Virginia § 30-396 - Public participation in redistricting process; publicly available data
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 30-396 — Public participation in redistricting process; publicly available data, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 30-396. Public participation in redistricting process; publicly available data
A. All meetings and hearings held by the Commission shall be adequately advertised and planned to ensure the public is able to attend and participate fully. Meetings and hearings shall be advertised in multiple languages as practicable and appropriate.
B. Prior to proposing any plan for districts for the United States House of Representatives, the Senate, or the House of Delegates and prior to voting to submit such plans to the General Assembly, the Commission shall hold at least three public hearings in order to receive and consider comments from the public. Public hearings may be held virtually and any public hearings that are held in person shall be conducted in different parts of the Commonwealth.
C. The Commission shall establish and maintain a website or other equivalent electronic platform. The website shall be available to the general public and shall be used to disseminate information about the Commission's activities. The website shall be capable of receiving comments and proposals by citizens of the Commonwealth. Prior to voting on any proposed plan, the Commission shall publish the proposed plans on the website.
D. All data used by the Commission in the drawing of districts shall be available to the public on its website. Such data, including census data, precinct maps, election results, and shapefiles, shall be posted within three days of receipt by the Commission.
E. The block equivalency files and shapefiles for the congressional, senate, and House of Delegates districts established pursuant to this chapter and Article II, § 6-A of the Constitution of Virginia shall be maintained and available to the public on the Commission's website. Such block equivalency files and shapefiles shall be controlling in any legal determination of the boundary of a congressional, senate, or House of Delegates district.
2020, Sp. Sess. I, c. 56; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1; 2023, c. 455.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 30-396
What does Code of Virginia § 30-396 cover?
Section 30-396 ("Public participation in redistricting process; publicly available data") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 30-396?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 30-396" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 30-396 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.