Rocky Mount, Virginia --- Franklin County residents now have a streamlined way to file requests under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) through a new online portal at https://franklincountyva.nextrequest.com/.
This portal is built on the NextRequest platform from CivicPlus, which enables government agencies to receive requests via a modern web interface, route them automatically, track communications and document production, and securely release records to the public.
Residents will benefit from key features such as the ability to submit FOIA requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week, monitor the status of their submissions online, and receive digital copies of records when available. The portal also reduces paperwork and expedites processing times. For the County, the system offers a centralized workflow that enhances tracking and compliance, strengthens transparency and community access, and provides built-in security for the redaction of sensitive information along with full audit-trail capabilities, powered by CivicPlus.
To use the new portal, residents should visit https://franklincountyva.nextrequest.com/ and select “Make a Request” to describe the records they seek. Once submitted, users will receive an email confirmation and can track their request status online. The County will notify requestors when records are available or if any fees apply.
Requests that involve copying, redaction, or significant labor may incur costs as permitted by Virginia law, and the County will provide an estimate before proceeding.
By launching this online FOIA portal, Franklin County reaffirms its commitment to open government, timely access to public records, and improved service for residents. This initiative reflects the County’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and make information more accessible to the community.