dcrodriguez/Code-of-Virginia huggingface dataset:
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-19.8:2. Absences on legislative commissions.
The absence of any appointed nonlegislative citizen member from three consecutive regular meetings of any joint subcommittee, board, commission, authority, council, or other body that has been created or established in the legislative branch unless on account of sickness shall be sufficient cause for the original appointing authority to declare the position vacated and to fill such vacancy.

2014, c. 634.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-19.9. Distribution of information on proposed constitutional amendments to voters.
When a proposed amendment is to be submitted to the people for their approval and ratification pursuant to Article XII, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia and § 30-19, the State Board of Elections shall cause to be printed and distributed to the general registrar of each county and city, not less than ninety days prior to the election, copies of an explanation of such amendment to be placed at each registration site in sufficient number to provide a copy to any interested person, and to election officials to be posted at the polling places on the day of the election. The State Board shall post the explanation on its site on the Internet. It also shall cause such explanation to be published by paid advertisement in each daily newspaper with an average daily circulation of more than 50,000 in Virginia, and published in Virginia or in a contiguous state or district, once during the week preceding the final day for registration and once during the week preceding the election at which the proposed amendment is to be presented to the people.

The explanation shall contain the ballot question, the full text of the proposed constitutional amendment, and a statement of not more than 500 words on the proposed amendment. The explanation shall be presented in plain English, shall be limited to a neutral explanation, which may include a brief statement on the effect of a "yes" and "no" vote on the question but shall not include arguments submitted by either proponents or opponents of the proposal. The Division of Legislative Services, in consultation with such agencies of state government as may be appropriate, including the Office of Attorney General, shall prepare an explanation for any such proposal which is approved by the General Assembly on first reference and referred to the next regular session of the General Assembly following the general election of members of the House of Delegates. The explanation shall be approved for distribution as to form and content by the Committee on Privileges and Elections of the first house of introduction of the resolution proposing the amendment as soon as practicable after enactment of the ballot question.

Any failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall not affect the validity of the constitutional amendment.

1987, c. 311; 1999, c. 589; 2001, c. 1.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-2. Meeting at place appointed by Governor.
If the General Assembly cannot safely meet at the place prescribed by law, or to which it has adjourned, because of a public enemy, or any dangerous contagious disease, or for any other cause, it may meet at such other place as the Governor shall appoint, of which he shall give notice by proclamation.

Code 1919, § 295.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-3. How convened in extra session.
Whenever two-thirds of the members of both houses of the General Assembly shall, after their adjournment sine die, desire to convene the same in conformity to the Constitution, they shall make application in writing to the Governor over their own signatures, and this shall be deemed by him a proper application. He shall thereupon convene the General Assembly, at such time and place as shall be designated by the application; or, if the time and place be not so designated, then at such convenient and reasonable time and place as he shall appoint.

Code 1919, § 296.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-4. Civil proceedings for or against members, clerks or clerks' assistants, or the Lieutenant Governor during session.
Any action, suit or other civil proceeding, either in favor of or against a member of the General Assembly, or the clerks thereof, or the clerks' full-time assistants, the sergeant-at-arms of the Senate or House, or the Lieutenant Governor, may be commenced, but shall not, unless by their consent, be prosecuted to final judgment or decree during the session of the General Assembly. In addition, no such person shall be compelled in any civil proceeding to appear or to answer or respond, in person or in writing, nor shall any such person be taken into custody or imprisoned during the session of the General Assembly, or during the fifteen days next before the beginning or after the ending of any session.

Code 1919, § 297; 1997, c. 471.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-5. Continuance or time for filing pleading, etc., where party or attorney is connected with General Assembly or Division of Legislative Services.
Any party to an action or proceeding in any court, including the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Virginia, commission or other tribunal having judicial or quasi-judicial powers or jurisdiction who is an officer, employee or member or member-elect of the General Assembly or employee of the Division of Legislative Services, or who has, prior to or during the session of the General Assembly, employed or retained to represent him in such action or proceeding an attorney who is or becomes an officer, employee or member or member-elect of the General Assembly or employee of the Division of Legislative Services, shall be entitled to a continuance as a matter of right (i) during the period beginning 30 days prior to the commencement of the session and ending 30 days after the adjournment thereof, and (ii) during a period beginning one day prior to the meeting date of any reconvened or veto session or of any commission, council, committee or subcommittee created by the General Assembly at which such officer, employee or member is scheduled to attend and ending one day after the adjournment of such meeting; however, no continuance need be granted under clause (ii) unless it shall have been requested in writing at least three days prior to the first day for which the continuance is sought and filed with the court. The requesting party, when practicable, shall strive to notify all other parties to the proceeding of such request.

Any pleading or the performance of any act relating thereto required to be filed or performed by any statute or rule during the period beginning 30 days prior to the commencement of the session and ending 30 days after the adjournment of the session shall be extended until not less than 30 days after any such session. The failure of any court, commission or other tribunal to allow such continuance when requested so to do or the returning of such filing or act during the period hereinabove specified shall constitute reversible error; provided that this section shall not prevent the granting of temporary injunctive relief, or the dissolution or extension of a temporary injunction, but the right to such relief shall remain in the sound discretion of the court or other such tribunal.

Code 1919, § 298; 1926, p. 18; 1934, p. 370; 1940, p. 363; 1952, c. 234; 1960, c. 147; 1973, cc. 242, 322; 1984, c. 703; 1987, c. 192; 2002, cc. 584, 617; 2012, c. 394.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-6. Privilege of members, clerks and clerks' assistants, and Lieutenant Governor from arrest.
During the session of the General Assembly, and for five days before and after the session, members of the General Assembly, the clerks thereof and the clerks' full-time assistants, and the sergeants-at-arms of the Senate and House shall be privileged from being taken into custody or imprisoned under any process except as provided in § 30-7; nor shall such persons for such periods of time be subject to process as a witness in any case, civil or criminal. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to the Lieutenant Governor during his attendance at sessions of the General Assembly and while going to and from such sessions.

Code 1919, § 299; 1958, c. 29; 1975, c. 427; 1997, c. 471.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-7. Members, clerks, assistants, etc., subject to arrest for criminal offenses.
Any member of the General Assembly, any clerk thereof or his assistants, the Lieutenant Governor or the sergeant-at-arms of the Senate or the House who is alleged to have committed a criminal offense as defined in § 18.2-8, shall be subject at any time to be charged, arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned for such offense.

Code 1919, § 300; 1975, c. 427; 1997, c. 471.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-8. Member must obey writ of habeas corpus.
Any court or judge awarding a writ of habeas corpus, directed to a member of the General Assembly, shall have power to compel obedience to such writ.

Code 1919, § 301.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND OFFICERS THEREOF)
§ 30-9. Privilege of members for words spoken or written.
No member or former member of the General Assembly shall be arrested or imprisoned for or on account of any words spoken or written or any proceedings had in either house; but nothing herein shall in any respect restrict the power which each house of the General Assembly has over its respective members.

Code 1919, § 302.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.11. Salaries of Speaker of House of Delegates and members of General Assembly.
The Speaker of the House of Delegates and all other members of the General Assembly shall each receive an annual salary as shall be set forth in the general appropriation act. Such salaries shall be payable not more often than biweekly.

1971, Ex. Sess., c. 194, § 14.1-17.1; 1976, c. 604; 1984, c. 161; 1998, c. 872; 2025, c. 687.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.12. Compensation of members of the General Assembly and certain commissions engaged in legislative services.
A. Subject to the provisions of subsections B through G hereof, members of all legislative committees, legislative commissions, and councils established by the General Assembly and all committees and subcommittees of any of the foregoing shall receive compensation at such rate as provided for in § 2.2-2813. Any other member of the General Assembly whose attendance, in the opinion of the chairman of such a group, is required at a sitting of such group shall also be entitled to compensation at the same rate.

B. A legislative member shall not be entitled to compensation pursuant to this section for any services performed on any day that the member's house is in active session. For purposes of this subsection, "active session" means (i) any day during any regular session of the General Assembly or the first extension thereof, (ii) any day that a roll call vote is taken in the member's house during any second or subsequent extension of a regular session that is not a pro forma session, or (iii) any day that a roll call vote is taken in the member's house during any special session of the General Assembly that is not a pro forma session.

C. A legislative member shall not be entitled to compensation pursuant to this section for legislative services performed on Capitol Square on any day that the member's house has a pro forma session.

D. Full-time employees of the Commonwealth or of any of its political subdivisions shall not be entitled to compensation pursuant to this section.

E. No person shall receive pursuant to this section a total of more than one day's compensation for services performed on any one day. Whenever a member attends two or more meetings for which compensation is authorized herein in a single day, such one day's compensation shall be prorated from among the activities served.

F. Compensation of members of the General Assembly provided for in this section shall be paid by the offices of the Clerk of the House of Delegates or Clerk of the Senate as appropriate and funds therefor transferred from the appropriate activity.

G. For purposes of this section, "Capitol Square" means the grounds and all buildings in the City of Richmond bounded by Bank, Governor, Broad and Ninth Streets. "Pro forma session" means a session that is announced as a pro forma session by the presiding officer and in which no business is scheduled to be conducted.

Code 1950, § 14-29.1; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-18; 1966, c. 703; 1974, c. 356; 1979, c. 316; 1980, c. 718; 1984, c. 161; 1998, cc. 790, 872; 2006, c. 272.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.13. Additional provisions for expenses of members and presiding officers of General Assembly.
Each member of the General Assembly shall, during any regular session of the General Assembly or extension thereof, or during any special session of the General Assembly, receive for each day as allowances for expenses such sum as shall be set forth in the general appropriation act and mileage allowance at the rate provided in § 2.2-2823 or actual expenses for all official travel. Such mileage or travel reimbursement shall be allowed only for one round trip each week between the City of Richmond and such person's home.

1971, Ex. Sess., c. 240, § 14.1-18.1; 1972, cc. 510, 719; 1974, c. 356; 1975, c. 132; 1984, c. 161; 1998, c. 872.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.14. Office expenses; taxes and withholding.
A. Each member of the General Assembly shall receive as an allowance for office expenses and supplies such sums as shall be set forth in the general appropriation act.

B. Notwithstanding any provision of law, all payments to members of the General Assembly made in accordance with subsection A shall be subject to such taxes and tax withholding as applicable to other nonvouchered allowances, except for any member of the General Assembly who has established an individual "accountable plan" as defined in § 1.62-2(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code Tax Regulations.

1976, c. 735, § 14.1-18.2; 1984, c. 161; 1998, c. 872; 2001, c. 785.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.15. Mileage of members of the General Assembly, legislative committees, etc.
The members of the General Assembly and officers and employees of each house thereof, and members of legislative committees which may sit during any recess of the General Assembly, who are traveling on official business of the Commonwealth, shall be entitled to receive for their mileage such reimbursement as prescribed in § 2.2-2823 for every mile of actual travel.

Code 1950, § 14-30; 1954, c. 709; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-19; 1969, Ex. Sess., c. 4; 1972, cc. 719, 749; 1975, c. 132; 1998, c. 872; 1999, c. 930.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.16. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 1999, c. 930

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.18. How distance ascertained from place other than courthouse.
For the purpose of this chapter and Chapter 1 (§ 2.2-100 et seq.) and §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2814 of Title 2.2 only, the distance of the City of Richmond from any place in any county or city other than the courthouse thereof, shall be ascertained by adding to or deducting from the number of miles between the City of Richmond and such courthouse, as declared by law, so many miles as such place may be farther from or nearer to the City of Richmond than such courthouse may be.

Code 1950, § 14-7; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-21; 1998, c. 872.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.19. Salaries of Clerks of House of Delegates and Senate.
The Clerk of the House of Delegates and the Senate shall each receive such salaries as shall be fixed from time to time by the general appropriation act.

Code 1950, § 14-31; 1954, c. 443; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-22; 1998, c. 872.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.20. Employment and compensation of personnel.
The House of Delegates and the Senate and the clerks thereof are authorized to employ such personnel as may be deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the General Assembly as prescribed by the rules or resolutions of the respective houses.

The House of Delegates and the Senate shall by resolution or resolutions set the compensation of the personnel employed by each house, and the personnel shall be paid from the contingent fund of each house, respectively.

Code 1950, § 14-32; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-23; 1966, c. 703; 1998, c. 872.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.21. Legislator Compensation Commission; purpose; establishment; membership; staffing.
A. The Legislator Compensation Commission (the Commission) is established in the legislative branch of state government. The Commission shall convene every four years for the purpose of reviewing the salaries, expense allowances, retirement benefits, and other emoluments received by members of the General Assembly and making recommendations for any adjustments to such salaries or allowance amounts.

B. The Commission shall consist of 11 members who shall be appointed as follows:

1. Two former members of the Senate of Virginia, with equal representation given to each of the political parties having the highest and next highest number of members in the Senate, appointed by the Joint Rules Committee;

2. Four former members of the House of Delegates, with equal representation given to each of the political parties having the highest and next highest number of members in the House of Delegates, appointed by the Joint Rules Committee; and

3. Five nonlegislative citizen members, of whom one shall be appointed by the Governor, one shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, one shall be appointed by the House Minority Leader, one shall be appointed by the Senate Majority Leader, and one shall be appointed by the Senate Minority Leader.

C. Appointments of Commission members shall be made no later than July 1 of the year in which a gubernatorial election is scheduled. Members shall serve until the submission of the report required pursuant to § 30-19.22 and may be reappointed to any subsequent convening of the Commission. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

The Commission shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the Commission shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

D. Commission members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825 for reasonable and necessary expenses that are incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to this article.

E. Administrative staff support shall be provided by the Office of the Clerk of the Senate or the Office of the Clerk of the House of Delegates as may be appropriate for the house in which the chairman of the Commission serves. The Division of Legislative Services shall provide legal, research, and policy analysis to the Commission. The staffs of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations shall provide technical assistance to the Commission. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

2025, c. 687.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 1.1 (General Assembly Salaries and Expenses)
§ 30-19.22. Powers and duties; report.
A. The Commission shall convene every four years in the year in which a gubernatorial election is scheduled for the purpose of reviewing the salaries, expense allowances, retirement benefits, and other emoluments received by members of the General Assembly. In conducting its review, the Commission shall (i) review the current salaries, expense allowances, retirement benefits, and any other emoluments for members of the General Assembly; (ii) examine the Commonwealth's history of legislative compensation; (iii) gather information regarding the compensation, expenses, and benefits for legislative service in other states; (iv) assess various state methodologies for determining reasonable legislative compensation, including tying salaries to certain indexes or economic indicators; and (v) seek assistance and input of legislators and other citizens by conducting surveys or holding public hearings as may be appropriate.

B. The Commission shall determine whether any adjustments to the salaries, expense allowances, retirement benefits, or other emoluments are indicated and shall submit its findings and recommendations in a report to the Governor and the General Assembly on or before October 1 of the year following a gubernatorial election.

C. Any adjustments made to the salaries, expense allowances, or other emoluments or benefits that are recommended by the Commission and included in a budget bill that is subsequently adopted by the General Assembly shall not be effective until January 1 of the year immediately following the general election for all members of the General Assembly.

2025, c. 687.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 10 (Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act)
§ 30-78. Title of chapter.
This chapter may be referred to as the "Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act."

1994, cc. 3, 732.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 10 (Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act)
§ 30-79. Purpose.
A. Section 11 of Article X of the Constitution of Virginia (1971) requires that the General Assembly maintain a state employees retirement system to be administered in the best interest of the beneficiaries thereof. In order to fulfill this duty, continuing legislative oversight of the Virginia Retirement System ("Retirement System" or "System") is essential.

B. The General Assembly hereby designates the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission ("Commission") to oversee and evaluate the Virginia Retirement System on a continuing basis and to make such special studies and reports as may be requested by the General Assembly, the House Committee on Appropriations, or the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

1994, cc. 3, 732.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 10 (Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act)
§ 30-80. Duties and powers.
A. The areas of review and evaluation to be conducted by the Commission shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) structure and governance of the Retirement System; (ii) structure of the investment portfolio; (iii) investment practices, policies, and performance, including the effect of investment performance on employer contributions; (iv) actuarial policy and the actuarial soundness of the Retirement System's trust funds; and (v) administration and management of the Retirement System.

B. For the purpose of carrying out its duties under this chapter and notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, the Commission shall have the following powers, including but not limited to:

1. Access to the information, records, and facilities of the Retirement System and any corporations or subsidiaries thereof or other entities owned, directly or indirectly, or otherwise created by or on behalf of the System.

2. Access to the public and executive session meetings and records of the board of trustees of the System, as well as those of the System's investment advisory committee and real estate advisory committee. Access shall include the right to attend such meetings.

3. Access to the System's employees, consultants, actuaries, investment managers, advisors, attorneys, accountants, or other contractors in the employ or hire of the Virginia Retirement System. Such persons shall cooperate with the Commission and upon its request shall provide specific information or opinions in the form requested.

4. The chairman of the Commission may appoint a permanent subcommittee to provide guidance and direction for oversight activities, subject to the full Commission's supervision and such guidelines as the Commission itself may provide.

C. Confidential or proprietary records of the Virginia Retirement System or its subsidiary corporations provided to the Commission shall be exempted from the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

1994, cc. 3, 732.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 10 (Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act)
§ 30-81. Required reports.
A. The Virginia Retirement System shall submit to the General Assembly, through its Commission, both semi-annual and annual reports on the investment programs of the Retirement System. The report shall be presented in a format approved by the Commission and shall include information concerning (i) planned or actual material changes in asset allocation, (ii) investment performance of all asset classes and subclasses, and (iii) investment policies and programs.

B. The System shall also submit a biennial report on the actuarial soundness of its trust funds, which shall include (i) funding policy and objectives, (ii) current and projected funding levels, (iii) current and projected contribution rates, and (iv) actuarial assumptions.

C. The System shall furnish such reports or information as may be requested by standing committees of the General Assembly having jurisdiction over the subject matter which is the basis of such committee's inquiry.

D. The Commission shall publish the following reports concerning the Retirement System: (i) a biennial status report which shall include, at a minimum and where appropriate, findings and recommendations and the status of actions, if any, taken in response to prior recommendations and (ii) with the assistance of an actuary, an actuarial report once every four years.

E. The Commission's staff shall prepare and maintain an informational guide to the Virginia Retirement System for the members of the General Assembly.

F. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall complete an annual financial audit of the Virginia Retirement System, the State Police Officers' Retirement System, and the Judicial Retirement System. The Auditor shall report the findings of his audit to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. Such audit shall be submitted on or before the first day of the General Assembly session.

1994, cc. 3, 732.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 10 (Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act)
§ 30-82. Use of consultants.
The Commission may employ on a consulting basis such investment, actuarial, and other professional or technical experts as may be reasonably necessary for the Commission to fulfill its responsibilities under this chapter. Such consultants shall provide, upon request, assistance to the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations on matters related to the Retirement System.

1994, cc. 3, 732.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 10 (Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act)
§ 30-83. Cooperation of other agencies.
All agencies of the Commonwealth shall cooperate as requested by the Commission in the performance of its duties under this chapter.

1994, cc. 3, 732.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 10 (Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act)
§ 30-84. Funding for Commission's oversight activities.
The Commission's reasonable and necessary expenses related to its duties under this chapter shall be paid by the Retirement System and shall be borne by each trust fund in the System in the same ratio as the assets of each trust fund, as of the preceding June 30, bear to the total trust funds of the System on that date. On or before September 30 of each year, the Commission shall submit to the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System an itemized estimate for the next fiscal year of the amounts necessary to pay the Commission's expenses related to its duties under this chapter and shall include the estimate as part of the agency's budget submission to the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

1994, cc. 3, 732; 2005, c. 633.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 11 (JOINT COMMISSION ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE)
§ 30-85. Commission established; powers and duties.
The Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) is hereby established as a permanent legislative agency of the Commonwealth. JCOTS shall generally study all aspects of technology and science and endeavor to stimulate, encourage, promote, and assist in the development of technology and science in the Commonwealth and sound public policies related thereto. In addition, JCOTS shall:

1. Evaluate the impact of existing statutes and proposed legislation related to technology and science in the Commonwealth;

2. Advise the General Assembly, Governor, and agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth upon matters related to technology and science;

3. Investigate, research, and consider such issues related to technology and science as may be requested by the General Assembly or determined by JCOTS;

4. Make recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor;

5. Consult with appropriate entities, public or private, on matters related to technology and science under JCOTS' consideration;

6. Encourage research and development in technology and science;

7. Solicit input from appropriate entities, public or private, on issues related to technology and science;

8. Coordinate its efforts with and assist the efforts of other agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth;

9. Accept private or public funds to carry out its purposes; and

10. Annually report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. JCOTS shall make such further interim reports to the General Assembly and the Governor as it deems advisable or as required by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly or by the Governor. The chairman of JCOTS shall submit to the General Assembly and the Governor an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of JCOTS no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

1997, c. 847; 2005, c. 322.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 11 (JOINT COMMISSION ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE)
§ 30-86. Membership; terms; vacancies; chairman and vice-chairman; expenses; quorum.
A. JCOTS shall be composed of 12 members, seven of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates from the membership thereof, in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates, and five of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules from the membership of the Senate.

B. Members shall serve for terms coincident with their terms of office. Members may be reappointed for successive terms. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

C. JCOTS members shall receive compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and shall be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to JCOTS for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

D. Five members of JCOTS shall constitute a quorum. At the first meeting following the adjournment sine die of the Regular Session in an even-numbered year, JCOTS shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A vacancy in either office shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner. Meetings of JCOTS shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever members constituting a quorum so request.

1997, c. 847; 2000, c. 1046; 2005, c. 322.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 11 (JOINT COMMISSION ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE)
§ 30-87. Staff; cooperation and assistance.
JCOTS may appoint, employ, and remove an executive director and such other persons as it deems necessary and determine their duties and fix their salaries or compensation within the amounts appropriated therefor. All agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth shall cooperate and provide assistance to JCOTS upon request.

1997, c. 847; 2005, c. 322; 2024, c. 739.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 11 (JOINT COMMISSION ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE)
§ 30-88. Advisory committees.
JCOTS may establish advisory committees composed of persons with expertise in the matters under consideration by JCOTS. Such persons shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to JCOTS for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825, unless they waive reimbursement.

1997, c. 847; 2005, c. 322.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 11 (JOINT COMMISSION ON TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE)
§ 30-89. Reserved.
Reserved.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 12 (JOINT COMMISSION ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT [Repealed])
§ 30-90. Repealed.
Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 577.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-100. Declaration of legislative policy; construction.
The General Assembly, recognizing that our system of representative government is dependent in part upon (i) citizen legislative members representing fully the public in the legislative process and (ii) its citizens maintaining the highest trust in their public officers, finds and declares that the citizens are entitled to be assured that the judgment of the members of the General Assembly will not be compromised or affected by inappropriate conflicts.

The provisions of this chapter do not preclude prosecution for any violation of any criminal law of the Commonwealth, including Articles 2 (Bribery and Related Offenses, § 18.2-438 et seq.) and 3 (Bribery of Public Servants and Party Officials, § 18.2-446 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 18.2, and do not constitute a defense to any prosecution for such a violation.

This chapter shall apply to the members of the General Assembly.

This chapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its purpose.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.30; 2001, c. 844; 2014, cc. 792, 804.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-102. Application.
This article applies to generally prohibited conduct which shall be unlawful.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.32; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-103.2. Return of gifts.
No person shall be in violation of any provision of this chapter prohibiting the acceptance of a gift if the gift is not used by such person and the gift or its equivalent in money is returned to the donor or delivered to a charitable organization within a reasonable period of time upon the discovery of the value of the gift and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes or (ii) consideration is given by the donee to the donor for the value of the gift within a reasonable period of time upon the discovery of the value of the gift provided that such consideration reduces the value of the gift to an amount not in excess of $100 as provided in subsection B of § 30-103.1.

2015, cc. 763, 777.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-104. Application.
This article proscribes certain conduct relating to contracts.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.34; 2001, c. 844.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-105. Prohibited contracts by legislators.
A. No legislator shall have a personal interest in a contract with the legislative branch of state government.

B. No legislator shall have a personal interest in a contract with any governmental agency of the executive or judicial branches of state government, other than in a contract of regular employment, unless such contract is awarded as a result of competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in § 2.2-4302.1 or 2.2-4302.2 or is exempted from competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation pursuant to § 2.2-4344.

C. No legislator shall have a personal interest in a contract with any governmental agency of local government, other than in a contract of regular employment, unless such contract is (i) awarded as a result of competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in § 2.2-4302.1 or 2.2-4302.2 or is awarded as a result of a procedure embodying competitive principles as authorized by subdivision A 10 or A 11 of § 2.2-4343; (ii) exempted from competitive sealed bidding, competitive negotiation, or a procedure embodying competitive principles pursuant to § 2.2-4344; or (iii) awarded after a finding, in writing, by the administrative head of the local governmental agency that competitive bidding or negotiation is contrary to the best interest of the public.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to contracts for the sale by a governmental agency of services or goods at uniform prices available to the general public.

E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a legislator's personal interest in a contract between a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth and a publisher or wholesaler of textbooks or other educational materials for students, which accrues to him solely because he has authored or otherwise created such textbooks or materials.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.35; 2001, c. 844; 2013, c. 583; 2017, cc. 829, 832.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-107. Application.
This article relates to conduct by legislators having a personal interest in a transaction.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.37; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-108. Prohibited conduct concerning personal interest in a transaction.
A legislator who has a personal interest in a transaction shall disqualify himself from participating in the transaction.

Unless otherwise prohibited by the rules of his house, the disqualification requirement of this section shall not prevent any legislator from participating in discussions and debates, provided (i) he verbally discloses the fact of his personal interest in the transaction at the outset of the discussion or debate or as soon as practicable thereafter and (ii) he does not vote on the transaction in which he has a personal interest.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.38; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-109. Application.
This article requires disclosure of certain personal and financial interests by legislators.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.39; 2001, c. 844.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-110. Disclosure.
A. In accordance with the requirements set forth in § 30-111.1, every legislator and legislator-elect shall file, as a condition to assuming office, a disclosure statement of his personal interests and such other information as is required on the form prescribed by the Council pursuant to § 30-111 and thereafter shall file such a statement annually on or before February 1. Disclosure forms shall be made available by the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council at least 30 days prior to the filing deadline. Disclosure forms shall be filed electronically with the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council in accordance with the standards approved by it pursuant to § 30-356. The disclosure forms of the members of the General Assembly shall be maintained as public records for five years in the office of the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. Such forms shall be made public no later than six weeks after the filing deadline.

B. Candidates for the General Assembly shall file a disclosure statement of their personal interests as required by §§ 24.2-500 through 24.2-503.

C. Any legislator who has a personal interest in any transaction pending before the General Assembly and who is disqualified from participating in that transaction pursuant to § 30-108 and the rules of his house shall disclose his interest in accordance with the applicable rule of his house.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.40; 2001, c. 844; 2006, c. 779; 2014, cc. 792, 804; 2015, cc. 763, 777; 2016, cc. 773, 774; 2017, cc. 829, 832.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-110.1. Report of gifts.
Every legislator shall file, on or before May 1, a report of gifts accepted or received by him or a member of his immediate family during the period beginning on January 1 complete through adjournment sine die of the regular session of the General Assembly. The gift report shall be on a form prescribed by the Council and shall be filed electronically with the Council in accordance with the standards approved by it pursuant to § 30-356. For purposes of this section, "adjournment sine die" means adjournment on the last legislative day of the regular session and does not include the ensuing reconvened session. Any gifts reported pursuant to this section shall not be listed on the annual disclosure form prescribed by the Council pursuant to § 30-111.

2016, cc. 773, 774.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-111. Disclosure form.
A. The disclosure form to be used for filings required by subsections A and B of § 30-110 shall be prescribed by the Council. All completed forms shall be filed electronically with the Council in accordance with the standards approved by it pursuant to § 30-356.

B. Any legislator who knowingly and intentionally makes a false statement of a material fact on the Statement of Economic Interests is guilty of a Class 5 felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action for such violations by the house in which the legislator sits.

C. The Statement of Economic Interests of all members of each house shall be reviewed by the Council. If a legislator's Statement is found to be inadequate as filed, the legislator shall be notified in writing and directed to file an amended Statement correcting the indicated deficiencies, and a time shall be set within which such amendment shall be filed. If the Statement of Economic Interests, in either its original or amended form, is found to be adequate as filed, the legislator's filing shall be deemed in full compliance with this section as to the information disclosed thereon.

D. Ten percent of the membership of a house, on the basis of newly discovered facts, may in writing request the house in which those members sit, in accordance with the rules of that house, to review the Statement of Economic Interests of another member of that house in order to determine the adequacy of his filing. In accordance with the rules of each house, each Statement of Economic Interests shall be promptly reviewed, the adequacy of the filing determined, and notice given in writing to the legislator whose Statement is in issue. Should it be determined that the Statement requires correction, augmentation or revision, the legislator involved shall be directed to make the changes required within such time as shall be set under the rules of each house.

If a legislator, after having been notified in writing in accordance with the rules of the house in which he sits that his Statement is inadequate as filed, fails to amend his Statement so as to come into compliance within the time limit set, he shall be subject to disciplinary action by the house in which he sits. No legislator shall vote on any question relating to his own Statement.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.41; 1988, c. 849; 1994, cc. 724, 733, 735, 777, 793; 1995, c. 763; 1996, c. 77; 1997, cc. 577, 844; 1998, c. 732; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 610; 2006, cc. 779, 787, 892; 2007, cc. 620, 627; 2010, cc. 418, 474, 670; 2014, cc. 792, 804; 2015, cc. 763, 777; 2016, cc. 773, 774.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-111.1. Disclosure form; filing requirements.
A. A legislator or legislator-elect required to file an annual disclosure on or before February 1 pursuant to this article shall disclose his personal interests and other information as required on the form prescribed by the Council for the preceding calendar year complete through December 31. A legislator or legislator-elect required to file a disclosure as a condition to assuming office shall file such disclosure on or before the day such office is assumed and disclose his personal interests and other information as required on the form prescribed by the Council for the preceding 12-month period complete through the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the office is assumed; however, any legislator or legislator-elect who assumes office in January shall be required to only file an annual disclosure on or before February 1 for the preceding calendar year complete through December 31.

B. When the deadline for filing any disclosure pursuant to this article falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline for filing shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

2017, cc. 829, 832.
Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-113. Powers and duties of Panel.
The powers and duties of the Panel shall be applied and used only in relation to members of the respective house of the General Assembly for which it is created. The Panel shall establish its rules of procedure, including rules for the conduct of open meetings and hearings.

1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.45; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 876.

Code of Virginia — Title 30 (General Assembly), Chapter 13 (GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONFLICTS OF INTERESTS ACT)
§ 30-113.1. Records.
If a complaint is dismissed during the preliminary investigation, such records shall remain confidential and be retained for a period of five years and then destroyed. Records related to a complaint that has proceeded to an inquiry beyond a preliminary investigation shall be made available to the public and retained in a manner prescribed by the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.).

2010, c. 876.