dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 27 (Local Government Group Self-Insurance Pools)
§ 15.2-2705. Required provisions in contract; election of governing authority; financial plan; management plan.
Any intergovernmental contract entered into pursuant to this chapter for the purpose of establishing a group self-insurance pool shall provide:

1. For election by pool members of a governing authority for the pool, which may be a board of directors, a majority of whom shall be elected or appointed officials of pool members.

2. A financial plan setting forth in general terms:

a. The insurance coverages to be offered by the group self-insurance pool, applicable deductible levels, and the maximum level of claims which the pool will self-insure;

b. The amount of cash reserves to be set aside for the payment of claims;

c. The amount of insurance to be purchased by the pool to provide coverage over and above the claims which are not to be satisfied directly from the pool's resources; and

d. The amount, if any, of aggregate excess insurance coverage to be purchased and maintained in the event that the group self-insurance pool's resources are exhausted in a given fiscal period.

3. A plan of management which provides for all of the following:

a. The means of establishing the governing authority of the pool;

b. The responsibility of the governing authority for fixing contributions to the pool, maintaining reserves, levying and collecting assessments for deficiencies, disposing of surpluses, and administration of the pool in the event of termination or insolvency;

c. The basis upon which new members may be admitted to, and existing members may leave, the pool;

d. The identification of funds and reserves by exposure areas; and

e. Such other provisions as are necessary or desirable for the operation of the pool.

1986, cc. 520, 556, § 15.1-503.4:5; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 27 (Local Government Group Self-Insurance Pools)
§ 15.2-2706. State Corporation Commission approval required.
The formation and operation of a group self-insurance pool under this section shall be subject to approval by the State Corporation Commission which may, after notice and hearing, establish reasonable requirements and regulations for the approval and monitoring of such pools, including prior approval of pool administrators and provisions for periodic examinations of financial condition.

The Commission may disapprove an application for the formation of a group self-insurance pool, and may suspend or withdraw such approval whenever it finds that such applicant or pool:

1. Has refused to submit its books, papers, accounts, or affairs to the reasonable inspection of the Commission or its representative;

2. Has refused, or its officers or agents have refused, to furnish satisfactory evidence of its financial and business standing or solvency;

3. Is insolvent, or is in such condition that its further transaction of business in the Commonwealth is hazardous to its members and creditors in the Commonwealth, and to the public;

4. Has refused or neglected to pay a valid final judgment against it within sixty days after its rendition;

5. Has violated any law of the Commonwealth or has violated or exceeded the powers granted by its members;

6. Has failed to pay any fees, taxes or charges imposed in the Commonwealth within sixty days after they are due and payable, or within sixty days after final disposition or any legal contest with respect to liability therefor; or

7. Has been found insolvent by a court of any other state, or by the Insurance Commissioner or other proper officer or agency of any other state, and has been prohibited from doing business in such state.

1986, cc. 520, 556, § 15.1-503.4:6; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 27 (Local Government Group Self-Insurance Pools)
§ 15.2-2707. Filing of annual financial statements, deficit correction financial plan with State Corporation Commission required.
Each group self-insurance pool created in the Commonwealth shall file with the State Corporation Commission and with the members of the pool audited financial statements certified by an independent certified public accountant within 120 days after the end of the pool's fiscal year. If a group self-insurance pool fails to file the audited financial statements as required, the Commission may perform the audit and the group self-insurance pool shall reimburse the Commission for the cost of the audit.

The Commission shall prescribe a uniform reporting format for the preparation of pool-audited financial statements and shall also devise a uniform accounting system to be used by group self-insurance pools. The working papers of the certified public accountant and other records pertaining to the preparation of the audited financial statements may be reviewed by the Commission.

If a group self-insurance pool is in a deficit condition, the group self-insurance pool shall promptly file with the Commission a financial plan to correct the deficit condition. If the plan is found to be unacceptable by the Commission and written notice thereof is given to the governing authority of the pool, delinquency proceedings may be commenced and conducted by the Commission in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 15 (§ 38.2-1500 et seq.) of Title 38.2.

1986, cc. 520, 556, § 15.1-503.4:7; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 27 (Local Government Group Self-Insurance Pools)
§ 15.2-2708. Exemptions from disclosure.
Information regarding that portion of the funds or liability reserve of a pool established for purposes of satisfying a specific pending and unresolved claim or cause of action shall be exempt from disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

In a claim or action against any group self-insurance pool, a person shall not be entitled to discover that portion of the funds or liability reserve established for purposes of satisfying a claim or cause of action, except that the reserve is discoverable in any supplemental or ancillary proceeding to enforce a judgment.

1986, cc. 520, 556, § 15.1-503.4:8; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 27 (Local Government Group Self-Insurance Pools)
§ 15.2-2709. Group self-insurance pool not an insurer.
Any group self-insurance pool organized pursuant to this chapter is not an insurance company or insurer under the laws of the Commonwealth. The development, administration, and provision of group self-insurance programs and coverages authorized by this chapter by the governing authority created to administer the pool does not constitute doing an insurance business.

However, a group self-insurance pool shall be subject to the provisions of Chapters 5, Unfair Trade Practices and 6, Insurance Information and Privacy Protection Act of Title 38.2.

1986, cc. 520, 556, § 15.1-503.4:9; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2800. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2009, cc. 153 and 154, cl. 2, effective December 1, 2009.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.1 (PILOT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF HUMAN SERVICES)
§ 15.2-2811. "Human services" defined.
For the purposes of this chapter, "human services" shall mean any service provided by the Commonwealth or a county or city, or jointly by the two, to an individual or family for his or their physical, mental or economic well-being.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-291; 2002, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.1 (PILOT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF HUMAN SERVICES)
§ 15.2-2812. Governor may authorize certain counties or cities to develop and implement pilot programs.
The Governor is hereby empowered to authorize certain counties or cities in this Commonwealth, not to exceed five, to develop and implement a pilot program for the delivery of human services and the administration of such a delivery system to provide for the most efficient and economical manner of delivering human services to the individual or family and to eliminate the difficulty of an individual or family with multiple needs obtaining the available and necessary human services.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-292; 2002, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.1 (PILOT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF HUMAN SERVICES)
§ 15.2-2813. Power to change existing regulations and request changes in federal regulations.
1. The Governor and the several boards and commissions empowered to adopt regulations are hereby further empowered to change, alter or revise the regulations of any state agency in order to assure the proper functioning of the pilot program.

2. The Governor may also, on behalf of a state agency or locality, make requests to any agency or instrumentality of the federal government for exceptions to or variances from regulations governing the administration of the use of funds for human services programs.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-293; 2002, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.1 (PILOT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF HUMAN SERVICES)
§ 15.2-2814. Governor to adopt regulations.
The Governor shall adopt regulations concerning programs, budget and administration to be used as guidelines for counties and cities desiring to establish a pilot program in human services delivery. These regulations should provide for evaluating the effectiveness of such a pilot program.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-294; 2002, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.1 (PILOT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF HUMAN SERVICES)
§ 15.2-2815. No program established unless requested by local governing body.
No pilot program shall be established unless such program has been requested by a resolution of the governing body of the county or city wherein the program will be located.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-296; 2002, c. 747.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.1 (PILOT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF HUMAN SERVICES)
§ 15.2-2816. Cooperation of state agencies.
All state agencies shall cooperate with the Governor and the local governing body of the county or city wherein the pilot program is located in carrying out the purposes of this chapter. The Governor may consult from time to time with the directors and commissioners of state agencies involved and with the appropriate boards and commissions.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-297; 2002, c. 747.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.1 (PILOT PROGRAMS FOR THE DELIVERY OF HUMAN SERVICES)
§ 15.2-2817. Cost of administering programs.
The cost of administering such pilot projects shall be determined by the appropriate state agencies and the counties and cities wherein a pilot program is located and shall have the approval of the Governor.

1974, c. 395, § 63.1-298; 2002, c. 747.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2821. Applicability.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to:

1. Permit smoking where it is otherwise prohibited or restricted by other applicable provisions of law; or

2. Regulate smoking in retail tobacco stores, tobacco warehouses, or tobacco manufacturing facilities.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2822. Authority of law-enforcement officials.
Any law-enforcement officer may issue a summons regarding a violation of this chapter.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2823. Smoking in public buildings or facilities; exception.
A. The Commonwealth or any agency thereof and every locality shall provide reasonable no-smoking areas, considering the nature of the use and the size of the building, in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof or a locality.

B. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to office, work, or other areas of the Department of Corrections that are not entered by the general public in the normal course of business or use of the premises.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2824. Prohibitions on smoking generally; penalty for violation.
A. Smoking shall be prohibited in (i) elevators, regardless of capacity, except in any open material hoist elevator not intended for use by the general public; (ii) public school buses; (iii) the interior of any public elementary, intermediate, and secondary school; (iv) hospital emergency rooms; (v) local or district health departments; (vi) polling rooms; (vii) indoor service lines and cashier lines; (viii) public restrooms in any building owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof; (ix) the interior of a child day center licensed pursuant to § 22.1-289.011 that is not also used for residential purposes; however, this prohibition shall not apply to any area of a building not utilized by a child day center, unless otherwise prohibited by this chapter; and (x) public restrooms of health care facilities.

B. No person shall smoke in any area or place specified in subsection A and any person who continues to smoke in such area or place after having been asked to refrain from smoking shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.

C. Civil penalties assessed under this section shall be paid into the Virginia Health Care Fund established under § 32.1-366.

2009, cc. 153, 154; 2020, cc. 860, 861.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2826. Designation of "No-Smoking" areas; smoking prohibited in "No-Smoking" areas; penalty for violation.
A. The proprietor or other person in charge of (i) an educational facility, except any public elementary, intermediate, or secondary school; (ii) a health care facility; (iii) a retail establishment of 15,000 square feet or more serving the general public, including, but not limited to, department stores, grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores, and shoe stores; and (iv) recreational facilities shall designate reasonable no-smoking areas, considering the nature of the use and the size of the building.

B. The proprietor or other person in charge of a space subject to the provisions of this section shall post signs conspicuous to public view stating "Smoking Permitted" or "No Smoking." Any person failing to post such signs shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.

C. No person shall smoke in a designated no-smoking area and any person who continues to smoke in such area after having been asked to refrain from smoking shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.

D. Civil penalties assessed under this section shall be paid into the Virginia Health Care Fund established under § 32.1-366.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2827. Responsibility of building proprietors and managers.
Except as provided in § 15.2-2825, proprietors or persons who manage or otherwise control any building, structure, space, place, or area governed by this chapter in which smoking is not otherwise prohibited may designate rooms or areas in which smoking is permitted as follows:

1. Designated smoking areas shall not encompass so much of the building, structure, space, place, or area open to the general public that reasonable no-smoking areas, considering the nature of the use and the size of the building, are not provided;

2. Designated smoking areas shall be separate to the extent reasonably practicable from those rooms or areas entered by the general public in the normal use of the particular business or institution; and

3. In designated smoking areas, ventilation systems and existing physical barriers shall be used when reasonably practicable to minimize the permeation of smoke into no-smoking areas. However, this chapter shall not be construed as requiring physical modifications or alterations to any structure.

2009, cc. 153, 154.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2828. Ordinances regulating smoking generally.
A. No ordinances enacted by a locality prior to January 1, 1990, shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable because of lack of consistency with the provisions of this chapter.

B. Except as provided in § 15.2-2829, no ordinances adopted after January 1, 1990, shall contain provisions or standards that exceed those established in this chapter.

C. However, any ordinance may provide that employers may regulate smoking in the private work place as they deem appropriate under the following circumstances: (i) if the designation of smoking and no-smoking areas is the subject of a written agreement between the employer and his employees, the provisions of the written agreement shall control such designation and (ii) a total ban on smoking in any work place shall only be enforced by the employer upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the affected employees voting, unless such ban is the subject of a contract of employment between the employer and the employees as a prior condition of employment. No ordinance adopted pursuant to this subsection shall affect no-smoking policies established by employers prior to the adoption of such ordinance.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2829. Mandatory provisions of ordinances.
If an ordinance is enacted by a locality in accordance with this chapter, it shall provide that it is unlawful for any person to smoke in any of the following places:

1. Common areas in an educational facility, including but not limited to, classrooms, hallways, auditoriums, and public meeting rooms;

2. School buses and public conveyances; and

3. Any of the places governed by § 15.2-2824 or 15.2-2825.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2830. Optional provisions of ordinances.
If an ordinance is enacted by a locality in accordance with this chapter, it may provide that management shall designate reasonable no-smoking areas, considering the nature of the use and the size of the building, in the following places:

1. Retail and service establishments of 15,000 square feet or more serving the general public, including, but not limited to, department stores, grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores, and shoe stores;

2. Educational facilities, except as provided in § 15.2-2824;

3. Health care facilities;

4. Rooms in which a public meeting or hearing is being held;

5. Places of entertainment and cultural facilities, including but not limited to theaters, concert halls, gymnasiums, auditoriums, other enclosed arenas, art galleries, libraries, and museums;

6. Indoor facilities used for recreational purposes; or

7. Other public places.

2009, cc. 153, 154.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2831. Other ordinances not authorized.
The provisions of §§ 15.2-2828, 15.2-2829, and 15.2-2830 shall not be construed to allow local regulation of smoking in:

1. Conference or meeting rooms and public or private assembly rooms while such rooms are being used for private functions;

2. Private work places;

3. Areas of enclosed shopping centers or malls that are external to the retail stores therein, are used by customers as a route of travel from one store to another, and consist primarily of walkways and seating arrangements; or

4. Lobby areas of hotels, motels, and other establishments open to the general public for overnight accommodation.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2832. Regulation of smoking; posting of signs.
Any person who owns, manages, or otherwise controls any building or area in which smoking is regulated by an ordinance shall post in an appropriate place, in a clear, conspicuous, and sufficient manner, "Smoking Permitted" signs, "No Smoking" signs, or "No-Smoking Section Available" signs.

2009, cc. 153, 154.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 28.2 (VIRGINIA INDOOR CLEAN AIR ACT)
§ 15.2-2833. Enforcement of ordinances.
A. Any ordinance may provide a civil penalty of not more than $25 for violations of any provision of such ordinance.

B. Any ordinance may provide that no person shall smoke in a designated no-smoking area and any person who continues to smoke in such area after being asked to refrain from smoking may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $25.

C. Any ordinance shall provide that any law-enforcement officer may issue a summons regarding a violation of the ordinance.

D. Any civil penalties assessed under this section shall be paid into the treasury of the locality where the offense occurred and shall be expended solely for public health purposes.

2009, cc. 153, 154.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2900. Purpose and intent.
It is the purpose and intent of the General Assembly to create a procedure whereby the Commonwealth will help ensure that all of its localities are maintained as viable communities in which their citizens can live. To carry out this purpose and intent, there is hereby established the Commission on Local Government.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-945.1; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2901. Membership; appointment, terms and qualifications of members; vacancies; Executive Director.
The Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The members' terms of office shall be for five years except that original appointments shall be made for such terms that the term of one member shall expire each year. Members initially appointed shall take office on January 1, 1980; thereafter, the members appointed for regular terms shall take office at the beginning of the term for which appointed and those appointed to fill vacancies shall take office immediately upon their appointment. Members shall be eligible for reappointment.

Each member shall, at the time of appointment and during his term of office, be a qualified voter under the Constitution and laws of the Commonwealth and shall further be a person qualified by knowledge and experience in local government. No member of the Commission shall hold any other elective or appointive public office. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, no person shall be disqualified from membership on the Commission by virtue of any employment held by him with the United States or a public institution of higher education.

Any vacancy in the membership of the Commission shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

The Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development shall also serve as the Executive Director of the Commission, who shall employ such personnel as may be required to carry out the purposes of this chapter. The Executive Director shall also (i) make and enter into contracts as necessary or incidental to the performance of the Commission's duties; (ii) accept grants from the United States or other sources; (iii) exercise supervision of the administration of Commission affairs; and (iv) prepare and submit a budget to the Governor as requested.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-945.2; 1980, c. 728; 1984, c. 444; 1985, c. 397; 1997, c. 587; 2003, c. 197.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2902. Continuing temporary membership for purposes of Commission reports.
A member whose term expires and who is not reappointed may continue to serve as a temporary member of the Commission if a final report has not been made on an issue with respect to which he has participated in previous hearings, presentations, or investigations prior to the expiration of his term. Such continuing temporary membership shall be solely for the purpose of and limited to participation in the specific report. The beginning of the term of, and the rights, powers, and duties of the successor to the member whose term has expired shall not be affected by such continuing temporary membership.

1985, c. 478, § 15.1-945.2:1; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2903. General powers and duties of Commission.
The Commission shall have the following general powers and duties:

1. To make regulations, including rules of procedure for the conducting of hearings;

2. To keep a record of its proceedings and to be responsible for the custody and preservation of its papers and documents;

3. To serve as a mediator between localities;

4. To investigate, analyze, and make findings of fact, as directed by law, as to the probable effect on the people residing in any area of the Commonwealth of any proposed action in that area:

a. To annex territory,

b. To have an area declared immune from annexation,

c. To establish a town or independent city,

d. To settle or adjust boundaries between localities,

e. To make a transition from city status to town status,

f. To make a transition from a county to a city,

g. To consolidate two or more localities, at least one of which is a county, into a city, or

h. To enter into economic growth-sharing agreements among localities;

5. To conduct investigations, analyses and determinations, in the sole discretion of the Commission, for the guidance of localities in the conduct of their affairs upon the request of such localities;

6. To receive from all agencies, as defined in § 2.2-128, assessments of all mandates imposed on localities administered by such agencies. The assessments shall be conducted on a schedule to be set by the Commission, with the approval of the Governor and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, provided that the assessments shall not be required to be performed more than once every four years. The purpose of the assessments shall be to determine which mandates, if any, may be altered or eliminated. If an assessment reveals that such mandates may be altered or eliminated without interruption of local service delivery and without undue threat to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Commonwealth, the Commission shall so advise the Governor and the General Assembly;

7. To prepare and annually update a catalog of state and federal mandates imposed on localities including, where available, a summary of the fiscal impact on localities of all new mandates. All departments, agencies of government, and localities are directed to make available such information and assistance as the Commission may request in maintaining the catalog;

8. [Expired];

9. To act in an oversight capacity and coordinate with the Auditor of Public Accounts for the purpose of determining whether a locality in fiscal distress has taken appropriate action as provided in § 15.2-2512.1; and

10. To perform such other duties as may be imposed upon it, from time to time, by law.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-945.3; 1980, c. 592; 1984, c. 444; 1985, cc. 397, 478; 1988, c. 881; 1993, cc. 652, 723; 1997, c. 587; 2004, c. 234; 2011, c. 381; 2014, c. 242; 2024, c. 426.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2904. Meetings; quorum; majority vote; panel to conduct investigation and make report; compensation and expenses.
The Commission shall fix the time and place for holding regular meetings, which shall be held at least once every two months. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by any member and shall be held on such occasions as may be reasonably necessary to carry out the duties imposed by this chapter. The chairman shall cause to be mailed to all members, at least five days in advance of a special meeting, written notice fixing the time, place, and purpose of such meeting. Written notice of a special meeting shall not be required if the time of the special meeting has been fixed at a regular meeting or if all members file a written waiver of notice. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum, and no action of the Commission shall be valid unless authorized by a majority vote of those present.

The Commission may appoint a panel of three members of the Commission to conduct any hearing and investigation and make any report required by this chapter. Any vote taken or report made shall be only by those members of the Commission who sat on the panel that heard the evidence. Any temporary absence of a panel member from a hearing will not disqualify such member from participation in the vote or discussion, deliberation, drafting or approval of a report.

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-2813, each member of the Commission shall be compensated at the rate of $100 per day, plus reasonable and necessary expenses, for each day or portion thereof in which the member is engaged in the business of the Commission.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-945.4; 1980, c. 592; 1983, c. 202; 1986, c. 384; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2905. Officers.
The members of the Commission shall elect from their number a chairman and vice-chairman whose terms shall be for one year. The Commission may create and fill such other offices as it may deem necessary.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-945.5; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2906. Disqualification of Commissioners.
No member of the Commission shall participate in the discussion, deliberation, drafting or approval of any report or finding required to be made under this chapter when any of the parties to the proceeding to which such report relates is a locality in which such member presently resides or owns an interest in real property, or in which such member has resided or owned any interest in real property within the preceding five years.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-945.6; 1980, c. 592; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 29 (Commission on Local Government)
§ 15.2-2908. Notice to Commission deemed to institute action or proceeding.
An action or proceeding to which the Commission on Local Government has jurisdiction shall be deemed to have been instituted upon the initial notice to the Commission required by subsection A of § 15.2-2907.

1985, c. 478, § 15.1-945.8; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-300. Adoption of optional forms of county government; inconsistent provisions of law.
A. Any county may adopt an optional form of county government in accordance with the referendum provisions of § 15.2-301, subject to the limitations specified in Chapters 3 through 8 of this title.

B. Other provisions of law in conflict with Chapters 3 through 8 of this title shall not apply to a county which has adopted an applicable form of county government pursuant to this chapter, unless such provision expressly provides otherwise.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-301. Petition or resolution asking for referendum; notice; conduct of election.
A. A county may adopt one of the optional forms of government provided for in Chapters 4 through 8 of this title only after approval by voter referendum. The referendum shall be initiated by (i) a petition filed with the circuit court for the county signed by at least ten percent of the voters of the county, asking that a referendum be held on the question of adopting one of the forms of government or (ii) a resolution passed by the board of supervisors and filed with the circuit court asking for a referendum. The petition or resolution shall specify which of the forms of government provided for in Chapters 4 through 8 is to be placed on the ballot for consideration. Only one form may be placed on the ballot for consideration.

B. Notice of the election shall be published three times in a newspaper having a general circulation in the county, with the first notice appearing no more than 35 days before and the third notice appearing no less than seven days before the election. Notice of the election shall also be posted at the door of the county courthouse.

C. The election shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of § 24.2-684. In addition to the certifications required by such section, the secretary of the appropriate electoral board shall certify the results to the Commission on Local Government.

D. Prior to adopting an optional form of government provided for in Chapter 5 or Chapter 6, a county shall also comply with the referendum requirements of § 24.2-686.

1997, c. 587; 2000, c. 741; 2024, cc. 225, 242.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-302. When form of government to become effective.
A form of government approved by the voters in accordance with § 15.2-301 shall become effective on January 1 following the election of members of the governing body under the provisions of § 15.2-303.

1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-303. When new supervisors elected.
If voters approve the adoption of an optional form of government in accordance with § 15.2-301, the members of the governing body shall be elected at the next succeeding November general election. The members' terms shall commence on January 1 following the election.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-304. Effect of change on other county officers.
All other officers of such county shall continue to hold office until their successors are appointed and have qualified. The term of office of any person who holds an office abolished by the form of government adopted shall terminate as soon as his powers and duties have been transferred to some other officer or employee, or are abolished.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-305. Changing from one form to another.
A county may change from one optional form to another optional form, or to any other form of county government prescribed by Article VII of the Constitution, only by following the procedures set out in § 15.2-301, subject to any limitations specified in Chapters 3 through 8 of this title.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-306. Limitation as to frequency of elections.
If any election has been held in a county to determine whether such county shall adopt a form of county government provided for in Chapters 4 through 8 of this title, or if any election has been held in a county which has adopted such form of county government to determine whether such county shall change to another form of county government or to determine whether such county shall change to some other form of county government provided for by Article VII of the Constitution of Virginia and the other provisions of general law of the Commonwealth, no further election of the nature referred to in this section shall be held in the county within three years thereafter.

1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 3 (OPTIONAL FORMS OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT; GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 15.2-307. County forms of government adopted under prior acts.
Any county which has adopted an optional form of government under the authority of prior acts shall continue to operate as though created under the terms of this chapter.

1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 30 (SPECIAL COURTS)
§ 15.2-3000. Special court to hear certain cases.
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, whenever any matter provided for in Chapters 32 (§ 15.2-3200 et seq.), 33 (§ 15.2-3300 et seq.), 34 (§ 15.2-3400 et seq.), 35 (§ 15.2-3500 et seq.), 36 (§ 15.2-3600 et seq.), 38 (§ 15.2-3800 et seq.), 39, (§ 15.2-3900 et seq.), 40 (§ 15.2-4000 et seq.) and 41 (§ 15.2-4100 et seq.) of this title, is required to be decided by a court, the court, unless a different intent appears from the context, shall be composed of three circuit court judges appointed by the Supreme Court of Virginia. Such special court shall sit without a jury. The three judges shall be chosen from a panel of fifteen judges selected to hear such matters by the Supreme Court. Such judges shall remain on the panel for a period of time determined by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court unless otherwise provided by law. When any petition or other matter required by the above-stated chapters to be decided by the special court is filed in a circuit court, the chief circuit court judge shall certify the filing to the Supreme Court and request the appointment of three members from the panel to hear the matter. No judge may be appointed to hear a matter involving jurisdictions in his own circuit.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1168; 1983, c. 523; 1985, c. 66; 1988, c. 881; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 30 (SPECIAL COURTS)
§ 15.2-3001. Priority of proceedings in special courts.
Any proceeding heard by a special court appointed pursuant to §§ 15.2-3000 and 15.2-3002 shall have priority over all other cases, including criminal cases, on the docket of the court in which such proceeding is pending or on the docket of each judge designated to hear the case.

1993, c. 398, § 15.1-1168.1; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 30 (SPECIAL COURTS)
§ 15.2-3002. Designation of judges for panel.
The Supreme Court of Virginia shall designate fifteen circuit court judges to compose the panel of judges provided for in this chapter. All special courts appointed pursuant to § 15.2-3000 shall be composed of three judges appointed from this panel. The chief justice shall designate one of the judges as chief judge.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1169; 1993, c. 398; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 30 (SPECIAL COURTS)
§ 15.2-3003. Service on special court.
Judges selected for the panel shall continue to perform their regular duties as required by law. Appointment by the Supreme Court to sit on a three-judge court shall relieve the judge of his other duties to the extent necessary to serve on the three-judge court and participate in the proceedings and decision.

1979, c. 85, § 15.1-1170; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 30 (SPECIAL COURTS)
§ 15.2-3004. Vacancies on court occurring during trial.
If a vacancy occurs on such court at any time prior to the final disposition of the case and the completion of all duties required to be performed by it, the court shall not be dissolved and the proceeding shall not fail; the vacancy shall be filled by designation of another judge from the panel provided for in this chapter. Such substitute judge shall have all the power and authority of his predecessor, and the court shall proceed as so constituted to hear and determine the case and do all things necessary to accomplish its final disposition and the completion of all the duties of the court, including such matters as the certification of evidence and exceptions. No decision shall be rendered or action taken after such designation with respect to any question previously submitted to but not decided by the court except after a full hearing in open court by the court as reconstituted of all the evidence theretofore introduced before the court and a hearing of all arguments theretofore made with reference to such question.

Code 1950, § 15-152.9; 1952, c. 328; 1960, c. 474; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1039; 1979, c. 85; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 31 (SETTLING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-3100. Commissioners to settle disputed boundary lines.
Whenever a doubt exists or dispute arises over the true boundary line between any two localities, the circuit courts for the respective localities may each appoint not fewer than three nor more than five commissioners, who shall be resident landowners of their respective localities, a majority of those appointed for each locality being necessary to act, who shall meet and proceed to ascertain and establish the true line.

Code 1950, § 15-38; 1954, c. 536; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1026; 1979, c. 456; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 31 (SETTLING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-3101. Survey and plats.
Commissioners appointed pursuant to § 15.2-3100, before proceeding to ascertain a boundary, shall employ a competent surveyor to run the boundary. The commissioners shall, with the best evidence which they can procure, direct the surveyor where to run the line and shall have him mark the boundary. After the boundary line has been run and marked, the commissioners shall require the surveyor to make two plats of the courses and distances of the line and to note thereon particularly such well-known places or prominent objects through or by which it passes as, in the opinion of the commissioners, will best designate the line.

Code 1950, § 15-39; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1027; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 31 (SETTLING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-3102. Report of commissioners.
The commissioners shall return such plats to the respective courts by which they were appointed, together with their report of the performance of their duties in ascertaining and establishing the line, which report shall fully describe the line. If the report meets the requirements of this article and is unanimous, the courts shall approve the report. The courts shall direct that the approved report, together with the plat, be recorded in the deed books of their respective clerks' offices and indexed in the name of each locality. The courts shall certify a copy of the report to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. In all controversies thereafter concerning the location of the line, the reports and plats shall be taken as conclusive evidence of its location.

Code 1950, § 15-40; 1954, c. 536; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1028; 1970, c. 751; 1978, c. 642; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 31 (SETTLING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-3103. Compensation of commissioners, etc.
The circuit court for each locality shall allow a reasonable compensation to the commissioners of such localities respectively, and to the surveyor and his assistants, to be paid by the localities.

Code 1950, § 15-41; 1954, c. 536; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1029; 1979, c. 456; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 31 (SETTLING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-3105. Boundaries to embrace wharves, piers, docks and certain other structures.
The boundary of every locality bordering on the Chesapeake Bay, including its tidal tributaries (the Elizabeth River, among others), or the Atlantic Ocean shall embrace all wharves, piers, docks and other structures, except bridges and tunnels that have been or may hereafter be erected along the waterfront of such locality, and extending into the Chesapeake Bay, including its tidal tributaries (the Elizabeth River, among others), or the Atlantic Ocean. However, only the wharves, piers, docks, or other structures which lie within the territorial jurisdiction of this Commonwealth shall be embraced within the boundary of such locality.

Code 1950, § 15-42.1; 1958, c. 280; 1962, c. 623, § 15.1-1031; 1976, c. 646; 1997, c. 587.

Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 31 (SETTLING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-3106. Establishment by agreement.
Whenever any two or more localities wish to relocate or change the boundary line between them, the governing bodies of such localities may, by agreement, establish, relocate or change such boundary line between them.

1977, c. 277, § 15.1-1031.1; 1983, c. 594; 1993, c. 392; 1997, c. 587.
Code of Virginia — Title 15.2 (Counties, Cities and Towns), Chapter 31 (SETTLING BOUNDARIES BETWEEN LOCALITIES)
§ 15.2-3107. Publication of agreed boundary line.
A. Before adopting an agreement pursuant to § 15.2-3106, each governing body shall advertise its intention to approve such an agreement at least once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in its locality, and such notice shall include a descriptive summary of the proposed agreement. The summary shall describe the new boundary, but need not include a metes and bounds description. The publication shall include a statement that a copy of the agreement is on file in the office of the clerk of the governing body which is considering the proposed agreement. A joint publication of the proposed agreement by the localities which otherwise meets the requirements of this section shall satisfy this requirement. If joint publication is used, the publication costs shall be apportioned between the participating localities in the manner agreed upon by them. After providing the notice required by this section, each locality shall hold at least one public hearing on the agreement prior to its adoption.

B. Notice of any agreement as provided in subsection A hereof shall be served upon the affected property owners, if any, of the area affected by the agreement, and if the owners of at least one third of the affected parcels object to the change, they shall be permitted to intervene in the proceedings as prescribed in § 15.2-3108 and show cause why the boundary line should not be changed. For purposes of this article "affected parcel" means a parcel of real property that is the subject of the boundary relocation or change, as shown on the current real estate tax assessment records. One notice sent by first class mail to the last known address of the owners of such parcels as shown on the current real estate tax assessment books or current real estate tax assessment records shall be deemed adequate compliance with this requirement, provided that a representative of each local governing body shall make affidavit that such mailings have been made and file such affidavit with the papers in the petition as prescribed in § 15.2-3108. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as to invalidate any subsequently adopted boundary line agreement because of the inadvertent failure by the representatives of the local governments to give written notice to the owner, owners, or their agent of any parcel involved.

1977, c. 277, § 15.1-1031.2; 1983, c. 594; 1993, c. 392; 1997, c. 587; 2014, c. 503.