RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond will soon post government documents requested under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) online for public viewing -- but the final proposal leaders approved places restrictions on what records will actually be made available. On Monday, Dec. 15, the Richmond City Council approved an amended version of an ordinance that would establish a city FOIA Library. Virginia FOIA law allows individuals or organizations to request copies of public records from local or state governments. It’s considered a “sunshine law,” named such because it shines a metaphorical light on governing agencies. There are some restrictions on FOIA requests. For example, governments can redact certain types of protected information. They are also not required to release records that do not exist — meaning, they do not have to create a new document to fulfill a request. PREVIOUS: Avula to introduce ordinance that would formalize Richmond FOIA Library Typically, when someone submits a FOIA request, the documents associated with that request are just issued to the person who asked for them -- but Richmond recently announced that it would be working to create an online portal where FOIA-related records would be available for viewing by all. In a press release issued after Monday's vote, city leaders celebrated the creation of this library as a win for transparency. "As a public health doctor and now as Mayor, open communication and transparency have been a bedrock of my work,” said Mayor Danny Avula in that release. “The FOIA Library is an extension of those values. By making information easier to access, we strengthen accountability, build trust and continue to show residents that City Hall is focused on getting the basics right. I’m genuinely excited about what this unlocks for residents, and grateful for the support that helped make it happen.”  However, the version of the ordinance approved Monday includes several restrictions on which documents will actually get posted to the library -- which had city councilwoman Kenya Gibson questioning how substantial a win this actually was. Suspect in stabbing death of Richmond musician incompetent to stand trial "Where the administration and I disagree is what counts as being transparent," Gibson told 8News. "From where I stand, we can’t take credit for being transparent when we pick and choose what we share. As such, I think the FOIA Library as it was adopted isn’t the version our residents deserve." As approved, records eligible for inclusion within the FOIA Library must meet one of the following criteria: The record was requested by 2 or more requesters The record contributes to the public understanding of city operations The record exposes wrongdoing or misconduct of a public official, government employee or member of the public The record is relevant to the evaluation, performance or accountability of city programs or functions The record is otherwise of sufficient public interest to warrant a proactive disclosure in order to promote transparency, public understanding or accountability in city operations However, even a record that meets the above criteria may still be excluded from the FOIA Library if it: Contains strong privacy, security or confidential information that could endanger an individual's safety or security or compromise a minor Contains information that otherwise jeopardizes the privacy or reputation of a member of the public who is not a city employee or elected official Was requested by someone who is, or their dependents are, the subject of any materials produced in response to a request Criteria like these allow the city "to ensure consistency, transparency and compliance with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act while balancing privacy and security," per the ordinance. Varina High senior drops legal fight over sports eligibility, transfers to private school Should anyone believe that a record was incorrectly omitted from the FOIA Library, they can send an email to [email protected] with the following information: The date of the original FOIA request The date the record(s) were produced A copy of the summary of the request The name of the department(s) that produced the record(s) A copy of the record(s) that you believe should be posted The reason why the record(s) should be posted Other ordinances having to do with government transparency were also approved Monday night. This includes an ordinance setting new standards for the City of Richmond Open Data Portal, as well as an ordinance establishing disclosure requirements for members of certain boards and commissions that have control over bonds and funding decisions. Because of this, Gibson said she still feels that, on the whole, the city is headed in the right direction. Richmond-area man billed Medicaid for mental health services he never provided: DOJ "Rest assured, I’m not deterred," Gibson said. "I’m proud of what we accomplished tonight and all the more determined to continue this work." ...read more read less