Orders closing a proceeding; petitions for review.

This legislation modifies the legal process for challenging court orders that close proceedings to the public. Currently, if a judge decides to seal a courtroom or restrict access to certain records, there are specific procedures for the media or the public to appeal that decision. This bill clarifies and standardizes the process by which individuals or organizations can file a petition for review of these closure orders. By streamlining how these requests are handled by appellate courts, the bill aims to balance the public's right to transparency and open judicial proceedings against the need for judicial discretion in sensitive cases. The likely effect is a more consistent and predictable path for stakeholders seeking to challenge courtroom secrecy within the Virginia legal system.