) may lack equivalent protections

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

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