dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1200. Fund established; administration and management; Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund Board.
There is hereby created a fund to be known and designated as the "Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund" (the Fund). The Fund is established to provide service awards to eligible volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency medical services personnel who elect to become members of the Fund. The Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund Board (the Board) shall utilize the assistance of the Virginia Retirement System in establishing, investing, and maintaining the Fund. The Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System shall administer and manage the investment of the Fund as custodian and provide staff to further carry out the provisions of this chapter. The Virginia Retirement System shall invest the Funds in accordance with Article 3.1 (§ 51.1-124.30 et seq.) of Chapter 1. The Fund shall annually reimburse the Virginia Retirement System for all costs incurred and associated, directly and indirectly, with the administration of this chapter and management and investment of the Fund.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2001, c. 672; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1201. Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund Board.
A. The Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund Board is hereby created and is to be composed of 10 members. The Director of the Virginia Retirement System shall be a member and act as chairman. The Governor shall appoint three members of the Board from a list provided by the Virginia State Firefighters Association and three members from a list provided by the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. Such appointees shall be confirmed by the General Assembly and shall serve for six-year terms. No Board member appointed by the Governor shall serve more than two full consecutive terms. The Speaker of the House of Delegates shall appoint two members of the House of Delegates and the Senate Committee on Rules shall appoint one member of the Senate. Legislative members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office.

B. The Director of the Virginia Retirement System with the consent of the Board shall immediately declare the office of any nonlegislative member of the Board vacant when he finds that the member is unable to perform the duties of his office or for any reason does not meet the qualifications of this section. The Governor shall appoint a new member, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, to serve for a full or unexpired term whenever the office of a nonlegislative member becomes or is declared vacant. In any case where a new appointment is made, the person receiving the appointment shall be a (i) volunteer firefighter representative if his predecessor was a volunteer firefighter representative or (ii) volunteer emergency medical services personnel representative if his predecessor was a volunteer emergency medical services personnel representative.

C. The members of the Board shall serve without compensation; however, the nongovernmental members may be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or in acting in an official capacity for the Board.

D. The first Board appointed shall meet as soon as practicable for the purpose of organizing and electing officers. Officers other than the chairman shall be elected for one-year terms. The Board shall adopt a general statement of policy and procedures. The Board shall meet at least annually and at such special meetings as the chairman may call. The chairman may call a special meeting at any time and shall call a special meeting when requested by three or more members of the Board. No meeting shall be deemed a regular or special meeting unless a quorum is present.

E. Members of the Board shall be subject to removal from office only as set forth in Article 7 (§ 24.2-230 et seq.) of Chapter 2 of Title 24.2. The Circuit Court of the City of Richmond shall have exclusive jurisdiction over such removal proceedings.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2000, c. 911; 2001, c. 672; 2006, c. 707; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2017, c. 209.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1202. Powers and duties of the Board.
The Board shall promulgate such rules and policies as are necessary to carry out its responsibilities as required by this chapter. The Board may contract the administrative services related to the service awards provided for herein and designate authority for the administration of those service awards based on the standards set forth in § 51.1-124.30. The Board or its designee shall (i) request such general fund appropriations as necessary to maintain the Fund, (ii) make determinations of eligibility for membership in the Fund, (iii) approve applications for service awards to be paid from the Fund, and (iv) exercise all other powers necessary for the administration of this chapter and management of the Fund. Member contributions to the Fund shall be segregated into separate member accounts and be used only to pay service awards to its members. The Board shall adopt rules and policies that bring the Fund into compliance with any applicable law or regulation of this Commonwealth or the United States.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2001, c. 672.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1203. Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Creditable service" means service as an eligible volunteer plus any service credited pursuant to § 51.1-1207.

"Eligible volunteer" means any volunteer emergency medical services personnel or any volunteer firefighter who is a member of a bona fide volunteer emergency medical services agency or volunteer fire department and who is otherwise eligible pursuant to the criteria established by the Board.

"Member" means an eligible volunteer.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2002, c. 349; 2015, cc. 502, 503.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1204. Application for membership in Fund; quarterly payments by members; matching payments from the general fund; payments credited to separate accounts of members.
Eligible volunteers, and all persons who subsequently become eligible volunteers, may apply to the Board for membership in the Fund. Upon becoming a member of the Fund, each eligible volunteer shall pay an amount to be set by the Board per quarter into the Fund. Each quarterly payment made by a member shall be supplemented by such contribution from the general fund of the state treasury for a period not to exceed 20 years as shall be determined by the Board and as may be appropriated by the general appropriation act. The quarterly payments shall be credited to the separate accounts of the members, and the matching contributions shall be credited to the Fund. The member contribution or any additional contribution to the Fund may be made by (i) the individual fire department or emergency medical services agency, provided it is paid for all eligible members of the Fund within the particular fire department or emergency medical services agency; (ii) local government, provided it is paid for all eligible members of the Fund who are volunteers for fire departments or emergency medical services agencies within the jurisdiction of the local government; or (iii) any other source provided it is paid for all eligible members of the Fund. Such accounts shall be kept so that they are available for payment on withdrawal from membership or upon receipt of the service award. No eligible volunteer shall maintain more than one membership in the Fund. In the event an eligible volunteer is in more than one eligible position, he must choose the position upon which his membership will be determined.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2001, c. 672; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1205. Equivalent distribution.
Any member who has attained the age of sixty and who has ten years of creditable service as an eligible volunteer shall be entitled to a distribution from the Fund equivalent to the contributions that he has made, the appropriate matching contributions made on his behalf, and any investment gains on such contributions less any losses, provided that such amount shall be reduced by the amount of any distribution to such member under § 51.1-1206. The Board may provide alternative methods of distribution in lieu of a lump sum distribution to members entitled to a service award under this section.

The distributions provided shall be in addition to all pensions or other benefits under any other statutes of the Commonwealth or the United States.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2001, c. 672; 2002, c. 349.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1207. Determination of prior creditable service; information furnished by applicants for membership.
Any member with eligible service prior to the effective date of membership may purchase up to 10 years of such service upon certification of his fire department or emergency medical services agency. Such purchase shall be prorated at the rate of one year for every two years of eligible service. The cost of such service shall be an amount as established by the Board. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the Board may grant qualified prior service credits to an eligible volunteer firefighter or eligible volunteer emergency medical services personnel, under such terms and conditions that the Board may adopt, if the Board determines that such volunteer has been denied such prior service credit through no fault of his own.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2001, c. 672; 2002, c. 349; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1208. Length of service not affected by serving in more than one department or agency; transfer from one department or agency to another.
The length of service of an eligible volunteer firefighter or eligible volunteer who is an individual who meets the definition of "emergency services personnel" in § 32.1-111.1 shall not be affected by the fact that he may have served with more than one department or agency, and upon transfer from one department or agency to another, notice of the fact shall be given to the Board.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2015, cc. 502, 503.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1209. Effect of member not maintaining eligibility and being six months delinquent in making monthly payments.
A. Any member who does not maintain his eligibility as a member and who becomes six months delinquent in making the required quarterly payments by the date as determined by the Board, shall forfeit his membership in the Fund. Upon forfeiting his membership and becoming delinquent, such membership shall be reinstated only upon written request to the Board, and such reinstatement shall be at the sole discretion of the Board.

B. Any member who ceases to maintain his eligibility while in good standing, but notifies the Board of his intention to resume eligibility shall be reinstated upon written request to the Board.

1999, cc. 664, 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1210. Administrative fee for rejoining the Fund.
Any individual who had been a member of the Fund and who applies to rejoin the Fund shall not be entitled to membership until he has paid an administrative fee of twenty-five dollars. The Board shall elect to waive the twenty-five dollar fee for members reinstated pursuant to subsection B in § 51.1-1209.

1999, cc. 664, 860; 2002, c. 349.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 12 (VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS' AND RESCUE SQUAD WORKERS' SERVICE AWARD FUND)
§ 51.1-1211. Falsification of records; penalty.
Any person who knowingly makes any false statement or falsifies or permits the falsification of any record related to eligibility for membership in the Fund in any attempt to defraud the Fund shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1999, cc. 664, 860.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 13 (BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN)
§ 51.1-1300. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System.

"Member" means any member whose benefits under the Virginia Retirement System (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.), the State Police Officers' Retirement System (§ 51.1-200 et seq.), the Virginia Law Enforcement Officers' Retirement System (§ 51.1-211 et seq.), or the Judicial Retirement System (§ 51.1-300 et seq.) would otherwise be limited by § 415(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.

"Retirement System" means the Virginia Retirement System.

2001, cc. 681, 692.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 13 (BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN)
§ 51.1-1301. Benefit restoration plan for employees; administration by the Board.
A. The Board shall establish and administer a benefit restoration plan for members. Such plan shall meet the requirements to be treated as a plan established under § 415(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Virginia Retirement System Director shall be the chief administrative officer of the plan. The Retirement System is hereby authorized to perform related services including, but not limited to, providing consolidated billing, individual and collective record keeping and accountings, and asset control and safekeeping.

B. The benefit restoration plan shall exist to provide nontaxable benefits to members whose annual benefit is reduced pursuant to subsection B of § 51.1-168. The benefit restoration plan shall be funded from those contributions required under Article 7 (§ 51.1-144 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of this title. If it deems it advisable, the Board may create a trust or other special fund for segregation of the funds or assets relating to a benefit restoration plan established herein.

2001, cc. 681, 692.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 13 (BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN)
§ 51.1-1302. Local benefit restoration plans.
The governing body of any county, municipality, authority or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth that does not participate in the retirement system or that maintains a plan that provides supplemental benefits to employees covered by the retirement system may, by ordinance or by resolution adopted by a recorded majority of the members of such governing body, establish for itself and its employees a benefit restoration plan established under § 415 (m) of the Internal Revenue Code and, if it deems it advisable, may create a trust or other special fund for segregation of funds or assets relating to such plan.

2001, cc. 681, 692; 2006, c. 307.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 13 (BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN)
§ 51.1-1303. Standards for benefit restoration plans.
No benefit restoration plan shall become effective until the Board, county, municipality or political subdivision of the Commonwealth is satisfied by opinion of its respective counsel, such federal agency or agencies as may be deemed necessary, or otherwise, that the benefits payable under the plan will not be included in the employee's taxable income under federal and state income tax law until it is actually received by or made available to the employee under the terms of the plan.

2001, cc. 681, 692.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 13 (BENEFIT RESTORATION PLAN)
§ 51.1-1304. Other retirement, pension systems not affected; annual report.
A. Any benefit restoration plan established by this chapter, and any plan adopted hereunder, shall exist and serve in addition to any other retirement, pension or benefit system established by the Commonwealth, its agencies, counties, municipalities or other political subdivisions, and shall not supersede, make inoperative or reduce any benefits provided by the Retirement System or by any other retirement, pension or benefit program established by law.

B. The Retirement System shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly annually on or before December 31 advising them of the condition and all operational costs associated with the benefit restoration plan.

2001, cc. 681, 692; 2006, c. 66.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 14 (HEALTH INSURANCE CREDITS FOR CERTAIN RETIREES)
§ 51.1-1402. Health insurance credits for retired local government employees.
A. Retired local government employees, other than employees of a local school division who are not teachers as defined in § 51.1-124.3, whose localities have elected to participate in the Virginia Retirement System, including the hybrid retirement program described in § 51.1-169, who have rendered at least 15 years of total creditable service under the System shall receive a health insurance credit to their monthly retirement allowance, which shall be applied to reduce the retired member's health insurance premium cost, provided the retiree's employer elects to participate in the credit program. The amount of each monthly health insurance credit payable under this section shall be $1.50 for each full year of the retired member's creditable service, not to exceed a maximum monthly credit of $45; however, each former member whose retirement was for disability, a participant receiving long-term disability pursuant to § 51.1-1157 or 51.1-1165, or a member of the hybrid retirement program receiving long-term disability pursuant to coverage under subsection A of § 51.1-1153 shall receive a monthly health insurance credit of $45. Eligibility for the credit shall be determined in a manner prescribed by the Virginia Retirement System. Any member who elects to defer his retirement pursuant to subsection C of § 51.1-153 shall be entitled to receive the allowable credit provided by this section on the effective date of his retirement.

B. Those retired employees who purchase an alternative policy from a carrier or organization of their own choosing shall be eligible to receive a credit in the amount specified in subsection C. Eligibility for the credit and payment of the credit shall be determined in a manner prescribed by the Virginia Retirement System.

C. The credit shall be in the amount provided in subsection A or the amount of premium paid for the personal health insurance policy, whichever is less.

D. The cost of the monthly health insurance credit payable under this section shall be borne by the locality.

E. The Virginia Retirement System shall actuarially determine the amount necessary to fund all credits provided under this section, reflect the cost of such credits in the applicable employer contribution rate pursuant to § 51.1-145, and prescribe such terms and conditions as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. The costs associated with the administration of the health insurance credit program provided for in this section shall be recovered from the health insurance credit trust fund.

1992, c. 770, § 2.1-20.1:4; 1993, cc. 743, 938; 1995, cc. 612, 734; 1998, cc. 195, 676; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 701, 823; 2020, c. 1091.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 14 (HEALTH INSURANCE CREDITS FOR CERTAIN RETIREES)
§ 51.1-1404. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 76.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 14 (HEALTH INSURANCE CREDITS FOR CERTAIN RETIREES)
§ 51.1-1405. Participation in the state retiree health benefits program.
A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Involuntarily separated" means separated from state service as the result of any dismissal, requested resignation, or failure to obtain reappointment, excluding a separation resulting from a conviction for a felony or crime involving moral turpitude or dishonesty or a separation related to the job performance or misconduct of the state employee.

"Retiree health benefits program" or "program" means the plan for providing health insurance coverage for retired state employees provided pursuant to subsection E of § 2.2-2818.

"State employee" means the same as that term is defined in § 2.2-2818.

"State retiree" means a state employee retired under the Virginia Retirement System, State Police Officers' Retirement System, Judicial Retirement System, Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System, or any retirement system authorized pursuant to § 51.1-126, 51.1-126.5, or 51.1-169 who is eligible to receive a monthly retirement annuity from that retirement system.

B. A state retiree shall be eligible to participate in the retiree health benefits program only if he makes an election to participate in the program within 31 days following the date of termination of employment with the Commonwealth. A retired state employee who fails to elect to participate in the state health plan within 31 days of the effective date of retirement, or who, once having elected to participate, discontinues participation, is barred from participating in the state health plan thereafter.

C. Any state retiree who was involuntarily separated who on July 1, 1999, is participating in the retiree health benefits program and is receiving monthly retirement annuity payments may elect, by notifying the Virginia Retirement System and the Department of Human Resource Management before September 1, 1999, to cease receiving monthly retirement annuity payments until reapplying for such benefits at a later date and to continue participation in the retiree health benefits program.

1999, cc. 980, 984, § 2.1-20.1:6; 2000, cc. 66, 657, 911; 2001, c. 844; 2011, c. 722; 2012, cc. 701, 823.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-200. State Police Officers' Retirement System continued; administration; application of provisions of Virginia Retirement System.
The State Police Officers' Retirement System is continued and shall be administered by the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of this title shall apply to and govern the operation of the State Police Officers' Retirement System.

Code 1950, §§ 51-128, 51-140, 51-143; 1950, pp. 883, 885; 1954, c. 139; 1966, c. 628; 1990, c. 832.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-201. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Employee" means a state police officer.

"Member" means any person included in the membership of the retirement system as provided in this chapter.

"Normal retirement date" means a member's sixtieth birthday.

"Retirement system" means the State Police Officers' Retirement System.

1966, c. 628, § 51-144; 1972, c. 568; 1973, c. 523; 1974, c. 353; 1975, c. 597; 1984, c. 430; 1990, c. 832.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-202. Membership in retirement system.
Membership in the retirement system shall be compulsory for all state police officers.

Code 1950, §§ 51-130, 51-136.2, § 51-145; 1950, p. 883; 1954, c. 139; 1966, c. 628; 1990, c. 832.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-203. Creditable service.
A. Service qualifying for credit under the provisions of the Virginia Retirement System shall be included as creditable service for the purposes of this chapter, provided the requirements set forth in Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of this title for crediting service have been complied with and any payment required is credited in the member's contribution account.

B. If a member ceases to be employed as a state police officer, has not received a refund of the accumulated contributions credited to his member's contribution account, and accepts employment in a position covered by the Virginia Retirement System or the Judicial Retirement System, he shall be entitled to credit for his previous creditable service under this chapter. His accumulated contributions shall be transferred and credited to his member's contribution account in the appropriate retirement system. Future retirement rights shall be as set forth under the provisions of the appropriate retirement system.

Code 1950, §§ 51-131, 51-133, 51-134, 51-146; 1950, p. 884; 1954, c. 139; 1956, c. 562; 1960, c. 559; 1962, c. 585; 1966, c. 628; 1968, c. 648; 1970, c. 657; 1974, c. 353; 1976, c. 540, § 51-111.41:4; 1977, c. 620; 1978, c. 841; 1980, c. 89; 1982, c. 467; 1984, c. 430; 1986, c. 474; 1988, c. 809; 1990, c. 832; 2001, cc. 686, 697.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-204. Contributions by Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth shall contribute an amount equal to the sum of the normal contribution, any accrued liability contribution, and any supplementary contribution. The amount shall be determined and paid as provided in Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of this title.

Code 1950, §§ 51-138, 51-140, 51-148; 1950, p. 885; 1954, c. 139; 1966, c. 628; 1970, c. 657; 1982, c. 467; 1990, c. 832.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-208. Post-retirement supplements.
In computing the amount of any post-retirement supplements, any additional allowances being paid under the provisions of subsection B of § 51.1-206 shall be disregarded. Any recipient of an allowance which initially commenced on or prior to January 1, 1990, shall be entitled to post-retirement supplements effective July 1, 1991.

1970, c. 657, § 51-157.1; 1989, c. 484; 1990, c. 832; 1991, c. 719.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-209. Disability as the result of felonious misconduct of another.
Any member in service who is totally and permanently disabled while on active duty as the result of the felonious misconduct of another may retire for disability as provided in subsection B of § 51.1-156 and shall be entitled to maintenance and services at or under the supervision of the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center without being liable to pay for the same.

1990, c. 832; 2015, c. 542.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2 (STATE POLICE OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-210. Disability benefit.
Any member in service who (i) is credited with at least twenty years of service in a hazardous duty position and (ii) meets the (a) requirements for a disability retirement allowance under § 51.1-156 and (b) minimum age requirements of § 51.1-205 may elect to receive the higher of the disability retirement allowance payable under Article 9 (§ 51.1-152 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of this title or the service retirement allowance payable under § 51.1-206 less any reduction in allowance required by subsection C of § 51.1-157 or § 51.1-158.

1997, c. 889.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-211. Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System; application of provisions of Virginia Retirement System.
The Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System is created and shall be administered by the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of this title shall apply to and govern the operation of the Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System.

1999, c. 585.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-212. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Employee" means any (i) member of the Capitol Police Force as described in § 30-34.2:1, (ii) campus police officer appointed under the provisions of Article 3 (§ 23.1-809 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 23.1, (iii) conservation police officer in the Department of Wildlife Resources appointed under the provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 29.1-200 et seq.) of Title 29.1, (iv) special agent of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority appointed under the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 4.1-100 et seq.) of Title 4.1, (v) law-enforcement officer employed by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission as described in § 9.1-101, (vi) correctional officer as the term is defined in § 53.1-1, and including correctional officers employed at a juvenile correction facility as the term is defined in § 66-25.3, (vii) parole officer appointed pursuant to § 53.1-143, (viii) commercial vehicle enforcement officer employed by the Department of State Police, (ix) full-time firefighter employed by the Department of Military Affairs, and (x) conservation officer of the Department of Conservation and Recreation appointed under the provisions of Article 4 (§ 10.1-115 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 10.1.

"Member" means any person included in the membership of the Retirement System as provided in this chapter.

"Normal retirement date" means a member's sixtieth birthday.

"Retirement System" means the Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System.

1999, c. 585; 2007, c. 87; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2020, c. 958; 2024, c. 417; 2025, c. 442.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-213. Membership in Retirement System.
Membership in the Retirement System shall be compulsory for all employees.

1999, c. 585.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-214. Creditable service.
A. Service qualifying for credit under the provisions of the Virginia Retirement System shall be included as creditable service for the purposes of this chapter, provided the requirements set forth in Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of this title for crediting service have been complied with and any payment required is credited in the member's contribution account.

B. If a member ceases to be an employee, has not received a refund of the accumulated contributions credited to his member's contribution account, and accepts employment in a position covered by the Virginia Retirement System, the Judicial Retirement System or the State Police Officers' Retirement System, he shall be entitled to credit for his previous creditable service under this chapter. His accumulated contributions shall be transferred and credited to his member's contribution account in the appropriate retirement system. Future retirement rights shall be as set forth under the provisions of the appropriate retirement system.

1999, c. 585; 2001, cc. 686, 697.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-215. Contributions by Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth shall contribute an amount equal to the sum of the normal contribution, any accrued liability contribution, and any supplementary contribution. The amount shall be determined and paid as provided in Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of this title.

1999, c. 585.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-219. Post-retirement supplements.
In computing the amount of any post-retirement supplements, any additional allowances being paid under the provisions of subsection B of § 51.1-217 shall be disregarded.

1999, c. 585.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-220. Disability benefit.
Any member in service who (i) is credited with at least twenty years of service in a hazardous duty position and (ii) meets the (a) requirements for a disability retirement allowance under § 51.1-156 and (b) minimum age requirements of § 51.1-216 may elect to receive the higher of the disability retirement allowance payable under Article 9 (§ 51.1-152 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of this title or the service retirement allowance payable under § 51.1-217 less any reduction in allowance required by subsection C of § 51.1-157 or by § 51.1-158.

1999, c. 585.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 2.1 (VIRGINIA LAW OFFICERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM)
§ 51.1-221. Election of benefits.
All persons who are employees on June 30, 2001, and on July 1, 2001, shall have until October 31, 2001, to make an irrevocable election to be covered by the benefits provided in subdivision A 1 a of § 51.1-217.

2001, c. 804.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-300. Judicial Retirement System continued; administration; application of provisions of Virginia Retirement System.
The Judicial Retirement System is continued and shall be administered by the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of this title shall apply to and govern the administration of the Judicial Retirement System.

1970, c. 779, § 51-160; 1990, c. 832.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-301. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Appointing authority" means the General Assembly or the Governor.

"Creditable service" means prior service plus membership service, as further defined in and modified by § 51.1-303, for which credit is allowable under this chapter.

"Judge" means any justice or judge of a court of record of the Commonwealth, any member of the State Corporation Commission or Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, any judge of a district court of the Commonwealth other than a substitute judge of such district court, and any executive secretary of the Supreme Court assuming such position between December 1, 1975, and January 31, 1976.

"Normal retirement date" means a member's sixty-fifth birthday.

"Previous systems" means the systems established under the provisions of Chapters 2 (§ 51-3 et seq.) and 2.2 (§ 51-29.8 et seq.) of Title 51, and, in the case of judges of regional juvenile and domestic relations courts, the Virginia Retirement System.

"Retirement system" means the Judicial Retirement System.

"Service" means service as a judge.

"Social security disability benefit" means, with respect to any member, the social security disability benefits to which the member is entitled pursuant to the provisions of the federal Social Security Act as in effect at his date of retirement.

1970, c. 779, § 51-161; 1972, cc. 568, 708; 1973, cc. 523, 546; 1974, cc. 353, 484; 1975, c. 597; 1976, cc. 374, 678; 1978, c. 841; 1984, c. 430; 1990, c. 832; 1993, c. 895; 2010, cc. 737, 738; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 53, 54.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-302. Membership in retirement system.
Membership in the retirement system shall consist of all judges.

1970, c. 779, § 51-162; 1981, c. 396; 1990, c. 832; 2012, cc. 701, 823; 2014, c. 356.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-304. Contributions by Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth shall contribute an amount equal to the sum of the normal contribution, any accrued liability contribution, and any supplementary contribution. The amount shall be determined and paid as provided in Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.). Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, member contributions and employer contributions for judges appointed or elected to an original term commencing on or after January 1, 2014, and prior to July 1, 2026, shall be determined and paid (i) under the provisions of the hybrid retirement program described in § 51.1-169 for service rendered as a judge prior to July 1, 2026, and (ii) as provided in Article 7 (§ 51.1-144 et seq.) of Chapter 1 for service rendered as a judge on or after July 1, 2026. However, during any period that a judge is absent for a period of greater than three months from his duties, the employer shall not make any contributions otherwise required pursuant to subdivision B 2 of § 51.1-169, unless that absence is due to a medical condition, disability, active duty military leave, or family emergency and the existence of the medical condition, disability, active duty military leave, or family emergency is documented in a written communication signed under penalty of perjury by the judge or other authorized representative and submitted promptly to the Virginia Retirement System and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia.

1972, c. 151, § 51-165.1; 1982, c. 467; 1990, c. 832; 2014, c. 356; 2023, c. 346; 2025, c. 508.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-305. Service retirement generally.
A. Normal retirement. -- Any member in service at his normal retirement date with five or more years of creditable service may retire upon written notification to the Board setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective.

B. Early retirement. -- Any member in service who has either (i) attained his fifty-fifth birthday with five or more years of creditable service or (ii) in the case of a member of any of the previous systems immediately prior to July 1, 1970, complied with the requirements for retirement set forth under the provisions of such previous system as in effect immediately prior to July 1, 1970, may retire upon written notification to the Board setting forth the date the retirement is to become effective.

B1. Mandatory retirement. -- Any member who attains 73 years of age shall be retired 20 days after the convening of the next regular session of the General Assembly following his seventy-third birthday.

C. Deferred retirement for members terminating service. -- Any member who terminates service after five or more years of creditable service may retire under the provisions of subsection A or B of this section, if he has not withdrawn his accumulated contributions prior to the effective date of his retirement or if he has five or more years of creditable service for which his employer has paid the contributions and such contributions cannot be withdrawn. For the purposes of this subsection, any requirements as to the member being in service shall not apply.

D. Effective date of retirement. -- The effective date of retirement shall be after the last day of service of the member, but shall not be more than 90 days prior to the filing of the notice of retirement.

E. Notification of retirement. -- In addition to the notice to the Board required by this section, the same notice shall be given by the member to his appointing authority. If a member is physically or mentally unable to submit written notification of his intention to retire, the member's appointing authority may submit notification to the Board on his behalf.

1970, c. 779, § 51-167; 1977, c. 620; 1982, c. 427; 1986, c. 474; 1988, c. 222; 1990, c. 832; 1992, c. 694; 2005, c. 288; 2011, c. 483; 2015, cc. 762, 773; 2016, c. 667.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-306.1. Service retirement allowance for judges appointed or elected after January 1, 2014.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of this chapter, the service retirement allowance for judges appointed or elected to an original term commencing on or after January 1, 2014, and prior to July 1, 2026, shall be determined (i) under the provisions of the hybrid retirement program described in § 51.1-169 for service rendered as a judge prior to July 1, 2026, and (ii) pursuant to § 51.1-306 for service rendered as a judge on or after July 1, 2026.

2014, c. 356; 2025, c. 508.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-307. Notice of disability retirement.
In addition to the notice of retirement for disability which is required to be made to the Board, notice shall be given by the member to his appointing authority.

1970, c. 779, § 51-169; 1973, c. 523; 1982, c. 427; 1986, c. 474; 1990, c. 832.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 3 (Judicial Retirement System)
§ 51.1-309. Appearance as counsel in certain forums prohibited.
A. No former justice or judge of a court of record of the Commonwealth and no former full-time judge of a court not of record of the Commonwealth, who is retired and receiving retirement benefits under the provisions of the Judicial Retirement System, shall appear as counsel in any case in any court of the Commonwealth.

B. No former member of the State Corporation Commission or Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, who is retired and receiving retirement benefits under the provisions of the Judicial Retirement System, shall appear as counsel in any case before the Commission of which he was formerly a member.

C. The provisions of subsection A shall not be applicable if the retired justice or judge is not authorized for or assigned to temporary recall by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, or the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice and either (i) (a) the retired judge or justice has been retired for at least two years; (b) the retired justice or judge is appearing as counsel, pro bono, for an indigent person in a civil matter; (c) such civil matter is assigned or referred to the retired justice or judge by a nonprofit legal aid program organized under the auspices of the Virginia State Bar; and (d) the retired justice or judge is not an employee, officer, or board member of such nonprofit legal aid program or (ii) the retired justice or judge is at least 67 years of age and is eligible to receive full Social Security benefits. Nothing herein shall relieve the retired justice or judge from having obtained any license or meeting any requirement in connection with the appearance as counsel as required by law, rule, or regulation. A retired justice or judge shall not be eligible to be authorized for or assigned to temporary recall after such time that he appears as private counsel pursuant to this subsection.

1970, c. 778, § 51-179; 1975, c. 188; 1980, c. 138; 1990, c. 832; 2011, c. 705; 2018, c. 709; 2023, c. 552.
Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 4 (PROVISIONS COORDINATING PAST AND PRESENT RETIREMENT PLANS)
§ 51.1-400. Definitions.
The definitions listed in §§ 51.1-124.3, 51.1-201, and 51.1-301 shall apply to this chapter except as otherwise provided.

1990, c. 832.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 4 (PROVISIONS COORDINATING PAST AND PRESENT RETIREMENT PLANS)
§ 51.1-401. Accumulated contributions under abolished system.
The accumulated contributions of the members of the abolished system shall be refunded to the persons entitled to the contributions. No interest shall accumulate after February 1, 1952. Until refunded or otherwise disposed of, such funds, interests therein, and rights thereto shall not be subject to legal, judicial, or other process.

1952, c. 1, § 51-111.68; 1990, c. 832.

Code of Virginia — Title 51.1 (Pensions, Benefits, and Retirement), Chapter 4 (PROVISIONS COORDINATING PAST AND PRESENT RETIREMENT PLANS)
§ 51.1-402. Continuation of benefits; amount of life insurance.
A. Any former teachers retired under the provisions of Chapter 36 of the Code of 1919, any former members of the abolished system retired under the provisions of that system, any members or former members of the Virginia Retirement System, the State Police Officers' Retirement System, or the Judicial Retirement System who retired under the provisions of the applicable system or who were eligible to receive benefits under the provisions of the applicable system as it existed prior to July 1, 1990, and any beneficiaries of such members shall continue to receive the benefits to which they were entitled or to which they would have become entitled prior to July 1, 1990, except that all provisions of Chapter 722 of the 1980 Acts of Assembly, as amended, shall no longer be applicable to those members with all service rendered after March 31, 1980.

B. All persons who were members of the systems established by Chapters 2, 2.1, and 2.2 of Title 51 immediately prior to July 1, 1970, shall be entitled to all rights and benefits to which they or their beneficiaries were or would have been entitled to thereunder and shall be entitled to all rights and benefits to which they or their beneficiaries were or would have been entitled under the provisions of Chapter 7 of Title 51 as it existed prior to July 1, 1990.

C. The amount of life insurance on each insured employee who retired prior to July 1, 1990, shall be determined under the provisions of the group insurance program in existence on the employee's date of retirement.

1952, c. 1, § 51-111.68; c. 343, § 51-111.70; c. 362, § 51-111.69; 1954, c. 404; 1956, c. 441; 1958, c. 582; 1960, c. 604, § 51-111.67:4; 1962, c. 43, c. 291, § 51-111.70:1; 1964, cc. 275, 594; 1966, c. 174; 1968, c. 725; 1970, cc. 476, 774; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 89; 1974, c. 353; 1975, cc. 306, 309; 1976, c. 654; 1977, c. 620; 1978, c. 841; 1980, cc. 595, 637, 638; 1981, c. 151; 1982, cc. 467, 639; 1984, c. 430; 1986, c. 474; 1990, c. 832; 1992, c. 811.