Virginia, at the present time, has no comprehensive public records act. Nor does Virginia have a single agency charged with control of public records. Those Code provisions which do regulate the organization, control, public access, and destruction of public records are scattered throughout the Code.

An increased awareness of the need to protect and preserve the heritage of Virginia has renewed interest in reforming the archival function of the Commonwealth. A 1971 survey conducted by the State Archivist on records-keeping procedures of courts of record found deficiencies throughout the State in security and preservation of local records. In many cases, original records had not been photographed or microfilmed and records rooms were not fireproof or secure against theft or willful destruction.

Pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 240, the 1973 General Assembly directed the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study and propose a Public Records Act for the Commonwealth.