dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1416. Regular meetings.
A. The governing body shall assemble at a public place as the governing body may prescribe, in regular session in January for counties and in July for cities and towns. Future meetings shall be held on such days as may be prescribed by resolution of the governing body but in no event shall less than six meetings be held in each fiscal year.

B. The days, times and places of regular meetings to be held during the ensuing months shall be established at the first meeting which meeting may be referred to as the annual or organizational meeting; however, if the governing body subsequently prescribes any public place other than the initial public meeting place, or any day or time other than that initially established, as a meeting day, place or time, the governing body shall pass a resolution as to such future meeting day, place or time. The governing body shall cause a copy of such resolution to be posted on the door of the courthouse or the initial public meeting place and inserted in a newspaper having general circulation in the county or municipality at least seven days prior to the first such meeting at such other day, place or time. Should the day established by the governing body as the regular meeting day fall on any legal holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next following regular business day, without action of any kind by the governing body.

At its annual meeting the governing body may fix the day or days to which a regular meeting shall be continued if the chairman or mayor, or vice-chairman or vice-mayor if the chairman or mayor is unable to act, finds and declares that weather or other conditions are such that it is hazardous for members to attend the regular meeting. Such finding shall be communicated to the members and the press as promptly as possible. All hearings and other matters previously advertised shall be conducted at the continued meeting and no further advertisement is required.

C. Regular meetings may be adjourned from day to day or from time to time or from place to place, not beyond the time fixed for the next regular meeting, until the business before the governing body is completed. Notice of any regular meeting continued under this section shall be reasonable under the circumstances and be given as provided in subsection E of § 2.2-3707.

D. The governing body shall provide members of the general public with the opportunity for public comment during a regular meeting at least quarterly.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, any city or town that holds an organizational meeting in compliance with its charter or code shall be deemed to be in compliance with this section.

Code 1950, § 15-241; 1950, p. 8; 1954, c. 286; 1958, c. 291; 1960, c. 33; 1962, cc. 218, 623, § 15.1-536; 1964, c. 403; 1980, c. 420; 1994, cc. 371, 591; 1997, c. 587; 2004, c. 549; 2017, c. 616; 2020, c. 1144; 2023, c. 536.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1416.1. Actions prior to convening of meeting.
During the time prior to the governing body's actual call to order or convening of business, any expressions by members of the governing body or members of the public shall be held consistent with the individual's First Amendment right of freedom of speech.

2005, c. 592.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1417. Special meetings.
The governing body may also hold such special meetings, as it deems necessary, at such times and places as it finds convenient. It may adjourn such special meetings from time to time as it finds convenient and necessary.

Code 1950, § 15-242; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-537; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1418. Same; how called.
A special meeting of the governing body shall be held when called by the chairman or mayor or requested by two or more of the members of the board of supervisors or council. The call or request shall be made to the clerk, and shall specify the matters to be considered at the meeting. Upon receipt of such call or request, the clerk of the governing body, after consultation with the chairman or mayor, shall immediately notify each member of the governing body and the attorney for the Commonwealth or the county or municipal attorney, as appropriate in writing delivered in person or to his place of residence or business or, if so requested by the member of the governing body, by electronic mail or facsimile to attend such meeting at the time and place stated in the notice. Such notice shall specify the matters to be considered at the meeting. No matter not specified in the notice shall be considered at such meeting, unless all members are present. The notice may be waived if all members of the governing body attend the special meeting or sign a waiver.

Code 1950, § 15-243; 1954, c. 181; 1960, c. 412; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-538; 1964, c. 249; 1966, c. 33; 1975, c. 575; 1979, c. 210; 1983, c. 403; 1994, c. 87; 1997, c. 587; 2011, c. 180.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1419. Meeting times of certain authorities, boards and commissions.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, the governing body of any locality may establish the regular meeting times (day and hour) of its authorities, boards and commissions so as to prevent conflict with other meetings.

1995, cc. 198, 240, § 15.1-37.3:14; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1420. How questions determined; tie breaker.
All questions submitted to the governing body for decision shall be determined by a majority of the members voting on any such question unless another method of determination is required by the Constitution of Virginia or general law.

In counties which have designated a tie breaker pursuant to § 15.2-1421, in any case in which there is a tie vote of the board upon any question when all the members are not present, the question shall be passed by till the next meeting when it shall again be voted upon even though all members are not present; in any case in which there is a tie vote on any question after complying with the herein above procedure, the clerk shall record the vote and immediately notify the tie breaker elected by the voters as provided in § 15.2-1421, to give the casting vote in case of a tie, if that is practicable, and request his presence at the present meeting of the board; but if that is not practicable then the board may adjourn to a day fixed in the minutes of the board, or in case of a failure to agree on a day, to a day fixed by the clerk and entered by him on the minutes. At the present meeting or on the day named in the minutes the tie breaker shall attend. He shall be entitled to be fully advised as to the matter upon which he is to vote, and if not prepared to cast his vote at the time he may require the clerk to enter an order adjourning the meeting to some future day to be named in the minutes not to exceed thirty days and from time to time he shall have continuances entered until he is ready to vote, not to exceed thirty days. When he casts his vote the clerk shall record his vote and the tie shall be broken, and the question shall be decided as he casts his vote. If a meeting for any reason is not held on the day named in the minutes, the clerk shall enter on the minute book a day within ten days as a substitute day and duly notify all the members, and this shall continue until a meeting is held. After a tie has occurred, the tie breaker shall be considered a member of the board for the purpose of counting a quorum for the sole purpose of breaking the tie. Final votes on any ordinance or resolution shall be in accordance with the procedure provided for in Article VII, Sections 7 and 9 of the Constitution of Virginia.

Code 1950, § 15-245; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-540; 1972, cc. 734, 790; 1974, c. 550; 1980, c. 172; 1994, c. 550; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 833.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1421. Tie breakers.
The governing body of each county may designate a tie breaker, whose duty it shall be to cast the deciding vote in case of tie, as set forth in § 15.2-1420. The designation of the tie breaker shall be by election by the voters of the county from the county at large. Every tie breaker shall serve for a period of four years from the date of his election and every tie breaker so elected shall serve the same term as a member of the governing body. No person shall be elected or serve as tie breaker who is not a resident of the county; who is not qualified to hold office as supervisor or who is an employee or officer of the county. Tie breakers heretofore appointed or elected shall continue in office until the expiration of the respective terms. Vacancies in the position of tie breaker shall be filled in the same manner as vacancies in the governing body.

Code 1950, § 15-240; 1952, c. 159; 1952, Ex. Sess., c. 10; 1954, c. 91; 1962, cc. 595, 623, § 15.1-535; 1966, c. 280; 1972, c. 593; 1974, c. 550; 1981, c. 261; 1994, c. 550; 1997, c. 587; 2007, c. 833.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1422. Electing a chairman and vice-chairman or a mayor and vice-mayor.
Unless the presiding officer is elected by popular vote, every governing body, at its first meeting after taking office, shall elect one of its number as presiding officer. Such officer shall be called "chairman," "chairwoman," "chair," "chairperson," or "chair-at-large," in the presiding officer's discretion, if a member of a board of supervisors and "mayor" if a member of a city or town council. Such member, if present, shall preside at the first meeting and all other meetings during the term for which so elected. The governing body also shall elect a vice-chairman or vice-mayor, as the case may be, who shall preside at meetings in the absence of the chairman or mayor and may discharge any duty of the chairman or mayor during his absence or disability. Chairmen and vice-chairmen and mayors and vice-mayors may be so elected to serve for terms corresponding with their terms as supervisors or councilmen or may be elected for such other period as determined by the governing body. Whenever any board or council at the time of such election, fails to designate the specific term of office for which a chairman or vice-chairman or a mayor or vice-mayor is elected, it shall be presumed that such officers were elected for a term of one year and shall serve until their successors have been elected and qualify. Chairmen and vice-chairmen and mayors and vice-mayors may succeed themselves in office. In the case of the absence from any meeting of the chairman and vice-chairman or mayor and vice-mayor, the members present shall choose one of their number as temporary presiding officer.

1997, c. 587; 2020, c. 133.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1423. Powers of chairman or mayor.
In addition to being presiding officer, the chairman or mayor, as the case may be, shall be the head of the local government for all official functions and ceremonial purposes. He shall have a vote but no veto.

In the event that there is no chief administrative officer, it shall be the duty of the chairman or mayor, as the case may be, to see that the functions set forth in § 15.2-1541 are carried out if the governing body has not acted otherwise.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1424. Vacancies in office.
Vacancies in the office of board of supervisors or of council or an elected chairman or mayor, for whatever reason, shall be filled as provided for in Title 24.2. A member of the board or council may be elected or appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of chairman or mayor.

The person appointed or elected to fill the vacancy shall possess the same legal qualifications for the office as did the person whose position he is filling.

In the event of a vacancy in the office of chairman or mayor, the duties of the office of chairman or mayor shall be performed by the vice-chairman or vice-mayor until a chairman or mayor is appointed or elected and qualifies.

Vacancies in the office of vice-chairman or vice-mayor shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the appropriate governing body from its membership.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1425. Actions by localities.
The governing body of every locality in the performance of its duties, obligations and functions may adopt, as appropriate, ordinances, resolutions and motions.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1426. Form of ordinances.
The object of every ordinance, except an ordinance approving a budget, an annual appropriation ordinance or an ordinance which codifies ordinances, shall be clearly expressed in its title. All ordinances which repeal or amend existing ordinances shall identify by title the section to be repealed or amended.

Code 1950, §§ 15-8, 15-10; 1950, p. 113; 1954, c. 529; 1956, cc. 218, 664; 1956, Ex. Sess., c. 40; 1958, cc. 190, 279; 1960, c. 606; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-504; 1966, cc. 405, 612; 1968, c. 625; 1970, c. 581; 1972, cc. 41, 837; 1973, c. 380; 1978, c. 235; 1983, c. 11; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1427. Adoption of ordinances and resolutions generally; amending or repealing ordinances.
A. Unless otherwise specifically provided for by the Constitution or by other general or special law, an ordinance may be adopted by majority vote of those present and voting at any lawful meeting.

B. On final vote on any ordinance or resolution, the name of each member of the governing body voting and how he voted shall be recorded; however, votes on all ordinances and resolutions adopted prior to February 27, 1998, in which an unanimous vote of the governing body was recorded, shall be deemed to have been validly recorded. The governing body may adopt an ordinance or resolution by a recorded voice vote unless otherwise provided by law, or any member calls for a roll call vote. An ordinance shall become effective upon adoption or upon a date fixed by the governing body.

C. All ordinances or resolutions heretofore adopted by a governing body shall be deemed to have been validly adopted, unless some provision of the Constitution of Virginia or the Constitution of the United States has been violated in such adoption.

D. An ordinance may be amended or repealed in the same manner, or by the same procedure, in which, or by which, ordinances are adopted.

E. An amendment or repeal of an ordinance shall be in the form of an ordinance which shall become effective upon adoption or upon a date fixed by the governing body, but, if no effective date is specified, then such ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.

F. In counties, except as otherwise authorized by law, no ordinance shall be passed until after notice of an intention to propose the ordinance for passage has been advertised by reference twice, with the first notice being published no more than 28 days before and the second notice appearing no less than seven days before the date of the meeting referenced in the notice, in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county. The publication shall include a statement that a copy of the full text of the ordinance is on file in the clerk's office of the circuit court of the county or in the office of the county administrator; or in the case of any county organized under the form of government set out in Chapter 5, 7 or 8 of this title, a statement that a copy of the full text of the ordinance is on file in the office of the clerk of the county board.

In counties, emergency ordinances may be adopted without prior notice; however, no such ordinance shall be enforced for more than sixty days unless readopted in conformity with the provisions of this Code.

G. In towns, no tax shall be imposed except by a two-thirds vote of the council members.

Code 1950, §§ 15-8, 15-10; 1950, p. 113; 1954, c. 529; 1956, cc. 218, 664; 1956, Ex. Sess., c. 40; 1958, cc. 190, 279; 1960, c. 606; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-504; 1966, cc. 405, 612; 1968, c. 625; 1970, c. 581; 1972, cc. 41, 837; 1973, c. 380; 1978, c. 235; 1983, c. 11; 1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 823; 2000, c. 895; 2023, cc. 506, 507; 2024, cc. 225, 242.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1428. Procedures for certain acts.
No ordinance or resolution appropriating money exceeding the sum of $500, imposing taxes, or authorizing the borrowing of money shall be passed except by a recorded affirmative vote of a majority of all members elected to the governing body. In case of the veto of such an ordinance or resolution, where the power of veto exists, it shall require for passage thereafter a recorded affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members elected to the governing body.

Code 1950, § 15-412; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-819; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 35; 1991, c. 668; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1429. Penalties for violation of ordinances.
Any locality may prescribe fines and other punishments for violations of ordinances, which shall be enforced by proceedings as if such violations were misdemeanors. However, no fine or term of confinement for the violation of ordinances shall exceed the penalties provided by general law for the violation of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and such penalties shall not exceed those penalties prescribed by general law for like offenses.

Code 1950, §§ 15-8, 15-77.64; 1954, c. 529; 1956, cc. 218, 664; 1956, Ex. Sess., c. 40; 1958, cc. 279, 328; 1960, c. 606; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-505, 15.1-901; 1974, c. 598; 1976, c. 582; 1978, c. 150; 1991, cc. 25, 609, 710; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1430. Bonds of persons convicted.
Upon conviction for the violation of any ordinance, the court trying the case may require bond of the person so convicted with proper security in the penalty of not more than $5,000, conditioned not to violate the ordinance for the breach of which he has been convicted for the period of not more than one year.

Code 1950, § 15-77.65; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-902; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1431. Appeals; nonpayment of fine.
An appeal from any fine or imprisonment shall be as in misdemeanor cases. Whenever any fine is imposed but not paid, the court trying the case shall proceed in accordance with Article 4 (§ 19.2-354 et seq.) of Chapter 21 of Title 19.2.

Code 1950, § 15-77.66; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-903; 1973, c. 342; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 14 (GOVERNING BODIES OF LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-1432. Injunctive relief against continuing violation of ordinance.
A court of competent jurisdiction, in addition to the penalty imposed for the violation of any ordinance, may enjoin the continuing violation thereof by proceedings for an injunction brought in any court for the county or municipal corporation having jurisdiction to grant injunctive relief.

Code 1950, § 15-77.68; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-905; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1500. Organization of local government.
A. Every locality shall provide for all the governmental functions of the locality, including, without limitation, the organization of all departments, offices, boards, commissions and agencies of government, and the organizational structure thereof, which are necessary and the employment of the officers and other employees needed to carry out the functions of government.

B. Except as provided in § 15.2-2160 or Article 5.1 (§ 56-484.7:1 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 56, no locality shall establish any department, office, board, commission, agency or other governmental division or entity which has authority to offer telecommunications equipment, infrastructure, other than pole or tower attachments including antennas or conduit occupancy, or services, other than intragovernmental radio dispatch or paging systems shared by adjoining localities, for sale or lease to any person or entity other than (i) such locality's departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies or other governmental divisions or entities or (ii) an adjoining locality's departments, offices, boards, commissions, agencies or other governmental divisions or entities, so long as any charges for such telecommunications equipment, infrastructure and services do not exceed the cost to the providing locality of providing such equipment, infrastructure or services. However, any town which is located adjacent to Exit 17 on Interstate 81 and which offered telecommunications services to the public on January 1, 1998, is hereby authorized to continue to offer such telecommunications services, but shall not acquire by eminent domain the facilities or other property of any telephone company or cable operator. Any locality may sell any telecommunications infrastructure, including related equipment, which such locality has constructed, and such locality may receive from the purchaser or purchasers, as full or partial consideration for the sale of such infrastructure, communications services to be used solely for internal use of the locality. The locality shall not be involved in any way in the promotion or marketing of services provided by any purchaser.

C. A locality, electric commission or board, industrial development authority, or economic development authority, may lease dark fiber. For purposes of this section, "dark fiber" means fiber optic cable that is not lighted by lasers or other electronic equipment. The locality, electric commission or board, industrial development authority, or economic development authority, shall not be involved in the promotion or marketing of the lessee as the provider of the services.

1997, c. 587; 1998, c. 906; 1999, c. 916; 2002, cc. 479, 489.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1500.1. Employment discrimination prohibited; sexual orientation or gender identity.
A. As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Age" means being an individual who is at least 40 years of age.

"Military status" means status as (i) a member of the uniformed forces, as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 101(a)(5), of the United States or a reserve component thereof named under 10 U.S.C. § 10101, (ii) a veteran as defined in 38 U.S.C. § 101(2), or (iii) a dependent as defined in 50 U.S.C. § 3911(4) except that the support provided by the service member to the individual shall have been provided 180 days immediately preceding an alleged action that if proven true would constitute unlawful discrimination under this section instead of 180 days immediately preceding an application for relief under 50 U.S.C. Chapter 50.

"Religion" includes any outward expression of religious faith, including adherence to religious dressing and grooming practices and the carrying or display of religious items or symbols.

B. No department, office, board, commission, agency, or instrumentality of local government shall discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status.

C. The provisions of this section shall not prohibit (i) discrimination in employment on the basis of sex or age in those instances when sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification for employment or (ii) providing preference in employment to veterans.

2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478; 2022, c. 799.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1501. Designation of officers to perform certain duties.
Whenever it is not designated by general law or special act which officer or employee of the locality shall exercise any power or perform any duty conferred upon or required of the locality, then any such power shall be exercised or duty performed by the officer or employee of the locality so designated by the governing body. The governing body also may authorize the chief administrative officer to designate officers and employees to perform administrative duties and to exercise administrative powers.

1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1502. Employment of certain deputies and assistants; delegation of powers and duties.
A. Local government officers may employ, when duly authorized by the governing body, deputies and assistants to aid them in carrying out their powers and duties. The provisions of this section and § 15.2-1503 shall not be applicable to the constitutional offices of treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, sheriff, attorney for the Commonwealth and clerk of the circuit court.

B. "Deputy" means a person who is appointed to act as a substitute for his principal, in the name of the principal and in his behalf, in matters in which the principal himself may act; such person shall be a public officer. Members of governing bodies may not have or appoint deputies for themselves.

C. "Assistant" means a person who is not a public officer or deputy but who aids or helps a public officer.

D. Subject to the limitations and requirements of the preceding subsections, an officer of a locality may delegate, to a person reporting to him, his powers and duties unless it is some power or duty the exercise of which by another person is expressly forbidden by law or requires the exercise of judgment for the public welfare. However, such delegation shall not act to relieve the officer making such delegation of his legal obligations for the exercise of powers and performance of duties of his office.

Persons employed by virtue of this subsection shall be designated either deputy or assistant and shall take such oath and post such bond as may be required by ordinance.

1978, c. 264, §§ 15.1-19.4, 15.1-19.5; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1503. Tenure of officers and employees; suspension or removal.
A. All appointments of officers and hiring of other employees by a locality shall be without definite term, unless for temporary services not to exceed one year or except as otherwise provided by general law or special act.

B. Any officer or employee of a locality employed pursuant to subsection A of this section may be suspended or removed from office or employment in accordance with the provisions of §§ 24.2-230 through 24.2-238, if such sections are applicable. Otherwise, any such employee may be suspended or removed in accordance with procedure established by special act or by the governing body, if any.

C. In case of the absence or disability of any officer or employee, the governing body or other appointing power may designate some responsible person to temporarily perform the duties of the office.

1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1503.1. Background checks required for certain employees and licensees.
Any locality having a local ordinance adopted in accordance with § 19.2-389 (i) shall require any applicant who is offered or accepts employment with the locality, (ii) shall require any prospective licensee for any categories of license designated by ordinance, or (iii) may require any individual who is offered or accepts employment with a contractor or public service corporation that provides public transit services to the locality to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's or licensee's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such applicant or licensee. The locality may require such applicant or licensee to pay the cost of the fingerprinting or a criminal records check or both.

The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's or licensee's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the county, city or town manager, or chief law-enforcement officer or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. If an applicant is denied employment or a licensee is denied a license because of the information appearing in his criminal history record, the locality shall notify the applicant or licensee that information obtained from the Central Criminal Records Exchange contributed to such denial. The information shall not be disseminated except as provided for in this section.

2003, c. 742; 2004, c. 160; 2010, cc. 189, 563.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1504. Use of tobacco products by government employees.
No employee of or applicant for employment with a locality or any political subdivision of the Commonwealth shall be required, as a condition of employment, to smoke or use tobacco products on the job, or to abstain from smoking or using tobacco products outside the course of his employment, provided that this section shall not apply to those classes of employees to which § 27-40.1 or § 51.1-813 are applicable.

1989, c. 511, § 15.1-29.18; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1505. Employment based on residency prohibited for certain employees.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of general or special law, no locality, or any agency thereof, including school boards, or any local housing or redevelopment authority created pursuant to § 36-4, that receives any funds from the Commonwealth, shall condition employment or any feature of employment, including promotion, on the basis of residency in a particular locality.

This section shall not apply to (i) appointees of elected groups or individuals, (ii) officials and employees who by charter or other law serve at the will or pleasure of an appointing authority, (iii) deputies and executive assistants to the chief administrative officer of a locality, or (iv) agency heads, department heads or their equivalents or chief executive officers of government operations.

1993, c. 789, § 15.1-29.23; 1997, c. 587; 1999, c. 375; 2000, c. 276; 2002, c. 37.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1505.1. Applicant preemployment information.
A locality may by ordinance, and in accordance with § 19.2-389, require applicants upon offer of employment with the locality to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such applicant. Such applicants shall, if required by ordinance, pay the cost of the fingerprinting or criminal records check or both.

The Central Criminal Records Exchange, upon receipt of an applicant's record or notification that no record exists, shall make a report to the chief administrative officer of the locality or his designee, who must belong to a governmental entity. In determining whether a criminal conviction directly relates to a position, the locality shall consider the following criteria: (i) the nature and seriousness of the crime; (ii) the relationship of the crime to the work to be performed in the position applied for; (iii) the extent to which the position applied for might offer an opportunity to engage in further criminal activity of the same type as that in which the person had been involved; (iv) the relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the position being sought; (v) the extent and nature of the person's past criminal activity; (vi) the age of the person at the time of the commission of the crime; (vii) the amount of time that has elapsed since the person's last involvement in the commission of a crime; (viii) the conduct and work activity of the person prior to and following the criminal activity; and (ix) evidence of the person's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release.

If an applicant is denied employment because of information appearing in his criminal history record, the locality shall notify the applicant that information obtained from the Central Criminal Records Exchange contributed to such denial. The information shall not be disseminated except as provided for in this section.

2003, c. 739.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1505.2. Personnel policies related to the use of public property.
Every locality, with the exception of towns having a population of less than 3,500 that do not have a personnel policy, shall establish personnel policies covering the use of public property by officers and employees of the locality. Such policies shall address the use of telephones, computers, and related devices and peripheral equipment that are the property of the locality for (i) personal use, to the extent that such use interferes with the employees' productivity or work performance, or (ii) political activities. As used in this section, "political activities" shall have the same meaning as provided in § 15.2-1512.2.

2014, c. 405.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1505.3. Localities prohibited from inquiring about arrests, charges, or convictions on employment applications; exceptions.
A. As used in this section, "conviction" means any adjudication that an individual committed a crime, any finding of guilt after a criminal trial by a court of competent jurisdiction, or any plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal charge.

B. No locality shall request a prospective employee to complete an application for employment that includes a question inquiring whether the prospective employee has ever been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any crime. This prohibition shall not apply to (i) law-enforcement agency positions or positions related to law-enforcement agencies, (ii) positions for employment by the local school board, (iii) sensitive positions, or (iv) any employment-related applications or questionnaires provided during or after a staff interview. For purposes of this subsection, "sensitive positions" shall include those positions:

1. Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of citizens or the protection of critical infrastructure;

2. That have access to sensitive information, including access to federal tax information in approved exchange agreements with the Internal Revenue Service or Social Security Administration; and

3. That are otherwise required by state or federal law to be designated as sensitive.

C. No locality shall inquire whether a prospective employee has ever been arrested for, or charged with, or convicted of any crime unless the inquiry takes place during or after a staff interview of the prospective employee.

D. Nothing in this section shall prevent a locality from considering information received during or after a staff interview pertaining to a prospective employee having been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of any crime.

2020, c. 422.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1506. Establishment of grievance procedure, personnel system and uniform pay plan for employees.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, general or special, every locality which has more than fifteen employees shall have a grievance procedure for its employees that affords an immediate and fair method for the resolution of disputes which may arise between the public employer and its employees and a personnel system including a classification plan for service and a uniform pay plan for all employees excluding employees and deputies of division superintendents of schools.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any local charter, a locality may establish a personnel system for local administrative officials and employees based on merit and professional ability. Such system shall consist of rules and regulations that provide for the general administration of personnel matters, a classification plan for employees, a uniform pay plan, and a procedure for resolving grievances of employees as provided by general law.

1973, c. 256, § 15.1-7.1; 1974, cc. 260, 449; 1975, c. 176; 1976, c. 93; 1978, c. 845; 1979, c. 734; 1984, c. 746; 1985, c. 515; 1988, c. 290; 1991, c. 661; 1996, cc. 164, 869; 1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 363.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1507.1. Appointment of standing panel in certain counties.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 15.2-1507, in any county with the county manager form of government, the final step of its grievance procedure shall provide for a hearing before an impartial panel consisting of one member appointed by the grievant, one member appointed by the county manager or his designee, and a third member appointed in a manner determined by the board of supervisors.

2001, c. 601.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1508. Bonuses for employees of local governments.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, general or special, the governing body of any locality may provide for payment of monetary bonuses to its officers and employees. The payment of a bonus shall be authorized by ordinance.

1985, c. 142, § 15.1-7.4; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 204.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1508.1. Traveling expenses on business of town, city or county.
Any person traveling on business of any locality except as hereinafter provided, wherein no part of the cost is borne by the Commonwealth may be reimbursed by such locality on a basis established by the governing body of such locality; however, the rate of reimbursement per mile for private transportation shall not exceed the standard rate deductible as a business expense pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code and regulations promulgated thereunder.

Code 1950, § 14-5.2; 1954, c. 709; 1956, c. 214; 1960, c. 198; 1962, c. 441; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-7; 1977, c. 517; 1996, c. 700; 1998, c. 872.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1508.2. Same; where Commonwealth bears portion of expenses.
Any person traveling on business of any locality wherein the Commonwealth is required to bear a portion of the expenses may be reimbursed by any such locality on a basis not in excess of that provided in § 2.2-2823 but the portion to be borne by the Commonwealth shall be subject to the approval of the State Compensation Board.

Code 1950, § 14-5.3; 1954, c. 709; 1956, c. 214; 1962, c. 501; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-8; 1998, c. 872.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1508.3. Governing bodies of certain cities and counties may supplement salaries and reimburse traveling expenses of employees of state and local health departments.
The Counties of Arlington, Chesterfield, Clarke, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William may, in the discretion of their governing bodies, pay to persons employed by the State Department of Health, within such counties, in addition to the salaries as may be paid to such employees by the State Board of Health, such sum or sums of money as they may deem expedient.

In addition to supplementing the salaries of such employees as provided herein such county may reimburse such employees who travel on business of any such county, who are required to bear a portion of such travel expense in excess of the amount allowed by § 2.2-2823, from the funds of such county, upon such basis and in such manner as its governing body may prescribe.

1964, c. 321, § 14.1-11.1; 1970, c. 142; 1972, c. 314; 1973, c. 415; 1976, c. 688; 1981, c. 206; 1985, c. 80; 1991, c. 27; 1998, c. 872; 2004, c. 157.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1508.4. Certain counties and cities may supplement salaries and reimburse traveling expenses of employees of state mental health clinics.
The Counties of Arlington, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, Loudoun, or Prince William, or the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, or Roanoke may, in the discretion of its governing body, pay to persons employed in state mental health clinics, within such county, in addition to the salaries as may be paid to such employees by the Commonwealth, such sum or sums of money as it may deem expedient.

In addition to supplementing the salaries of such employees as provided herein, such county may reimburse such employees who travel on business of any such county, who are required to bear a portion of such travel expenses in excess of the amount allowed by § 2.2-2823, from the funds of such county, upon such basis and in such manner as its governing body may prescribe.

1966, c. 95, § 14.1-11.2; 1998, c. 872; 2007, c. 813.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1509. Preferences for veterans and people with disabilities in local government employment.
Consistent with the requirements and obligations to protected classes under federal or state law, any locality shall take into consideration or give preference to an individual's status as an honorably discharged veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States or status as a person with a disability in its employment hiring policies and practices, provided that such veteran or person with a disability meets all of the knowledge, skills and eligibility requirements for the available position. Additional consideration shall also be given to veterans who have a service connected disability rating fixed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "Veterans" as used in this section refers to the same class as included in § 2.2-2903 with regard to the state service. "Person with a disability" as used in this section refers to the same class as included in § 51.5-40.1.

1988, c. 648, § 15.1-7.5; 1997, c. 587; 2005, c. 413; 2022, c. 306.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1510. Retirement systems.
Any locality may establish a system for the retirement of injured or superannuated officers and employees; the members of the local police and fire departments; the public school teachers and other employees of the local school board; and the judges, clerks, deputy clerks and other employees of the judicial system; or any of them; and may establish a fund or funds for the payment of retirement allowances by making appropriations out of the local treasury, by levying a special tax for the benefit of such fund or funds, by requiring contributions payable from time to time from such officers, employees, members of police and fire departments, teachers, judges, clerks, deputy clerks and other employees of the judicial system, or by any combination of such methods, or by any other method not prohibited by law; provided that the total annual payments into such fund or funds shall be sufficient on sound actuarial principles for the payment of such retirement allowances therefrom. The benefits accrued or accruing to any person under such system shall not be subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other process whatsoever nor shall any assignment of such benefits be enforceable in any court.

Code 1950, § 15-77.13; 1958, c. 328; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-849; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 15 (Local Government Personnel, Qualification for Office, Bonds, Dual Office Holding and Certain Local Government Officers)
§ 15.2-1510.1. Public announcement of severance packages for certain officials.
Severance benefits provided to any departing official appointed by a local governing body or school board shall be publicly announced by the local governing body or school board, respectively, prior to such departure.

2006, c. 254; 2007, c. 257.