The Central Virginia Transportation Authority on March 28 adopted an updated policy consolidating its rules for electronic communications and remote participation into a single policy that rescinds prior emergency and remote‑participation policies.

"This is a revision of your existing policies, pursuant to legislation that was passed by the General Assembly last year that codified certain changes to FOIA," said Mr. Gregory, a staff member, explaining the draft policy to the authority. He said the policy will return annually for renewal and that future minor edits would be brought to the board.

The consolidated policy permits individual members to participate remotely for reasons allowed under FOIA and also provides a framework for meetings in which all members participate remotely under defined compliance measures. During questions, Vice Chair Barbara Nelson asked whether a remote‑participation request must be made by phone; Gregory said, "As long as the request is submitted, it doesn't require it to be done in a certain way," and that the request may be emailed or forwarded through the executive director so long as it reaches the chair and the full body later approves the authorization.

Adoption was carried by roll-call vote recorded in the meeting log as unanimous. Staff said the policy will be presented each year for renewal and revised as needed to reflect changes in state law.