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2016 SESSION

16101405D
HOUSE BILL NO. 690
Offered January 13, 2016
Prefiled January 11, 2016
A BILL to amend and reenact § 8.01-223.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to immunity of persons at public hearing; attorney's fees; costs.
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Patrons-- Peace and Fowler
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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 8.01-223.2 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 8.01-223.2. Immunity of persons at public hearing.

A person shall be immune from civil liability for a violation of § 18.2-499 or a claim of tortious interference with an existing contract or a business or contractual expectancy based solely on statements made by that person at a public hearing before the governing body of any locality or other political subdivision, or the boards, commissions, agencies and authorities thereof, and other governing bodies of any local governmental entity concerning matters properly before such body. The immunity provided by this section shall not apply to any statements made with knowledge that they are false, or reckless disregard for whether they are false.

In any suit dismissed pursuant to the immunity provided by this section, or where a nonsuit is taken, the court may award reasonable attorney fees and costs.