dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4800. Policy of the Commonwealth; collection of accounts receivable.
This chapter establishes the policy of the Commonwealth as it relates to the accounting for, management and collection of all accounts receivable due to the Commonwealth. It shall be the policy of the Commonwealth that all state agencies and institutions shall take all appropriate and cost-effective actions to aggressively collect all accounts receivable. All state agencies and institutions shall be subject to this chapter and shall establish internal policies and procedures for the management and collection of accounts receivable that are in accordance with regulations adopted by the Department of Accounts and the Office of the Attorney General.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-727; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4801. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Administrative offset" includes, but is not limited to, offsetting any monies, except those specifically exempted by state or federal law, paid by agency or institution for a debt owed to any other state agency or institution.

"Accounts receivable" refers to the classification of debts due the Commonwealth, including judgments, fines, costs, and penalties imposed upon conviction for criminal and traffic offenses, and as defined in the guidelines adopted by the State Comptroller.

"Discharge" means the compromise and settlement of disputes, claims, and controversies of the Commonwealth by the Office of the Attorney General as authorized by § 2.2-514.

"Division" means the Division of Debt Collection of the Office of the Attorney General created pursuant to § 2.2-518.

"Past-due" means any account receivable for which payment has not been received by the payment due date.

"State agency and institution" means any authority, board, department, instrumentality, agency or other unit in any branch of state government. The term shall not include any county, city or town, or any local or regional governmental authority or any "nonstate agency" as defined in the appropriation act.

"Write-off" means a transaction to remove from an agency's financial accounting records an account receivable that management has determined to be uncollectible.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-726; 1994, c. 565; 2001, c. 844; 2009, c. 797.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4802. Responsibility for accounts receivable policy; reports.
The Department of Accounts shall be the primary state agency responsible for the oversight, reporting and monitoring of the Commonwealth's accounts receivable program.

The Department of Accounts shall adopt necessary policies and procedures for reporting, accounting for, and collecting the Commonwealth's accounts receivable. The Department of Accounts is also charged with adopting regulations concerning guidelines and procedures for writing off accounts receivable.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-728; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4803. Legal counsel.
The Office of the Attorney General shall be the primary agency responsible for the provision of all legal services and advice related to the collection of accounts receivable, pursuant to § 2.2-507.

The Attorney General shall adopt necessary policies and procedures pertaining to all accounts receivable legal matters and the litigation of past-due accounts receivable that shall be published together with the policies and procedures adopted by the Department of Accounts.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-729; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4804. Annual reports.
The Department of Accounts and the Attorney General shall annually report to the Governor, the Secretary of Finance and the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations those agencies and institutions that are not making satisfactory progress toward implementing the provisions of this chapter and establishing effective accounts receivable programs.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-730; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4805. Interest, administrative charges and penalty fees.
A. Each state agency and institution may charge interest on all past due accounts receivable in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Department of Accounts. Each past due accounts receivable may also be charged an additional amount that shall approximate the administrative costs arising under § 2.2-4806. Agencies and institutions may also assess late penalty fees, not in excess of ten percent of the past-due account on past-due accounts receivable. The Department of Accounts shall adopt regulations concerning the imposition of administrative charges and late penalty fees.

B. Failure to pay in full at the time goods, services, or treatment are rendered by the Commonwealth or when billed for a debt owed to any agency of the Commonwealth shall result in the imposition of interest at the judgment rate as provided in § 6.2-302 on the unpaid balance unless a higher interest rate is authorized by contract with the debtor or provided otherwise by statute. Interest shall begin to accrue on the 60th day after the date of the initial written demand for payment. A public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth may elect to impose a late fee in addition to, or in lieu of, interest for such time as the institution retains the claim pursuant to subsection D of § 2.2-4806. Returned checks or dishonored credit card or debit card payments shall incur a handling fee of $50 unless a higher amount is authorized by statute to be added to the principal account balance.

C. If the matter is referred for collection to the Division, the debtor shall be liable for reasonable attorney fees unless higher attorney fees are authorized by contract with the debtor.

D. A request for or acceptance of goods or services from the Commonwealth, including medical treatment, shall be deemed to be acceptance of the terms specified in this section.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-732; 2001, c. 844; 2009, c. 797.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4807. Debtor information and skip-tracing.
Each agency and institution shall collect minimum prescribed information from clients, debtors, and payees. Debtor information available from state agencies, credit reporting bureaus and other appropriate sources shall be used for the purpose of skip-tracing debtors, as specified in the guidelines of the Department of Accounts and the Attorney General. The minimum prescribed information to be collected shall include the federal employer identification number of partnerships, proprietorships, and corporate clients, debtors, and payees. This minimum prescribed information shall be included in the contract payment clause required by § 2.2-4354. The Department of Accounts may require that the minimum prescribed information be supplied on any request for payment, including invoices.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-734; 1992, c. 110; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4808. Provision of state services to delinquent debtors.
Each state agency and institution shall develop internal policies and procedures, in accordance with accounts receivable policies of the Department of Accounts and the Attorney General, for delaying or withholding certain state services to those persons who refuse to pay their debts.

1988, c. 544, § 2.1-735; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 48 (VIRGINIA DEBT COLLECTION ACT)
§ 2.2-4809. Agreement authorized; setoff federal debts.
A. The Comptroller is authorized to enter into an agreement with the United States to participate in the Treasury Offset Program pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 3716 for the collection of any debts owed to state agencies. The agreement may provide for the United States to submit debts owed to federal agencies for offset against state payments similar to the procedures for offsetting debts owed to state agencies.

B. The Treasurer shall reduce any state payment by the amount of any federal debt submitted in accordance with the agreement authorized by this section, and pay such amount to the appropriate federal official in accordance with the procedures specified in such agreement.

2008, c. 314.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4900. Authority of Governor to contract debts.
The Governor may contract debts and issue obligations in evidence thereof upon the terms and conditions determined by the Governor to meet casual deficits in the revenue or in anticipation of the collection of revenues of the Commonwealth for the then current fiscal year within the amount of authorized appropriations, subject to the limitations and conditions of Article X, Section 9 (a) (2) of the Constitution of Virginia. The Governor may sell such obligations in a manner, either at public or private sale, and for a price as he determines to be in the best interests of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 2-269; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-303; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 121; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4901. Acts concerning issuance of bonds and certificates of indebtedness continued in effect.
The following sections of the Code of 1919 and the following subsequent acts, all relating to the issue and terms of, and provisions with respect to certain bonds or certificates of indebtedness of the Commonwealth, are continued in effect.

(1) Sections 2584 to 2602, inclusive, of the Code of 1919;

(2) Chapter 93 of the Acts of 1927, approved April 18, 1927;

(3) Chapter 91 of the Acts of 1932, approved March 3, 1932, codified as §§ 2641 (1)-2641 (11) of Michie Code 1942; and

(4) Chapter 203 of the Acts of 1936, approved March 14, 1936.

Code 1950, § 2-270; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-304; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4902. Ratings of bonds issued by governmental instrumentalities.
A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Bond" means any bonds, refunding bonds, notes, debentures, interim certificates, or any bond, grant, revenue anticipation notes or any other evidences of indebtedness, whether in temporary or definitive form and whether or not the interest thereon is exempt from federal taxation.

"Governmental instrumentality" means each department, institution, commission, public corporate instrumentality, or agency of the Commonwealth, including the Commonwealth itself, and each political subdivision thereof, including but without limitation each public authority and district and each county, city or town and each instrumentality thereof which under law has the power to issue bonds.

B. Notwithstanding any provision contained in any general or special law or in any charter of any county, city or town of the Commonwealth, any rating of bonds issued by a governmental instrumentality shall be provided by a bond rating agency approved by the State Treasurer.

C. In addition to all of his other powers and duties, the State Treasurer shall prepare a list of approved bond rating agencies and upon request provide a copy thereof to all governmental instrumentalities.

1997, c. 381, § 2.1-304.1:1; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4902.1. Pledges and security interests created by governmental units.
Except for security interests, liens or pledges in goods or software, or the proceeds thereof, described in § 8.9A-109(e), the creation, perfection, priority and enforcement of a security interest, lien or pledge created, made or granted by the Commonwealth or a governmental unit of the Commonwealth, as defined in § 8.9A-102, to pay or secure any bonds, notes, obligations or other debt securities, herein collectively called "bonds," shall be governed by this section, the provisions of law under which the bonds were authorized, and the ordinance, resolution, trust agreement, indenture, financing agreement or similar instrument securing the bonds, herein called the "security interest." Property pledged or in which a security interest is created for the payment or security of any bonds, whether presently held by the governmental unit or as thereafter received by or otherwise credited to the governmental unit, shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge or security interest without any physical delivery, control, filing or further act. The lien of such pledge or security interest made or granted in the security instrument shall have priority over any other obligations or liabilities of the governmental unit, except as may be otherwise provided in the security instrument. The lien of each such pledge or security interest shall be valid, binding and enforceable as against all persons having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the governmental unit regardless of whether such persons have notice of such pledge or security interest.

2001, cc. 289, 296, § 2.1-304.1:2.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4903. Governor's consideration of tax-supported debt.
Prior to the Governor recommending any new tax-supported debt, which is defined as debt for which the debt service payments are expected to be made, in whole or in part, from appropriations of the Commonwealth, the Governor shall consider the maximum amount of debt recommended as prudent for the subject biennium by the Debt Capacity Advisory Committee created pursuant to § 2.2-2712.

1994, c. 43, § 2.1-304.5; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4904. Cooperation of the Commonwealth's instrumentalities.
All Commonwealth debt-issuing agencies, institutions, boards, and authorities shall quarterly provide the State Treasurer with all information necessary to carry out the requirements of this chapter. The Departments of Accounts, Planning and Budget, and Taxation and other state agencies shall also provide the State Treasurer with the information and assistance the Debt Capacity Advisory Committee deems necessary.

1994, c. 43, § 2.1-304.6; 1997, c. 187; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4905. Limitation of chapter.
This chapter shall not limit or alter the rights of the Commonwealth or any of its instrumentalities to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the holders of any bonds, notes, or other obligations of the Commonwealth or such instrumentality issued and outstanding prior to July 1, 1994, or to in any way impair the rights and remedies of such holders.

1994, c. 43, § 2.1-304.7; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 49 (PUBLIC DEBT; ISSUANCE OF BONDS AND CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS)
§ 2.2-4906. How lost bond or certificate renewed.
When any bond or certificate is lost or destroyed, the owner thereof may:

1. File in the office of the State Treasurer an affidavit, setting forth the time, place and circumstance of the loss or destruction; and

2. Execute a bond to the Commonwealth, with one or more sureties, approved by the State Treasurer, with condition to indemnify the Commonwealth and all persons against any loss in consequence of issuing a new bond or certificate in place of the one so lost or destroyed.

If the owner performs these acts, the State Treasurer may issue, at any time before the bond or certificate becomes due and payable, or at any time as to any such bond or certificate that has become due and payable on or after July 1, 1932, a new bond or certificate and register the same.

Code 1950, § 2-281; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-313; 1997, c. 310; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-500. Attorney General to be chief executive officer; duties generally.
The Attorney General shall be the chief executive officer of the Department of Law, and shall perform such duties as may be provided by law.

Code 1950, § 2-85; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-117; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-501. Assistant and deputy Attorneys General.
The Attorney General shall appoint a chief deputy Attorney General and may appoint the necessary deputy Attorneys General and assistant Attorneys General and fix their salaries within the limitation of the funds provided for the purpose in the general appropriation act.

If a vacancy occurs in the office of Attorney General for any reason, the chief deputy Attorney General shall serve as acting Attorney General until such time as the vacancy is filled pursuant to § 24.2-213. The acting Attorney General shall exercise all the powers, and duties, and enjoy all the perquisites of the office of Attorney General as are provided by law.

Code 1950, § 2-94; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-130; 1977, c. 596; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-502. Support staff.
The Attorney General may appoint such persons as he deems necessary for the efficient conduct of his office, and apportion, out of the appropriation for his office, such salaries among such persons as he deems proper, but the aggregate amount paid them shall not exceed the amount provided by law.

Code 1950, § 2-95; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-131; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-503. Office space.
The Governor shall assign to the Attorney General office space for the Attorney General, his assistants and employees suitable for the transaction of the legal business of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 2-96; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-132; 1994, c. 64; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-504. Contingent and traveling expenses.
The Attorney General may expend for the contingent expenses of his office the sums appropriated for his office by the General Assembly. The Attorney General, the deputy and assistant Attorneys General, and other employees of the office shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses in the performance of their duties in accordance with § 2.2-2823.

Code 1950, § 2-97; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-133; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-505. Official opinions of Attorney General.
A. The Attorney General shall give his advice and render official advisory opinions in writing only when requested in writing so to do by one of the following: the Governor; a member of the General Assembly; a judge of a court of record or a judge of a court not of record; the State Corporation Commission; an attorney for the Commonwealth; a county, city or town attorney in those localities in which such office has been created; a clerk of a court of record; a city or county sheriff; a city or county treasurer or similar officer; a commissioner of the revenue or similar officer; a chairman or secretary of an electoral board; or the head of a state department, division, bureau, institution or board.

B. Except in cases where an opinion is requested by the Governor or a member of the General Assembly, the Attorney General shall have no authority to render an official opinion unless the question dealt with is directly related to the discharge of the duties of the official requesting the opinion. Any opinion request to the Attorney General by an attorney for the Commonwealth or county, city or town attorney shall itself be in the form of an opinion embodying a precise statement of all facts together with such attorney's legal conclusions.

Code 1950, § 2-86; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-118; 1968, c. 414; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1976, c. 715; 1999, c. 14; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-506. Legal services to attorneys for the Commonwealth in certain proceedings; costs.
The Attorney General shall at the request of an attorney for the Commonwealth, provide legal service to such attorney for the Commonwealth in any proceedings brought against him seeking to restrain the enforcement of any state law.

Any costs chargeable against the defendant in any such case shall be paid by the Commonwealth from the appropriation for the payment of criminal charges.

1962, c. 235, § 2-86.2; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-120; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-507.1. Authority of Attorney General regarding charitable assets.
A. The assets of a charitable corporation incorporated in or doing any business in Virginia shall be deemed to be held in trust for the public for such purposes as are established by the governing documents of such charitable corporation, the gift or bequest made to such charitable corporation, or other applicable law. The Attorney General shall have the same authority to act on behalf of the public with respect to such assets as he has with respect to assets held by unincorporated charitable trusts and other charitable entities, including the authority to seek such judicial relief as may be necessary to protect the public interest in such assets.

B. Nothing contained in this section is intended to modify the standard of conduct applicable under existing law to the directors of charitable corporations incorporated in or doing any business in Virginia.

2002, c. 792; 2004, c. 289.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-507.2. Youth Internet Safety Fund established.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Youth Internet Safety Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All money as may be appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, bequests, grants, or donations shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of education, public awareness, and other activities to promote the safe and secure use of the Internet. Unless otherwise restricted by the terms of the gift or bequest, the Attorney General may direct the sale, exchange, or other disposition of such gifts and bequests. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Attorney General.

2007, c. 309.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-507.3. Cooperation with the Opioid Abatement Authority.
A. As deemed necessary to comply with or effectuate the terms of a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order relating to claims regarding the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, or sale of opioids and in accordance with an agreement between the Attorney General and participating localities, as defined in § 2.2-2365, the Attorney General shall designate funds from such settlements, judgments, verdicts, or other court orders for deposit in the Opioid Abatement Fund (the Fund) established pursuant to § 2.2-2374. The Attorney General shall cooperate with and assist the Opioid Abatement Authority in its administration of the Fund.

B. If the terms of a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order, or any agreement related thereto between the Attorney General and participating localities, include a local apportionment formula dividing any part of a settlement, judgment, or verdict among participating localities, or if the terms of a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order, or any agreement related thereto between the Attorney General and participating localities, as defined in § 2.2-2365, authorize participating localities to agree upon a local apportionment formula dividing any part of a settlement, judgment, or verdict, any such locality may submit the agreed-upon local apportionment formula to the Attorney General.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-508. Legal service in certain redistricting proceedings.
Upon notification by a county, city or town of a pending civil action challenging the legality of its election district boundaries as required by § 24.2-304.5, the Attorney General shall review the papers in the civil action and may represent the interests of the Commonwealth in developing an appropriate remedy that is consistent with the requirements of Article VII, § 5 of the Constitution of Virginia, Chapter 3 (§ 24.2-304.04 et seq.) of Title 24.2, or Chapter 62 (§ 30-391 et seq.) of Title 30.

1989, c. 112, § 2.1-121.1; 1995, c. 249; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 1000; 2012, c. 1; 2023, c. 455.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-509. Representation in administrative proceedings.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Attorney General finds after consultation with the head of the affected department that it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so, the Attorney General may authorize any employee of his office or any employee of a department to represent that department or an affiliated body in any administrative proceedings before the department, an affiliated body or before any hearing officer or examiner appointed or employed by the department or affiliated body.

1991, c. 227, § 2.1-121.2; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-509.1. Powers of investigators; enforcement of certain tobacco laws.
Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General as designated by the Attorney General shall be authorized to seize cigarettes as defined in § 3.2-4200 that are sold, possessed, distributed, transported, imported, or otherwise held in violation of § 3.2-4207, 18.2-246.14, 58.1-1015, 58.1-1017, or 58.1-1037. In addition, such investigators shall be authorized to accompany and participate with special agents of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority or other law-enforcement officials engaging in an enforcement action under § 3.2-4207, 18.2-246.14, 58.1-1015, 58.1-1017, or 58.1-1037.

2006, c. 695; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2024, c. 540.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-510. Employment of special counsel generally.
No special counsel shall be employed for or by the Governor or any state department, institution, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, entity, official, justice of the Supreme Court, or judge of any circuit court or district court except in the following cases:

1. When the Governor determines that, because of the nature of the legal service to be performed, the Attorney General's office is unable to render such service, then the Governor shall issue an exemption order stating with particularity the facts and reasons leading to the conclusion that the Attorney General's office is unable to render such service. The Governor may then employ special counsel to render such service as he may deem necessary and proper. The compensation for such special counsel shall be paid out of the funds appropriated for the administration of the board, commission, division, or department to be represented or whose members, officers, inspectors, investigators, or other employees are to be represented pursuant to this section.

2. In cases of legal services in civil matters to be performed for the Commonwealth, where it is impracticable or uneconomical for the Attorney General to render such service, he may employ special counsel whose compensation shall be paid out of the appropriation for the Attorney General's office.

3. In cases of legal services in civil matters to be performed for any state department, institution, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, entity, official, member of the General Assembly, justice of the Supreme Court, or judge of any circuit court or district court where it is impracticable or uneconomical for the Attorney General's office to render such service, special counsel may be employed but only as set forth in subsection C of § 2.2-507, upon the written recommendation of the Attorney General, who shall approve all requisitions drawn upon the Comptroller for warrants as compensation for such special counsel before the Comptroller shall have authority to issue such warrants.

4. In cases where the Attorney General certifies to the Governor that he is unable to render certain legal services, the Governor may employ special counsel or other assistance to render such services as may be necessary.

Code 1950, § 2-88; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-122; 1975, c. 372; 1976, c. 726; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 572; 2007, c. 248; 2012, c. 847; 2014, c. 824; 2019, c. 357.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-510.1. Open negotiation for employment of special counsel.
No state agency or state agent shall enter into a contingency fee contract for legal services in which contingency fees and expenses are reasonably anticipated to exceed $100,000 until an open and competitive negotiation process has been undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.), applied mutatis mutandis. The contract shall be awarded to the attorney or firm that submits the most competitive proposal to provide such services considering the cost of the services, the qualifications of the attorney or firm to provide the services, the experience of the attorney or firm with similar legal matters, legal expertise generally, and such other relevant factors as may be identified by the Attorney General.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to any contracts for legal fees entered into pursuant to § 2.2-507 for the purpose of implementing the Virginia Debt Collection Act (§ 2.2-4800 et seq.).

2002, c. 196.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-510.2. Employment of outside counsel where a conflict of interests exists.
In cases where the Attorney General certifies to the Governor that it would be improper for the Attorney General's office to render legal services due to a conflict of interests, the Attorney General shall negotiate an agreement with outside counsel to render the necessary legal services for the matter. The agreement shall include a reasonable fee for the necessary legal services rendered. Compensation shall be expended from funds appropriated to the Attorney General's office.

2014, c. 824.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-511.1. Public integrity; law-enforcement misconduct.
A. As used in this section:

"Law-enforcement officer" means the same as that term is defined in § 9.1-101.

"Locality" shall be construed to mean a county, city, or town as the context may require.

B. It is unlawful for the Commonwealth or any locality, or any agent thereof, or any person acting on behalf of the Commonwealth or any locality, to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by law-enforcement officers of any agency of the Commonwealth or any locality that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the laws of the United States and the Commonwealth.

C. Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of subsection B has occurred, the Attorney General, for or in the name of the Commonwealth, may (i) file a civil action to obtain appropriate equitable and declaratory relief to eliminate the pattern or practice or (ii) inquire into or seek to conciliate any unlawful pattern and practice pursuant to § 2.2-520. The Attorney General may file a civil action to obtain appropriate relief to enforce a conciliation agreement arising out of such inquiry or conciliation. The Attorney General may include, as part of a conciliation agreement, a provision that the locality shall be ineligible for funding under Article 8 (§ 9.1-165 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1 upon a finding by any court of the Commonwealth that such locality is failing to comply with the conciliation agreement. Upon such a finding, the court shall declare the locality ineligible for funding until the locality comes into compliance with the conciliation agreement.

D. Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of subsection B has occurred, the Attorney General is empowered to issue a civil investigative demand. The provisions of § 59.1-9.10 shall apply mutatis mutandis to civil investigative demands issued pursuant to this section.

2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 18, 19.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-511.2. Organized Retail Crime Fund; report.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Organized Retail Crime Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of awarding grants to attorneys for the Commonwealth and law-enforcement agencies to investigate, indict, and prosecute violations of organized retail theft and associated fraud and property crimes. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Attorney General.

The Attorney General shall establish guidelines and procedures for the proper administration of the Fund including eligibility requirements and procedures for filing a grant application. The Attorney General shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly summarizing the activities of the Fund.

2023, cc. 357, 358.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-512. Employment of special counsel to prosecute persons illegally practicing law.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General may expend funds appropriated to his office for the purpose of employing special counsel to investigate and prosecute a complaint that any person is engaged in the practice of law without being duly authorized or licensed so to do or is practicing law in violation of law. The compensation of the special counsel shall be paid out of the appropriation for the Attorney General's office. No special counsel shall be employed and paid except upon the request of the Executive Committee of the Virginia State Bar.

1958, c. 235, § 2-90.1; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-125; 1980, c. 269; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-513. Counsel for Commonwealth in federal matters.
The Attorney General shall represent the interests of the Commonwealth, its departments, boards, institutions and commissions in matters before or controversies with the officers and several departments of the government of the United States.

Code 1950, § 2-91; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-126; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-514. Compromise and settlement of disputes.
A. Except as provided in this section or former § 23-38.33:1, the Attorney General may compromise and settle disputes, claims and controversies involving all interests of the Commonwealth including, but not limited to the Virginia Tort Claims Act (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.), and may discharge any such claims, but only after the proposed compromise, settlement or discharge, together with the reasons therefor, have been submitted in writing to the Governor and approved by him. Where any dispute, claim or controversy involves the interests of any department, institution, division, commission, board, authority or bureau of the Commonwealth, the Attorney General may compromise and settle or discharge the same provided the action is approved both by the Governor, as provided in this section, and by the head, or his designee, of the department, institution, division, board, authority or bureau that is interested. However, when any dispute, claim or controversy arises under the Virginia Tort Claims Act (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.) or otherwise involves the interests of any department, institution, division, commission, board, authority or bureau of the Commonwealth, and the settlement amount does not exceed $250,000, the Attorney General or an assistant Attorney General assigned to such department, institution, division, commission, board, authority or bureau, or such other designee of the Attorney General, may compromise and settle or discharge the same provided the action is approved by the head, or his designee, of the department, institution, division, board or bureau whose interests are in issue. When the dispute, claim or controversy involves a case in which the Commonwealth has a claim for sums due it as the result of hospital, medical or dental care furnished by or on behalf of the Commonwealth, the Attorney General or such assistant Attorney General may compromise and settle and discharge the same when the settlement amount does not exceed $250,000.

B. No settlement under subsection A shall be made subject to a confidentiality agreement that prohibits the Commonwealth, a state agency, officer or employee from disclosing the amount of such settlement except where such confidentiality agreement is imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise is required by law.

C. No settlement under subsection A shall be made subject to a confidentiality agreement if such settlement requires that a matter or issue shall be the subject of (i) regulatory action pursuant to Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of this title, or (ii) legislation proposed to be introduced in the General Assembly.

Code 1950, § 2-92; 1956, c. 387; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-127; 1973, c. 219; 1979, c. 266; 1986, c. 180; 1989, c. 75; 1995, cc. 359, 384; 2001, cc. 118, 844; 2004, c. 729; 2007, c. 217.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-515. Service on board of national tobacco trust entity.
The Attorney General may serve in his official capacity on the board of directors of any entity established to ensure the implementation in the Commonwealth of a national tobacco trust established to provide payments to tobacco growers and tobacco quota owners to ameliorate adverse economic consequences resulting from a national settlement of states' claims against tobacco manufacturers.

2000, c. 1048, § 2.1-127.1; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-515.1. Statewide Facilitator for Victims of Domestic Violence.
The Attorney General shall establish a Statewide Facilitator for Victims of Domestic Violence within the Office of the Attorney General. The Statewide Facilitator shall have the responsibility to (i) establish an address confidentiality program in accordance with § 2.2-515.2, (ii) assist agencies in implementing domestic violence programs, and (iii) report on the status of such programs to the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice and the Virginia State Crime Commission by January 1 of each year.

2002, cc. 810, 818; 2007, c. 599; 2008, c. 649; 2011, cc. 97, 172.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-516. Annual report.
The Attorney General shall annually, on or before May 1, deliver to the Governor a report of the state and condition of all important matters in which he has represented the Commonwealth during the preceding year. He shall also include in his report the official opinions rendered by him that he believes to be of general interest or helpful in promoting uniformity in the construction of the laws of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 2-93; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-128; 1988, c. 122; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-518. Division of Debt Collection.
A. There is created in the Department of Law a Division of Debt Collection that shall provide all legal services and advice related to the collection of funds owed to the Commonwealth, pursuant to § 2.2-507 and the Virginia Debt Collection Act (§ 2.2-4800 et seq.).

The Attorney General may appoint and fix the salaries of such attorneys and employees as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Division, within the amounts appropriated to the Division, and may supplement such funds from appropriations made to his office for the provision of legal services to the Commonwealth.

The Division may retain as special revenue up to 30 percent of receivables collected on behalf of state agencies and may contract with private collection agents for the collection of debts amounting to less than $15,000, as provided in the appropriation act.

B. There is hereby created on the books of the Comptroller a special, nonreverting fund to be known as the Debt Collection Recovery Fund (Fund). The Division shall deposit to the Fund all revenues generated by it, less any cost of recovery, from receivables collected on behalf of state agencies, pursuant to §§ 2.2-4805 and 2.2-4806. The Division shall transfer the remaining funds to the appropriate state agencies on a periodic basis or such other period of time approved by the Division.

C. Any direct payment received by an agency on an account that has been referred for collection to the Division shall be reported to the Division upon receipt by the agency. The agency shall cause the fees due the Division for obtaining the recovery to be reported to and paid to the Division; however, no fees shall be paid to the Division on payments to the agency resulting from the agency's participation in the Setoff Debt Collection Act, Article 21 (§ 58.1-520 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 58.1. The remaining portion of the direct payment shall be retained by the agency.

1990, c. 71, § 2.1-133.4; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 919; 2009, c. 797.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-519. Prompt collection of accounts receivable.
A. The Division shall oversee and ensure prompt delivery of the Commonwealth's accounts receivable in accordance with the Virginia Debt Collection Act (§ 2.2-4800 et seq.). The Division shall enforce the policies and procedures as set forth in § 2.2-4806 for reporting, accounting for, and collecting the Commonwealth's delinquent accounts receivable.

B. All agencies and institutions of the Commonwealth shall comply with all requirements established pursuant to § 2.2-4806 and by the Department of Law regarding the collection of the Commonwealth's accounts receivable.

2008, c. 637.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-521. Procedure for issuance of subpoena duces tecum.
Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that any person has engaged in or is engaging in any unlawful discriminatory practice, he may apply to the judge of the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which the respondent resides or is doing business for a subpoena duces tecum against any person refusing to produce such data and information. The judge of the court, upon good cause shown, may cause the subpoena to be issued. Any person failing to comply with such subpoena shall be subject to punishment for contempt by the court issuing the subpoena. For purposes of this section, "person" includes any individual, partnership, corporation, association, legal representative, mutual company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, employee, employer, employment agency, labor organization, joint labor-management committee, or an agent thereof.

1987, c. 581, § 2.1-721; 2000, c. 64; 2001, c. 844, § 2.2-2635; 2012, cc. 803, 835.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-522. Filing with the Office deemed filing with other state agencies.
Filing of a written complaint with the Office shall be deemed filing with any state agency for the purpose of complying with any time limitation on the filing of a complaint, provided the time limit for filing with the other agency has not expired. The time limit for filing with other agencies shall be tolled while the Office is either investigating the complaint or making a decision to refer it. Complaints under this article shall be filed with the Office within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory event.

1987, c. 581, § 2.1-722; 2001, c. 844, § 2.2-2636; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 196.

Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-523. Confidentiality of information; penalty.
A. The Office shall not make public, prior to a public hearing pursuant to § 2.2-520, investigative notes and other correspondence and information furnished to the Office in confidence with respect to an investigation or conciliation process involving an alleged unlawful discriminatory practice.

B. Nothing in this section, however, shall prohibit the distribution of information taken from inactive reports in a form that does not reveal the identity of the parties involved or other persons supplying information.

1987, c. 581, § 2.1-723; 2001, c. 844, § 2.2-2637; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 196.
Code of Virginia — Title 2.2 (Administration of Government), Chapter 5 (DEPARTMENT OF LAW)
§ 2.2-524. Powers of local commissions.
A local human rights or human relations commission established prior to the effective date of this article or any predecessor statute may exercise any such additional powers as may have been granted heretofore to that commission pursuant to applicable provisions of §§ 15.2-725, 15.2-853, and 15.2-854 or municipal charter provisions.

1987, c. 581, § 2.1-724; 2000, c. 933; 2001, c. 844, § 2.2-2638; 2012, cc. 803, 835.