Source: https://www.oag.state.va.us/30-resource/opinions/65-2010-official-opinions
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 04:59:57+00:00

Document:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Official opinions represent the attorney general’s analysis of current law based on his thorough research of existing statutes, the Virginia and United States constitutions, and relevant court decisions. Official opinions do not create new law, nor do they change existing law. Creating and amending laws are the responsibility of the General Assembly, not the attorney general.
Spotsylvania County A county commissioner of the revenue's "certification" of a correction of a local tax assessment for purposes of § 58.1-3981(A) means that the commissioner should provide written verification that he has determined that the original local tax assessment paid by the affected taxpayer was erroneous. Further, § 58.1-3(A)(2) authorizes a county commissioner of the revenue to supply to the attorney for his county any information that is necessary to enable the attorney to make an informed decision as to whether to consent to the commissioner of the revenue's determination. Finally, a county attorney's consent to a reduction of a real estate tax assessment by a county board of equalization is not a prerequisite to the county's issuance of a refund of excess taxes.
City of Suffolk In the City of Suffolk, the devolution of the Commissioner of the Revenue's duties with respect to the assessment of real estate to a city real estate assessor transfers to the assessor the Commissioner's responsibility under § 58.l-3984(B) to the extent § 58.1-3984(B) applies to assessments of real property.
Tazewell County Attorney A County is not required to enforce the Property Maintenance Code portion of the Uniform Statewide Building Code in a town with a population of less than 3,500, where the town has adopted the Property Maintenance Code but has not appointed, nor contracted with, an official to enforce the Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Member, House of Delegates A school board is solely responsible for the decision whether and how to consolidate schools, and a county board of supervisors may not instruct the school board to consolidate schools or how to consolidate schools.
Virginia State Bar Conduct permitted under the proposed amendment to lawyer referral rules would violate the statute because the amendment would implicate both the person working for the lawyer under § 54.1-3939 and the lawyer if he engages in reciprocal referrals with another lawyer, which would make them both runners and cappers under § 54.1-3941.
A Virginia locality cannot require an owner to obtain a special exception to a local zoning ordinance in order to install an alternative onsite sewage system if the conditions set forth in § 15.2-2157(C) exist, namely that (i) there is no sewer or sewerage disposal facility available and (ii) the alternative onsite sewage system has been approved by the Virginia Department of Health for use in the particular circumstances and conditions in which the proposed system is to be operating.
10-053 Michael M. Collins, County Attorney, Bath County The enactment by the Board of Supervisors of a meals tax ordinance with a rate of 1% after voters of that county gave their approval to a meals tax by a referendum vote is a valid exercise of the statutory authority granted to the Board of Supervisors to levy a meals tax in an amount and on such terms as that governing body may by ordinance prescribe.
10-093 Scott E. Parsons, Executive Director, Virginia Small Business Financing Authority The VSBFA is authorized to refinance bonds or other obligations previously issued by another authority, public body or political subdivision, including an industrial development authority.
10-091 David Paylor, Director, Dep’t of Environmental Quality Virginia localities do not have the authority to extend the application of their land use ordinances to state-owned submerged lands; and that therefore, for small renewable energy projects located on or in the waters above state-owned bottomland, there are no “applicable land use ordinances” for purposes of the certification requirement of § 10.1-1197.6(B)(2). Because DEQ is directed to assess whether a submitted application meets the requirements of “the applicable permit by rule regulations,” DEQ may treat the certification requirement of § 10.1-1197.6(B)(2) as inapplicable in this circumstance and may authorize a project if the agency determines that the project applicant has met all other applicable requirements.
Searches and seizures of students' cellular phones and laptops are permitted when there is a reasonable suspicion that the student is violating the law or the rules of the school, and school officials should not share explicit materials depicting minors with other school personnel, but rather that the material should be brought to the attention of the appropriate law enforcement agents.
Virginia Code § 17.1-272 authorizes the sheriff to charge an initial fee of $25 for service of a writ of possession and to add $12 to that fee for each additional defendant who is served.
A sheriff's office is permitted to assist a local school division with enforcing the compulsory attendance laws by serving notice of an upcoming meeting to the parents or custodians of a truant student, provided the local school board, division superintendent or the administration of a school has requested such assistance from the Sheriff.
The exemption from criminal prosecution found in § 46.2-920 does not require emergency vehicle operators to activate the vehicle's lights or siren when doing so is not reasonably necessary.
The Department of Motor Vehicles has authority to accept or to refuse to accept an Employment Authorization Document, standing alone, as documentary evidence of lawful status in the United States as required by § 46.2-328.1. Also, the Department is not authorized to take any steps with regard to an individual who has been issued a driver's license, permit, or ID card in accor-dance with § 46.2-328.1, but who has subsequently become subject to removal or deportation proceedings, other than to require such individual, upon application for a renewal, duplicate or reissue of the license, permit, or ID card, to provide again documentary evidence of lawful status, provided that the Department has been notified by a government agency that the individual is not legally in the United States. Finally, there is no authority under § 46.2-328.1 for the Department to cancel a driver's license, permit, or ID card once it is issued in accordance with § 46.2-328.1, even if the individual has been deported.
Because the former town attorney served as an independent contractor rather than as an employee, he is ineligible to participate in the Virginia Retirement System ("VRS").
10-049 The Honorable R. Lee Ware, Jr.
Member, House of Delegates Based on the facts available, that the Board of Supervisors made an appropriation to the School Board and, therefore, did not have the authority to reduce an appropriation previously made.
Circuit Court of Fairfax County Section 8.01-435 does not authorize confessions of judgment by third parties appointed by attorneys-in-fact with “full power of substitution;” such confessions would violate public policy.
Water and sewer construction plans are subject to the requirement that the Sanitation Authority review the plans upon referral from the County, and the review is subject to statutory time limitations.
Honorable Robert S. Wertz, Jr.
A married person applying for a real property tax exemption authorized by § 58.1-3210 must report both the applicant’s net worth and his or her spouse’s net worth to determine net combined financial worth as required by § 58.1-3211(2) irrespective of whether such spouse has separated from or abandoned the applicant or whether the spouse’s name appears on the deed.
§ 53.1-106 controls over the agreement among the localities, and Rockbridge County can continue to appoint two members to serve on the Board.
An appropriations act is required for the expenditure of revenues of the Commonwealth, including grant funds from the United States government. Where, as here, the General Assembly has provided for the appropriation of such funds, the Governor lawfully may disburse such funds. The Governor may provide the "assurance" required by federal law concerning 2011 spending, because the General Assembly has enacted the 2011 budget. Whether the Governor lawfully can accept such funding in the future by providing the required "assurance" of funding levels in subsequent years depends upon whether such a pledge represents a political commitment by the Governor or a legal pledge purporting to bind the General Assembly. The Governor may provide a political pledge to use his best efforts to secure a particular level of funding. The Governor may not, acting on his own, bind the General Assembly to provide future spending.
Member, Senate of Virginia Based on the facts presented, the hypothetical scenarios described would constitute illegal gambling because the elements of prize, chance and consideration are present.
10-024 Michael F. McClellan Carrico, Esq., Town Attorney for Town of Gate City Municipalities may enact an ordinance exempting a charitable organization or association from the payment of utility charges as a donation pursuant to § 15.2-953.
One of the three Virginia Pollution Abatement permits at issue is valid and not subject to appeal. The other two are being appealed as to one clause; unless the court should stay, suspend, or set aside one or both of these permits as to that clause, each remains valid and enforceable.
10-102 The Honorable Todd C. Gilbert, Member, House of Delegates Any permit issued by the Board for land application of sewage sludge must be in compliance with the applicable requirements of § 62.1-44.19:3.
When a general registrar knows an absentee voter has died prior to election day, but after having voted by absentee ballot, the registrar must cancel that voter's registration, and the absentee ballot should not be counted; but that in those circumstances in which absentee ballots are cast prior to election day in a manner by which the absentee ballot no longer can be set aside, the general registrar who knows of the voter's death shall cancel that voter's registration, but election officials are not otherwise required to perform the impossible task of not counting the deceased voter's ballot.
Neither Virginia nor federal law requires an officer of election to be posted outside a polling place at all times the polls are open on election day in order to assist elderly and disabled voters who prefer to vote outside the polling place pursuant to § 24.2-649, a procedure commonly known as "curbside voting." Furthermore, the legal requirement for officers of election to assist such voters with curbside voting is triggered upon the voter making a request for such service.
Member, House of Delegates A Town Council may initiate negotiations for the appointment of a town manager without a resolution of the Council, so long as the contract and the appointment ultimately are approved by a vote of the Council.
Assignments of medical benefits payable under automobile insurance policies where the policyholder assigns these benefits to a chiropractor who provided treatment covered by the policy are enforceable. It is further my opinion that provisions of insurance contracts seeking to limit or preclude this kind of assignment are unenforceable so long as the assignment does not materially alter the risk or obligation of the insurer.
Member, Senate of Virginia Except for employees of the Department of Corrections involved in the care of inmates, and volunteers and members of a bona fide rescue squad who are engaged in the performance of their duties, medical personnel who provide care to inmates are not covered by the enhanced punishment provisions of § 18.2-57.
10-073 The Honorable Clifford L. “Clay” Athey, Jr.
Member, House of Delegates A sanitary district is limited to operating and maintaining community buildings and recreational facilities that are located within the boundaries of the district, unless it reaches an agreement with another jurisdiction to operate buildings and facilities outside those boundaries.
Winchester Circuit COurt So long as the information required by § 8.01-449 is contained in the certified copy of judgment from the bankruptcy court, that certified copy constitutes an authenticated "abstract of judgment" for purposes of § 8.01-446, so that the clerk of court is required to docket it according to standard procedures.
Member, House of Delegates To the extent § 15.2-2303.1:1 does not impair the contract or vested rights of the zoning applicant, the statute applies to cash payment proffers formed before July 1, 2010 so that a locality maynot accept or demand payment of any uncollected cash proffer payments until the completion of a [mal inspection and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the subject property, notwithstanding the provisions of any such proffer agreement to the contrary. In addition, this interpretation does not infringe the Contracts Clauses of the United States or the Virginia Constitutions.
An employee of the local school division may not serve on the school board of which she is an employee. An employee of the Department of Health may operate a consulting business that specializes in radon testing, as long as the employee does so during nonworking hours in a manner that does not conflict with his responsibilities to the Commonwealth, and the business does not conflict with any Department of Health policies governing outside employment.
Judge, Richmond District Court A district court may, pursuant to § 8.01-271.1, impose a pre-filing review requirement if such a sanction is appropriate. Furthermore, a district court has the inherent authority to limit or prevent an attorney or a litigant from practicing before it in the event the court determines, after a hearing, that the attorney or litigant has engaged in the unauthorized practice of law or otherwise has engaged in unprofessional or unethical conduct.
Sheriff, Chesterfield County A verbal order to take a defendant who has been sentenced to incarceration into custody is a binding order upon the sheriff’s office, and the sheriff’s office is generally shielded from liability when it takes persons into custody pursuant to such orders.
10-074 The Honorable Albert C. Pollard, Jr.
Member, House of Delegates The Department of Conservation and Recreation may regulate swimming in public parks, natural preserves, and other areas over which the Department exercises supervisory authority, but lacks the authority to regulate swimming in other waters.
The infrequent use of a "farm building or structure" to host a concert, dance or other social gathering does not constitute a change in occupancy classification and, therefore, does notrequire the owner to obtain an occupancy permit for the new uses.
Liability for payment of BPOL taxes always lies with the persons engaged in businesses, professions, or occupations upon which localities levy such taxes, and not with their customers. Additionally, absent an express statutory authorization such as that applying to motor vehicle dealers, no business may pass through to its customers by way of a surcharge the BPOL taxes attributable to the gross receipts generated by sales to those customers without the surcharge also being included in the gross receipts of the business and subjected to the BPOL tax.
Member, House of Delegates A local governmental entity is never categorically compelled to prohibit holiday displays, including those incorporating recognizably religious symbols, because governments enjoy considerable discretion in accommodating the religious expression of their citizens and employees and in their own recognition of traditional seasonal holidays. Moreover, displays depicting the birth of Jesus Christ are permissible provided the government ensures appropriate content and context.
The Commonwealth has the authority to promulgate regulations for facilities in which first trimester abortions are performed as well as for providers of first trimester abortions, so long as the regulations adhere to constitutional limitations.
10-039 The Honorable Frank M. Ruff, Jr.
Member Senate of Virginia Firefighters who are employees of the Commonwealth are not covered under the Line of Duty Act, § 9.1-400 et seq., unless they are members of a fire company or department or rescue squad that has been recognized by an ordinance or a resolution of the governing body of a Virginia county, city, or town as an integral part of the official safety program of such county, city, or town.
Treasurer, Arlington County Localities may use neither a bright line test, a totality of the circumstances review, nor a federal disability guideline to determine whether a taxpayer is "permanently and totally disabled." A locality, however, may employ a federal disability guideline in determining the maximum income level for tax relief eligibility, and considering such a guideline would not be irrational. Finally, the criteria used by a locality must be set forth in the text of an ordinance.
Clerks of Court may install recording systems into a Circuit Court, General District Court, and/or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and require such systems to be on at all times court is in session, and Clerks may charge a fee for access to such recordings provided that confidentiality is maintained for all proceedings as required by the Code of Virginia or other orders of the Court.
A county may require residents to give up their private trash collection service and join the service provided by the county provided that the statutory notice, hearing and waiting period requirements are met, or 55 percent of the affected property owners petition the governing body to take over the collection service. Also, a county may, but is not required to, allow residents to opt out of the public trash collection service and maintain a parallel private collection service.
No illegal gambling occurs when the opportunity to win a prize is offered both with a purchase and without the requirement of a purchase because the element of consideration is missing.
Unlike initial orders issued pursuant to § 10.1-566(C ), which may be limited to suspending only land-disturbing construction activities to redress violations of erosion and sediment control schemes, subsequent orders, designed to enforce the initial order and to compel obtainment of necessary plan approval or permits, must stop all construction activities on the site, other than corrective measures, until such approval or permits are obtained.
Member, House of Delegates Virginia law enforcement officers, including conservation officers, may inquire into the immigration status of persons stopped or arrested; however, persons tasked with enforcing zoning laws lack the authority to investigate criminal violations of the law, including criminal violations of the immigration laws of the United States.
10-059 Thomas M. Simons, Esq.
Town Attorney, Town of Glasgow Localities may not enact an ordinance prohibiting spouses from concurrenty holding interrelated elected offices.
Member, House of Delegates The utility or service charge authorized by § 15.2-2114 is a fee, not a tax, that is enforceable by localities pursuant to § 15.2-2114(D). Senate Bill 395 does not affect localities’ ability to enforce existing stormwater control programs adopted pursuant to § 15.2-2114. Section 15.2-2114 does not provide for the grandfathering of properties with conditions that predated the passage of local ordinances, nor does it provide an exemption for landowners whose properties have unique characteristics that prevent the reduction of stormwater runoff. Landowners cannot be held responsible for reducing runoff or paying a charge for runoff from their property when that runoff is caused by drainage from other properties.
City Treasurer for the City of Chesapeake Police officers do not have the civil authority to distrain property for the collection of delinquent City accounts.
Because the judgment does not detail a specific monetary award, it may be entered either in the judgment docket or in the order book, or in any other record deemed suitable, in accord with local practice and the sound discretion of the clerk.
Upcoming recall election is governed by the City Charter rather than a recently amended state statute.
Chairman, Virginia Gas & Oil Board Recent statutory changes from the General Assembly have not authorized the Gas and Oil Board to adjudicate property rights.
The Attorney General cannot conclude that Code § 22.1-79.1, which directs school boards to set the starting date for students after Labor Day, is unconstitutional.
Member, Senate of Virginia Code § 46.2-856 prohibits overtaking two vehicles that are traveling side by side, unless one of the exceptions specified in the statute applies.
Member, House of Delegates When one of the exemptions found in Code § 38.2-2627 applies, the State Corporation Commission lacks the authority to bring an enforcement action. Moreover, the terms of the contract dictate whether a home service contract provider is considered a contractor. Finally, when home service providers are acting as “contractors and subcontractors” they must comply with Chapter 11.
Prince William County Circuit Court Clerk The authority vested in a minister or other person authorized to perform the rites of matrimony in Virginia does not extend to a celebration of marriage under a Virginia marriage license when the ceremony is conducted outside the territorial boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Clerk may enter into private subscription agreements: (1) where local bar rules provide such authority, and court permits; (2) where local governing body has authorized it; or (3) pursuant to clerk’s statutory authority to purchase such services. Metal detector screenings and door locks do not necessarily negate requirement that library be open to public.
Use of e-cigarette does not fall under definition “smoke” or “smoking” for purposes of Act.
Member, House of Delegates George Washington Regional Commission is not locality, authority, or sanitation district for purposes of competitive negotiation as defined in Act. Sum of all Commission projects performed in one contract term for architectural or professional engineering services related to construction projects may not exceed $500,000.
The Honorable Samuel W. Swanson, Jr.
Clay and sand are minerals that are subject to local taxation whether or not property is under development; initial discovery of mineral generally is time at which assessment would occur. Income capitalization methodology would comply with requirements for determining fair market value of mineral lands.
Tazewell County Public Service Authority Board may not assess nonuser service charge to persons who decline to accept its refuse collection services.
The Honorable Joseph P. Johnson, Jr.
Commissioner of Department of Motor Vehicles is both authorized and mandated to impose ignition interlock system requirements upon individual seeking reinstatement of driver’s license after three-year license revocation period resulting from conviction for driving under influence, second or subsequent offense, when convicting court fails to order installation of such system.
Charter agreement provision, about which you inquire, between City of Richmond School Board and Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts does not conflict with § 22.1‑212.14(D). Insufficient factual background to determine whether disparity in per student funding exists and, if so, whether it would constitute impermissible disincentive.
Appropriation act that appropriates money and raises funds by taxes or fees would not violate single object rule of Constitution.
Member, House of Delegates Constitution must be amended prior to enactment of any bill that would require ‘super majority’ vote to lift moratorium on uranium mining.
Member, Senate of Virginia Distinction in age for eligibility for annual allowance under Virginia Law Officers Retirement System and State Police Officers’ Retirement System does not constitute impermissible age discrimination.
Member, House of Delegates General Assembly has not authorized city to conduct more than one general reassessment of real property in any one year. Taxpayer may be required to pay higher corrected assessment in some limited circumstances.
Member, House of Delegates Local school board may not charge fee for transportation of students enrolled in specialty program located outside boundaries of student’s base school.
Member, House of Delegates Private entity leasing government property for event generally may regulate or prohibit carrying or possession of firearms on that property for such event.
Member, House of Delegates Provision of charter agreement between City of Richmond School Board and Patrick Henry School of Science requiring Patrick Henry to make the building compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act does not conflict with § 22.1‑212.14(D).
09-098 Ronald S. Hallman, Esq.
Chesapeake City Attorney Based on facts presented, stormwater fee in § 26‑401 of Chesapeake City Code is service fee, rather than tax; United States Navy is not constitutionally exempt from paying fee.
Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney No authority for Commonwealth’s attorney to provide representation for toll facility operator in actions brought under § 46.2‑819.1 or § 46.2‑819.3 for unpaid tolls, administrative fees, and civil penalties.
Member, House of Delegates Charter of City of Newport News does not require that Newport News School Board rely on sole legal advice of City attorney; Board may retain its own counsel.
§ 24.2‑954 precludes General Assembly members from engaging in fundraising activity in connection with campaign for state office during regular session of General Assembly; prohibition does not restrict fundraising activity related to campaign for federal office. Federal law preempts Virginia’s fundraising prohibition when General Assembly member solicits or accepts contributions solely for federal office.
Member, House of Delegates Locality may adopt ordinance that authorizes pound to initiate and enforce policies that place restrictions or requirements upon adoption of animals beyond those required by § 3.2‑6546.
Member, House of Delegates Urban development area must accommodate 10 to 20 years of anticipated growth within such area. Developers are required to zone and develop to specific densities within such areas. Local governing bodies may not deny rezoning request solely on basis of inadequate public facilities.
Advocates in domestic violence shelters and sexual assault crisis centers generally are not statutorily mandated to report child abuse and neglect; when such advocate performs activities that would place him under category in § 63.2‑1509(A), requirement to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

References: § 58
 § 58
 § 58
 § 58
 § 54
 § 54
 § 15
 § 10
 § 10
 § 17
 § 46
 § 46
 § 46
 § 46
 § 46
 § 58
 § 58

§ 53
 § 15
 § 62
 § 24
 § 18
 § 8
 § 8
 § 15
 § 8
 § 9
 § 10
 § 15
 § 15
 § 15
 § 22
 § 46
 § 38
 § 22
 § 22
 § 26
 § 46
 § 46

§ 24
 § 3
 § 63