dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 5.2 (Athlete Agents)
§ 54.1-538. Prohibited conduct.
An athlete agent may not intentionally:

1. Give a student-athlete or, if the student-athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student-athlete materially false or misleading information or make a materially false promise or representation with the intent to influence the student-athlete or, if the student-athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student-athlete to enter into an agency contract;

2. Furnish anything of value to a student-athlete or another individual, if to do so may result in loss of the student-athlete's eligibility to participate in the student-athlete's sport, unless (i) the agent notifies the athletic director of the educational institution at which the student-athlete is enrolled or at which the agent has reasonable grounds to believe the student-athlete intends to enroll, not later than 72 hours after giving the thing of value and (ii) the student-athlete or, if the student-athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student-athlete acknowledges to the agent in a record that receipt of the thing of value may result in loss of the student-athlete's eligibility to participate in the student-athlete's sport;

3. Initiate contact, directly or indirectly, with a student-athlete or, if the student-athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student-athlete to recruit or solicit the student-athlete or, if the student-athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student-athlete to enter an agency contract unless registered under this chapter;

4. Fail to create, retain, or permit inspection of the records required by § 54.1-537;

5. Fail to register when required by § 54.1-528;

6. Provide materially false or misleading information in an application for registration or renewal of registration;

7. Predate or postdate an agency contract;

8. Fail to notify a student-athlete or, if the student-athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student-athlete before the student-athlete or, if the student-athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian of the student-athlete signs an agency contract for a particular sport that the signing may result in loss of the student-athlete's eligibility to participate in the student-athlete's sport;

9. Encourage another individual to do any of the acts described in subdivisions 1 through 8 on behalf of the agent; or

10. Encourage another individual to assist any other individual in doing any of the acts described in subdivisions 1 through 8 on behalf of the agent.

2020, c. 481, § 54.1-531.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 5.2 (Athlete Agents)
§ 54.1-539. Criminal penalty.
An athlete agent who violates § 54.1-538 is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and in addition, the Director may suspend the agent's certificate of registration for no more than 12 months.

2020, c. 481, § 54.1-532.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 5.2 (Athlete Agents)
§ 54.1-540. Civil remedy; penalty.
A. An educational institution or student-athlete may bring an action for damages against an athlete agent if the institution or student-athlete is adversely affected by an act or omission of the agent in violation of this chapter. An educational institution or student-athlete is adversely affected by an act or omission of the agent only if, because of the act or omission, the institution or an individual who was a student-athlete at the time of the act or omission and enrolled in the institution (i) is suspended or disqualified from participation in an interscholastic or intercollegiate sports event by or under the rules of a state or national federation or association that promotes or regulates interscholastic or intercollegiate sports or (ii) suffers financial damage.

B. A plaintiff that prevails in an action under this section may recover actual damages, punitive damages, costs, and reasonable attorney fees. An athlete agent found liable under this section forfeits any right of payment for anything of benefit or value provided to the student-athlete and shall refund any consideration paid to the agent by or on behalf of the student-athlete.

C. A violation of this chapter also shall constitute a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq.).

D. The Director may assess a civil penalty against an athlete agent not to exceed $50,000 for a violation of this chapter.

2020, c. 481, § 54.1-533.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 5.2 (Athlete Agents)
§ 54.1-541. Uniformity of application of construction.
Consideration shall be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact substantially similar laws.

2020, c. 481, § 54.1-534.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 5.2 (Athlete Agents)
§ 54.1-542. Relation to Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
This chapter modifies, limits, or supersedes the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede § 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. § 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in § 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. § 7003(c).

2020, c. 481, § 54.1-535.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-600. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Absolute auction" means an auction where at the time of the auction sale the real or personal property to be sold will pass to the highest bidder regardless of the amount of the highest and last bid.

"Auction" means the sale of goods or real estate by means of exchanges between an auctioneer and members of his audience, the exchanges consisting of a series of invitations for offers made by the auctioneer, offers made by members of the audience, and acceptance by the auctioneer of the highest or most favorable offer.

"Auction firm" means any corporation, partnership or entity, except a sole proprietorship, performing any of the acts of an auctioneer as defined in this section.

"Auctioneer" means any person who conducts or offers to conduct an auction.

"Board" means the Auctioneers Board.

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

"Goods" means any chattels, merchandise, real or personal property, or commodities of any form or type which may be lawfully kept or offered for sale.

"Person" means any natural person, association, partnership, or corporation, and the officers, directors, and employees of a corporation.

"Virginia licensed auctioneer" means any auctioneer who meets the requirements for licensure as prescribed by the Board.

1982, c. 538, § 54-824.2; 1983, c. 522; 1986, c. 61; 1988, c. 765; 1991, c. 299; 2003, c. 367.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-601. Exemptions.
The provisions of this chapter and the terms "Virginia licensed auctioneer," "auctioneer" or "auction firm," as defined in § 54.1-600, shall not apply to:

1. Any person who auctions his own property, whether owned or leased, provided his regular business is not as an auctioneer;

2. Any person who is acting as a receiver, trustee in bankruptcy, guardian, conservator, administrator, or executor, or any person acting under order of a court;

3. A trustee acting under a trust agreement, deed of trust, or will;

4. An attorney-at-law licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia acting pursuant to a power of attorney;

5. Sales at auction conducted by or under the direction of any public authority, or pursuant to any judicial order or decree;

6. Sale of livestock at a public livestock market authorized by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services;

7. Leaf tobacco sales conducted in accordance with the provisions of former § 3.1-336;

8. Sale at auction of automobiles conducted under the provisions of § 46.2-644.03 or by a motor vehicle dealer licensed under the provisions of Chapter 15 (§ 46.2-1500 et seq.) of Title 46.2;

9. Sale at auction of a particular brand of livestock conducted by an auctioneer of a livestock trade association;

10. Sales conducted by and on behalf of any charitable, religious, civic club, fraternal, or political organization if the person conducting the sale receives no compensation, either directly or indirectly, therefor and has no ownership interest in the merchandise being sold or financial interest in the entity providing such merchandise;

11. Sales, not exceeding one sale per year, conducted by or on behalf of (i) a civic club or (ii) a charitable organization granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

12. Sales of collateral, sales conducted to enforce carriers' or warehousemen's liens, bulk sales, sales of goods by a presenting bank following dishonor of a documentary draft, resales of rightfully rejected goods, resales of goods by an aggrieved seller, or other resales conducted pursuant to Titles 8.1A through 8.10 and the Virginia Self-Service Storage Act (§ 55.1-2900 et seq.).

1982, c. 538, § 54-824.3; 1983, cc. 261, 522; 1986, c. 61; 1988, c. 765; 1991, c. 299; 1995, c. 227; 1997, c. 801; 2009, c. 664; 2014, cc. 21, 684.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-602. Auctioneers Board; membership, meetings and powers.
A. The Auctioneers Board shall be composed of five members as follows: three shall be Virginia licensed auctioneers and two shall be citizen members. Board members shall serve four-year terms.

The Board shall meet at least once each year for the purpose of transacting business. Special meetings of the Board may be held at the discretion of the Director.

B. The Board shall have the following authority and responsibilities:

1. Establish regulations to obtain and retain licensure of auctioneers.

2. Make all case decisions regarding eligibility for initial licensure and renewal thereof.

3. To fine, suspend, deny renewal or revoke for cause, as defined in regulation, any license.

4. To examine auctioneers for licensure.

1982, c. 538, §§ 54-824.4, 54-824.7; 1983, c. 522, § 54-824.9:3; 1988, cc. 42, 765; 1991, c. 299; 2012, c. 522.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-603. License required; requirements for licensure; nonresident applicants.
A. Unless exempted by § 54.1-601, no person or firm shall sell at auction without being licensed by the Board.

B. Any auctioneer desiring to obtain a license may apply to the Board and shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he:

1. Is a resident of Virginia and meets the application fee requirements set by the Board;

2. Is covered by a surety bond, executed by a surety company authorized to do business in this Commonwealth, in a reasonable amount to be fixed by the Board, conditioned upon the faithful and honest conduct of his business or employment;

3. Has successfully completed a course of study at a school of auctioneering which has obtained course approval from the Board or an equivalent course; and

4. Has passed the Virginia Licensed Auctioneer's Examination, administered by the Auctioneers Board.

C. A nonresident of the Commonwealth may be licensed as an auctioneer by meeting one of the following requirements: (i) conform to the provisions of this chapter and regulations of the Board with reference to resident auctioneers or (ii) hold a valid auctioneer's license or certificate in another state with which reciprocity has been established by the Board. Nonresident applicants shall also file with the Board an irrevocable consent that service of process upon the Director is as valid and binding as service of process upon the applicant.

Any process or pleading served upon the Director shall be filed by the Director in his office and a copy thereof immediately forwarded by registered mail to the main office of the auctioneer at the last known address.

1983, c. 522, § 54-824.9:1; 1986, c. 61; 1988, c. 765; 1991, c. 299; 1996, cc. 438, 822; 1997, c. 281; 2010, c. 91.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-603.1. Continuing education.
A. The Board shall promulgate regulations governing continuing education requirements for auctioneers licensed by the Board. Such regulations shall require the completion of the equivalent of at least six hours of Board-approved continuing education courses for any license renewal or reinstatement, except that no continuing education shall be required for any auctioneer licensed by the Board for 25 years or more and who is 70 years of age or older. The Board shall establish criteria for continuing education courses, including but not limited to (i) content and subject matter of continuing education courses; (ii) curriculum of required continuing education courses; (iii) standards and procedures for the approval of courses, course sponsors, and course instructors; (iv) methods of instruction for continuing education courses; and (v) the computation of course credit. Any continuing education courses completed by an auctioneer pursuant to a requirement of the Certified Auctioneers Institute or participation in the educational programs sponsored by the National Auctioneers Association or Virginia Auctioneers Association shall satisfy the continuing education requirement of this section.

B. The Board may grant exemptions or waive or reduce the number of continuing education hours required in cases of certified illness or undue hardship.

2004, c. 956; 2016, c. 504.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-604. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1991, c. 299.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-605. Taxation of auctioneer.
An auctioneer may not have a local license tax imposed by any county, city, or town except that in which his office is maintained. If a branch office is maintained elsewhere in Virginia, a local license tax may be imposed by the county, city or town in which the branch office is located, pursuant to §§ 58.1-3707 and 58.1-3709.

1982, c. 538, § 54-824.15; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-606. Unlawful to advertise as an auctioneer.
It shall be unlawful for any person not licensed under the provisions of this chapter to advertise that he is in the auction business or to hold himself out to the public as an auctioneer.

1982, c. 538, § 54-824.19; 1983, c. 522; 1988, c. 765; 1991, c. 299.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 6 (Auctioneers)
§ 54.1-607. Advertising; absolute auctions involving real property.
A. No advertisements for any auction sale of personal or real property shall contain false, misleading, or deceptive statements, with respect to types or conditions of merchandise offered at auction, why merchandise is being sold, who has ownership, where the merchandise was obtained, or the terms and conditions of the auction and sale.

B. No auctioneer shall advertise an auction sale of real property as "absolute" unless all lots included in the sale meet that criteria.

2003, c. 367.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-701. Exemptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

1. Persons authorized by the laws of the Commonwealth to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathy or chiropractic;

2. Registered nurses licensed to practice in the Commonwealth;

3. Persons employed in state or local penal or correctional institutions, rehabilitation centers, sanatoria, or institutions for care and treatment of individuals with mental illness or intellectual disability, or for care and treatment of geriatric patients, as barbers, cosmetologists, wax technicians, nail technicians, estheticians, barber instructors, cosmetology instructors, wax technician instructors, nail technician instructors, or esthetics instructors who practice only on inmates of or patients in such sanatoria or institutions;

4. Persons licensed as funeral directors or embalmers in the Commonwealth;

5. Gratuitous services as a barber, nail technician, cosmetologist, wax technician, tattooer, body-piercer, ear-piercer, or esthetician;

6. Students enrolled in an approved school taking a course in barbering, nail care, cosmetology, waxing, tattooing, body-piercing, ear-piercing, or esthetics;

7. Persons working in a cosmetology salon whose duties are expressly confined to the blow drying, arranging, dressing, curling, or cleansing of human hair;

8. Apprentices serving in a barbershop, nail salon, waxing salon, cosmetology salon, ear-piercing salon, or esthetics spa licensed by the Board in accordance with the Board's regulations;

9. Schools of barbering, nail care, waxing, or cosmetology in public schools; and

10. Persons whose activities are confined solely to applying make-up, including such activities that are ancillary to applying make-up.

1962, c. 639, § 4, § 54-83.5; 1968, c. 622; 1988, c. 765; 2000, c. 726; 2002, cc. 797, 869; 2003, c. 600; 2005, c. 829; 2012, cc. 476, 507, 803, 835; 2018, c. 404; 2025, cc. 308, 322.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-702. Board for Barbers and Cosmetology; membership; officers; quorum.
The Board for Barbers and Cosmetology shall be composed of 10 members as follows: two members shall be licensed barbers, one of whom may be an owner or operator of a barber school; two members shall be licensed cosmetologists, at least one of whom shall be a salon owner and one of whom may be an owner or operator of a cosmetology school; one member shall be a licensed nail technician or a licensed cosmetologist engaged primarily in the practice of nail care, each of whom shall have been licensed in their respective professions for at least three years immediately prior to appointment; one member shall be either a licensed tattooer or a licensed body-piercer; two members shall be licensed estheticians, at least one of whom shall be an esthetics salon owner and one of whom may be an owner, operator, or designated representative of a licensed esthetics school; and two citizen members. The terms of Board members shall be four years. No member shall serve for more than two full successive terms. The Board shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

1962, c. 639, § 21, § 54-83.22; 1974, c. 534; 1979, c. 327; 1981, c. 447; 1988, cc. 42, 765; 2000, c. 726; 2002, c. 869; 2004, c. 945; 2005, c. 829; 2010, c. 91.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-703. License required.
No person shall offer to engage in or engage in barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, tattooing, body-piercing, ear-piercing, or esthetics without a valid license issued by the Board, except as provided in § 54.1-701.

1979, c. 408, § 54-83.22:1; 1988, c. 765; 2000, c. 726; 2002, cc. 797, 869; 2003, c. 600; 2005, c. 829; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2025, cc. 308, 322.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-703.1. Waiver of examination; wax technicians.
The Board shall waive the examination requirements for licensure as a wax technician for any individual who (i) makes application for licensure between July 1, 2002, and July 1, 2003; (ii) otherwise complies with Board regulations relating to moral turpitude; and (iii) meets any of the following conditions:

1. Has at least three years of documented work experience as a wax technician that is deemed satisfactory by the Board;

2. Has completed a training program that is deemed satisfactory by the Board; or

3. Holds an unexpired certificate of registration, certification, or license as a wax technician issued to him on the basis of comparable requirements by a proper authority of a state, territory, or possession of the United States or the District of Columbia.

2002, c. 797.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-703.2. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 54.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-703.3. Waiver of examination; estheticians.
The Board shall waive the examination requirements for licensure as an esthetician or master esthetician for any individual who (i) makes application for licensure by July 31, 2009; (ii) otherwise complies with Board regulations relating to moral turpitude; and (iii) meets any of the following conditions:

1. Has at least three years of documented work experience as an esthetician or a master esthetician completed prior to July 1, 2008, that is deemed satisfactory by the Board;

2. Has completed a training program prior to July 1, 2008, that is deemed satisfactory by the Board; or

3. Holds an unexpired certificate of registration, certification, or license as an esthetician or a master esthetician issued to him prior to July 1, 2008, on the basis of comparable requirements by a proper authority of a state, territory, or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

2005, c. 829; 2009, cc. 166, 328.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-704. Temporary licenses.
The Board may issue a temporary license to any person who is eligible for examination. Persons issued a temporary license shall be subject to the regulations of the Board.

The Board shall promulgate regulations consistent with this section to permit individuals to be granted temporary licenses for a specified period of time.

1984, c. 220, § 54-83.22:2; 1988, c. 765; 2000, c. 726.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-704.1. License required for barbershop, cosmetology salon, nail care salon, waxing salon, tattoo parlor, body-piercing salon, ear-piercing salon, and esthetics spa.
No individual or entity shall operate a barbershop, cosmetology salon, nail care salon, waxing salon, tattoo parlor, body-piercing salon, ear-piercing salon, or esthetics spa without a valid license issued by the Board.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to a licensed barber, cosmetologist, nail technician, waxing technician, tattooer, body-piercer, ear-piercer, or esthetician who does not have an ownership interest in a licensed barbershop, cosmetology salon, nail care salon, waxing salon, tattoo parlor, body-piercing salon, ear-piercing salon, or esthetics spa in which he is employed.

2000, c. 726; 2002, cc. 797, 869; 2003, c. 600; 2005, c. 829; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2025, cc. 308, 322.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-704.2. License required for schools of barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, tattooing, body-piercing, ear-piercing, or esthetics.
Except as provided in § 54.1-701, no person, firm, or corporation shall operate or attempt to operate a school of barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, tattooing, body-piercing, ear-piercing, or esthetics unless licensed by the Board pursuant to its regulations.

2000, c. 726; 2002, cc. 797, 869; 2003, c. 600; 2005, c. 829; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2025, cc. 308, 322.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-705. Inspections.
A. Inspectors and sanitarians of the State Department of Health, or an affiliated local health department, may inspect each barbershop, cosmetology salon, waxing salon, nail care salon, tattoo parlor, body-piercing salon, ear-piercing salon, and esthetics spa in the Commonwealth regularly. Any infractions shall be immediately reported to the Health Department and the Director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for disciplinary action.

B. The Board may inspect barbershops, barber schools, cosmetology salons and schools, waxing salons and schools, nail care salons and schools, tattoo parlors and schools, body-piercing salons and schools, ear-piercing salons and schools, and esthetics spas and schools for compliance with regulations promulgated by the Board.

C. The Board shall specify procedures for enforcement of compliance with the disease control and disclosure requirements of § 18.2-371.3, including unannounced inspections by appropriate personnel.

D. The Board or the Virginia Department of Health, or an affiliated local health department, may regulate the sanitary condition of the personnel, equipment, and premises of tattoo parlors, body-piercing salons, and ear-piercing salons.

1962, c. 639, § 26, § 54-83.27; 1974, c. 534; 1988, c. 765; 1993, c. 499; 2000, c. 726; 2002, cc. 797, 869; 2003, c. 600; 2005, c. 829; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2025, cc. 308, 322.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-706. Different requirements for licensure.
A. The Board shall have the discretion to impose different requirements for licensure for the practice of barbering, cosmetology, nail care, waxing, tattooing, body-piercing, ear-piercing, and esthetics.

B. The Board shall issue a license to practice as a master barber in the Commonwealth to:

1. An individual who holds a valid, unexpired license as a barber issued by the Board prior to December 8, 2017; or

2. An applicant who has successfully (i) completed the educational requirements as required by the Board, (ii) completed the experience requirements as required by the Board, and (iii) passed the examination approved by the Board.

C. The Board may develop different classes of ear-piercing licenses.

2000, c. 726; 2002, cc. 797, 869; 2003, c. 600; 2005, c. 829; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2018, cc. 231, 237; 2025, cc. 308, 322.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 7 (BARBERS AND COSMETOLOGISTS)
§ 54.1-707. Training and apprenticeship programs; ear-piercers.
The Board shall develop specific training and apprenticeship programs for ear-piercers to ensure safety and competency.

2025, cc. 308, 322.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8 (BOXING AND WRESTLING MATCHES [Repealed])
§ 54.1-800. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 895.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-829. Authorization from Director required; bond; physical examination; emergency medical services vehicles; physician; health insurance.
A. No person shall act as a promoter, matchmaker, trainer, boxer, martial artist, or professional wrestler in the Commonwealth without first having obtained authorization for such activity from the Department or sanctioning organization approved by the Director pursuant to § 54.1-829.1 and such authorization remains in full force and effect.

B. No authorization to act as a promoter shall be granted unless the applicant executes and files with the Department a bond, in such penalty as the Department shall determine through regulation, conditioned on the payment of the fees and penalties imposed by this chapter and for the fulfillment of contracts made with professional contestants in accordance with Department regulations. This subsection shall not apply to a promoter applying to conduct an amateur-only event under the authority of a sanctioning organization approved by the Director pursuant to § 54.1-829.1.

C. Each boxer and martial artist shall, and each professional wrestler may, be examined prior to entering the ring by a physician who has held a license to practice medicine for at least three years in any jurisdiction of the United States and who is currently licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth. The physician shall be approved by the Director and shall certify in writing that the contestant's physical condition is such that he is physically able to engage in the contest.

D. No event in which boxers or martial artists are contestants shall be conducted without the continuous presence at ringside of a physician who has held a license to practice medicine for at least three years in any jurisdiction of the United States and who is currently licensed to practice medicine in the Commonwealth, and unless an emergency medical services vehicle is at the site of the event.

E. No boxer or martial artist shall participate in any event unless covered by a health insurance policy with minimum coverage in an amount determined by Department regulation.

1998, c. 895; 2007, c. 853; 2015, cc. 216, 264, 502, 503; 2016, c. 756; 2025, cc. 95, 111.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-830. Exemptions.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

1. Amateur wrestling bouts;

2. Amateur exhibition bouts and the amateur participants therein;

3. Engagements involving amateur martial arts that are conducted by or held under the sponsorship of (i) any elementary or secondary school or public or private institution of higher education located in the Commonwealth, (ii) the Department of Corrections involving inmates of any state correctional institution, or (iii) the United States Olympic Committee; or

4. Amateur boxing.

1998, c. 895; 2015, cc. 216, 264; 2016, c. 756; 2025, cc. 95, 111.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-831. Powers and duties of the Department.
The Department shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. In addition to the powers and duties otherwise conferred by law, the Director shall have the powers and duties of a regulatory board as contained in §§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-202, and shall have the power and duty to:

1. Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) which implement the federal Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 (15 U.S.C. § 6301 et seq.) and protect the public against incompetent, unqualified, unscrupulous or unfit persons engaging in the activities regulated by this chapter.

The regulations shall include requirements for (i) initial authorization and renewal of the authorization; (ii) authorization and conduct of events; (iii) standards of practice for persons arranging, promoting, conducting, supervising, and participating in events; (iv) grounds for disciplinary actions against regulants; (v) records to be kept and maintained by regulants; (vi) the manner in which fees are to be accounted for and submitted to the Department, provided, however, that no gate fee shall be required for amateur-only events conducted by a sanctioning organization approved by the Director pursuant to § 54.1-829.1; and (vii) minimum health coverage for injuries sustained in a boxing or martial arts match. The Department shall have direct oversight of professional events to assure the safety and well-being of boxers, martial artists, and professional wrestlers, except that those portions of an event containing amateur bouts shall be conducted under the oversight of a sanctioning organization. Sanctioning organizations shall have sole responsibility for direct oversight of amateur-only events in which martial artists compete.

2. Charge each applicant for authorization and for renewals of authorization a nonrefundable fee subject to the provisions of § 54.1-113 and subdivision A 4 of § 54.1-201. A sanctioning organization shall be subject to the application fee provisions of subsection D of § 54.1-829.1.

3. Conduct investigations to determine the suitability of applicants for authorization and to determine the regulant's compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.

4. Conduct investigations as to whether monopolies, combinations, or other circumstances exist to restrain matches or exhibition bouts of boxing, martial arts, or professional wrestling anywhere in the Commonwealth. The Attorney General may assist investigations at the request of the Department.

5. Exercise jurisdiction over all boxing, martial arts, and professional wrestling conducted within the Commonwealth by any person, except where otherwise exempted.

1998, c. 895; 2010, c. 764; 2012, c. 769; 2015, cc. 216, 264; 2016, c. 756; 2025, cc. 95, 111.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-831.01. Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board.
A. The Boxing, Martial Arts, and Professional Wrestling Advisory Board (the Board) is established as an advisory board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government to advise the Director on matters relating to boxing, martial arts, and professional wrestling events in the Commonwealth.

B. The Board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Director as follows: one representative of the sport of boxing; one representative of the sport of professional wrestling; one representative of the sport of martial arts; one representative of either the sport of boxing, martial arts, or professional wrestling; one member who is a martial arts instructor who has obtained the rank of black belt or higher; and two citizen members. All members shall be residents of the Commonwealth. All appointments shall be for terms of four years, except that appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. No person shall be eligible to serve for more than two successive full terms.

C. The Board shall elect its chairman and vice-chairman from among its members. The Board shall meet at least once each year to conduct its business and upon the call of the Director or chair of the Board. Four members shall constitute a quorum.

D. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825.

E. Such staff support as is necessary for the conduct of the Board's business shall be furnished by the Department.

2007, c. 853; 2012, c. 522; 2015, cc. 216, 264.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-831.1. Summary suspension of boxing license.
When required in order to comply with applicable federal law, the Department may suspend the license of any person holding a license as a boxer on medical grounds or when there is substantial danger to the public health or safety without a hearing or informal fact-finding conference. Institution of a proceeding for a hearing or conference shall be provided simultaneously with the summary suspension. The hearing or conference shall be scheduled within a reasonable time of the date of the summary suspension. The suspension shall remain in effect only so long as the medical grounds or danger to the public health or safety shall exist.

2002, c. 33.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-832. Director authorized to contract for certain services; award of contract; authority when no contract is in effect.
A. The Director may contract with a private person, firm, corporation or association to provide any or all of the following services on behalf of the Department: examining and recommending licensure, investigating and ensuring that events are conducted in compliance with statutes and regulations, performing clerical duties, collecting fees, maintaining records, developing proposed regulations in accordance with Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act, and recommending enforcement actions in accordance with Article 3 (§ 2.2-4018 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

B. The Director shall procure any or all of such services in accordance with the provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.). Prior to the award of such contract, a proposer shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Director:

1. Personnel and financial resources necessary to carry out the provisions of the contract;

2. Adequate indemnification to protect the Commonwealth and its agencies and instrumentalities from all claims and losses incurred as a result of the contract;

3. Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws;

4. Ability to develop, implement, and maintain the internal operations necessary to carry out the provisions of the contract; and

5. Ability to meet any other qualifications the Director deems appropriate in the procurement process.

C. Any contract awarded in accordance with this section shall not exceed a three-year term, but may be renewed annually upon the approval of the Director. The Director shall be the signatory to the contract on behalf of the Commonwealth.

D. Nothing herein is intended to deprive the contractor or the Commonwealth of the benefits of any law limiting exposure to liability or setting a limit on damages.

E. Nothing herein is intended to deprive the Director of his authority to carry out the requirements of this chapter when no contract is in effect.

1998, c. 895.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-833. Reports; cable television systems; fee on receipts.
A. Each promoter shall furnish to the Department, within two weeks after the completion of each event, a written and verified report on the form provided by the Department showing the number of tickets sold, unsold, and given away and the amount of gross proceeds thereof for such events originating in the Commonwealth, and its total gross receipts from the sale of rights to distribute in any manner such event by any video, telephonic, or other communication method involving the control of electrons or other charge carriers for such live events originating in the Commonwealth. Within the two-week period, the promoter shall pay to the Department a fee of (i) five percent of the first $100,000 of its total gross receipts and (ii) two and one-half percent of the remainder of its total gross receipts. Records of the promoter shall be subject to audit by the Department.

B. Each cable television system or other multichannel video programming service shall report to the Department in writing the name and address of each person from whom it obtains the rights to provide a live event originating in the Commonwealth.

C. The Department shall hold all license fees in a special fund of the state treasury subject to appropriation of the General Assembly. Payments from this fund shall be made to the contractors for their services on behalf of the Commonwealth. No payment shall exceed the balance of the fund. The Department shall draw from the fund to cover any expenses associated with the provisions of this chapter.

1998, c. 895; 2015, cc. 216, 264; 2025, cc. 95, 111.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-834. Prohibited activities; penalties.
A. No betting or wagering shall be permitted at an event or exhibition bout before, during, or after the event in the building where the event is held.

B. No person shall participate in a sham or fake boxing or martial arts contest. The Department shall have the authority to order, without a hearing, the person controlling the purse to hold the distribution to contestants, promoters, and trainers pending a public hearing by the Department. The Department shall, simultaneously with the issuance of such order to retain the share or purse, institute proceedings for a hearing to determine whether a sham or fake boxing or martial arts contest has occurred.

C. It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to violate this section or any statute or regulation governing the persons or activities regulated pursuant to this chapter.

D. The third or any subsequent conviction for violating any provision of this section during a 36-month period shall constitute a Class 6 felony.

1998, c. 895; 2015, cc. 216, 264; 2016, c. 756; 2025, cc. 95, 111.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 8.1 (BOXING AND WRESTLING EVENTS)
§ 54.1-835. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2015, cc. 216 and 264, cl. 2, effective October 1, 2015.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-900. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Board for Branch Pilots.

"Branch pilots" means pilots who have qualified and been licensed in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-905.

"Limited branch pilots" means pilots who have qualified and been licensed in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-909.

"Pilot" means branch pilot and limited branch pilot.

Code 1950, § 54-525; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-901. Appointment and removal of members; quorum; clerk.
The Board for Branch Pilots shall consist of nine members to be appointed as follows: the Circuit Court of the City of Hampton shall appoint three persons, only one of whom shall be a branch pilot, and the Circuit Court of the City of Norfolk shall appoint four persons, only two of whom shall be branch pilots, and the Circuit Court of the City of Portsmouth shall appoint two persons, only one of whom shall be a branch pilot. The court which appointed a member may remove him for incapacity, neglect of duty or misconduct and may fill the vacancy.

Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall appoint a clerk, who shall keep a record of the Board's proceedings.

Code 1950, §§ 54-527, 54-528, 54-530, 54-531; 1978, c. 834; 1988, c. 765.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-902. Regulations; suspension or revocation of license; penalty for violation.
A. The Board is authorized to promulgate regulations necessary for the proper government and regulation of pilots and to prescribe penalties for the violation of regulations in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). Regulations may include the right to suspend or revoke the branch of any pilot. Such suspension or revocation may be in addition to any other penalty imposed by law for the violation.

Reasonable notice and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the Administrative Process Act shall be given before the Board shall take any action to revoke or suspend the license of any licensee.

B. The Board may suspend a license of any person without a hearing, simultaneously with the institution of proceedings for a hearing, if it finds that there is substantial danger to the public health or safety which warrants such action. The Board may meet by telephone conference call when summarily suspending a license, if a good faith effort to assemble a quorum of the Board has failed and in the judgment of a majority of the members of the Board, the continued practice of the licensee constitutes a substantial danger to the public health or safety. Institution of proceeding for a hearing shall be provided simultaneously with the summary suspension. The hearing shall be scheduled within a reasonable time of the date of the summary suspension.

C. Before any penalty for violation of the regulations may be imposed, a printed copy of the regulations shall be furnished to each pilot.

Code 1950, § 54-529; 1988, c. 765; 1989, c. 584.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-903. Decisions of controversies between pilots and masters, etc.; judgment of Board.
The Board may decide any controversy between pilots or between a pilot and the master, owner, or consignee of any vessel, which may arise under any law concerning pilots in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). If the decision requires the payment of money, the Board shall enter a judgment therefor on the record of its proceedings. When an authorized officer receives a copy of the judgment, he shall enforce the payment as if it were an execution against the property of the debtor.

Code 1950, §§ 54-533, 54-534; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-904. Limitation of powers of Board.
Nothing in this chapter shall authorize the Board to decide upon the liability of a pilot or his apprentice to any person injured by his negligence or misconduct, or to prevent such person from recovering for any damage occasioned thereby.

Code 1950, § 54-535; 1988, c. 765.
Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-905. Examination of pilots; issuance of license; bonds and oath of office.
Applicants for examination shall submit to the Board a certificate from the circuit court in the county or city of their residence stating that the applicant is of good character and a resident of the Commonwealth. The applicant shall also submit proof that he has served as an apprentice for five years, including three years as a limited branch pilot. If the Board finds the applicant qualified to act as a branch pilot it shall issue him a license, and he shall thereupon become a state officer, to be known as a branch pilot and shall hold office as such for one year next ensuing. Before he may perform any of the duties of his office he shall give bond before the clerk of the circuit court of the county or city in which he resides in the penalty of $500, conditioned for the faithful performance of his duties and he shall take the oath of office required by § 49-1.

Branch pilots may conduct and pilot any vessel.

Code 1950, §§ 54-536, 54-555; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-906. Expiration and renewal of licenses.
All licenses issued by the Board shall expire on December 31 of the year in which issued. Every pilot who holds a license as a branch pilot shall appear before the Board every twelve months, and, if the Board deems him qualified, it shall renew his license, which shall continue his term of office for one year following each renewal. Upon each renewal he shall appear before the clerk before whom he originally qualified, and renew his oath of office, but the bond given by him shall remain in force.

Code 1950, §§ 54-537, 54-538; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-907. Fee for original license and license renewal.
Upon the application for license as a branch pilot and each renewal thereof, the applicant for license or license renewal shall pay a fee established by the Board pursuant to § 54.1-113.

Code 1950, §§ 54-539, 54-540; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 72.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-908. State and local licenses prohibited.
No state, city, town or county licenses shall be assessed against any branch pilot.

Code 1950, § 54-541; 1988, c. 765.

Code of Virginia — Title 54.1 (Professions and Occupations), Chapter 9 (BRANCH PILOTS)
§ 54.1-909. License as limited branch pilot.
Any apprentice may apply to the Board for a license as a limited branch pilot. The Board may grant him a license after proper examination if in the opinion of the Board the applicant is qualified. The Board may endorse on the license such limitations as it deems proper, and a limited branch pilot shall perform his duties of piloting and conducting vessels within the limitations imposed by his license.

Code 1950, §§ 54-542, 54-543, 54-556; 1988, c. 765; 2007, cc. 326, 559.