reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
VA Code § 2.2-442 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman|§ 2.2-442. Children's Ombudsman; powers

The Children's Ombudsman has the authority to do all of the following with regard to children receiving child-protective services, in foster care, or placed for adoption:1. Pursue all necessary action, including legal action, to protect the rights and welfare of such children;2. Pursue legislative advocacy in the best interest of such children;3. Review policies and procedures relating to any child-serving agency's involvement with such children and make recommendations for improvement; and4. Subject to an appropriation of funds, commence and conduct investigations into alleged violations of the rights of a foster parent.2020, c. 1090.
VA Code § 2.2-444 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman|§ 2.2-444. Decision to investigate; notice; pursuing administrative remedies or channels of complaint; further investigation; violation of state or federal criminal law; complaint against child-placing agency; petition requesting court jurisdiction or termination of parental rights

A. Upon deciding to investigate a complaint from a complainant or an individual not meeting the definition of complainant, the Ombudsman shall notify the complainant or the individual not meeting the definition of complainant of the decision to investigate and shall notify the Department or local department, adoption attorney, or child-placing agency of the intention to investigate. If the Ombudsman declines to investigate a complaint or continue an investigation, the Ombudsman shall notify the complainant or the individual not meeting the definition of complainant and the Department or local department or child-placing agency of the decision and of the reasons for the Ombudsman's action.B. The Ombudsman shall advise a complainant of administrative remedies and may advise the individual to pursue all administrative remedies or channels of complaint open to the complainant before pursuing a complaint with the Ombudsman. Subsequent to the administrative processing of a complaint, the Ombudsman may conduct further investigations of a complaint upon the request of the complainant or upon the Ombudsman's own initiative.C. If the Ombudsman finds in the course of an investigation that an individual's action is in violation of state or federal criminal law, the Ombudsman shall immediately report that fact to the local attorney for the Commonwealth or the Attorney General. If the complaint is against a child-placing agency, the Ombudsman shall refer the matter to the Department or local department for further action with respect to licensing or approval.2020, c. 1090.
VA Code § 2.2-445 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman|§ 2.2-445. Department and child-placing agency; duties; information to be provided to biological parent, adoptive parent, or foster parent; access to departmental computer networks

A. The Department or local department and a child-placing agency shall do all of the following:1. Upon the Ombudsman's request, grant the Ombudsman or the Ombudsman's designee access to all information, records, and documents in the possession of the Department or local department or child-placing agency that the Ombudsman considers relevant and necessary in an investigation.2. Assist the Ombudsman to obtain the necessary releases of those documents that are specifically restricted.3. Upon the Ombudsman's request, provide the Ombudsman with progress reports concerning the administrative processing of a complaint.4. Upon the Ombudsman's request, provide the Ombudsman the information requested under subdivision 1 or notification within 10 business days after the request that the Department or local department has determined that release of the information would violate federal or state law.B. The Department or local department, an attorney involved with an adoption, and a child-placing agency shall provide information to a biological parent, prospective adoptive parent, or foster parent regarding the provisions of this chapter.C. The Ombudsman shall have access, in the Ombudsman's own office, to departmental computer networks pertaining to protective services, foster care, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and the central registry, unless otherwise prohibited by state or federal law or if the release of the information to the Ombudsman would jeopardize federal funding. The cost of implementing this subsection shall be negotiated among the Office and the custodians of such networks.2020, c. 1090.
VA Code § 2.2-446 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman|§ 2.2-446. Confidentiality of record of Children's Ombudsman; disclosure; limitations; release of certain information

A. Subject to subsections B through F, a record of the Office is confidential, shall only be used for purposes set forth in this chapter, is not subject to court subpoena, and is not discoverable in a legal proceeding. If the Ombudsman identifies action or inaction by the state through its agencies or services that failed to protect children, the Ombudsman shall provide any findings and recommendations to the agency affected by those findings, and make those findings and recommendations available to the complainant and the General Assembly upon request, to the extent consistent with state or federal law. The Ombudsman shall not disclose any information that impairs the rights of the child or the child's parents or guardians.B. Unless otherwise part of the public record, the Office shall not release any of the following confidential information to the general public:1. Records relating to a mental health evaluation or treatment of a parent or child;2. Records relating to the evaluation or treatment of a substance abuse-related disorder of a parent or child;3. Records relating to a medical diagnosis or treatment of a parent or child;4. Records relating to domestic violence-related services and sexual assault services provided to a parent or child; or5. Records relating to educational services provided to a parent or child.C. Notwithstanding subsection B, if the Ombudsman determines that disclosure of confidential information is necessary to identify, prevent, or respond to the abuse or neglect of a child, the Ombudsman may disclose such information to the Department or local department, a court, a law-enforcement agency, or a prosecuting attorney investigating a report of known or suspected child abuse or child neglect. The Ombudsman shall not release the address, telephone number, or other information regarding the whereabouts of a victim or suspected victim of domestic violence unless ordered to by a court.D. Except as provided in subsection C, the Ombudsman shall not disclose information relating to an ongoing law-enforcement investigation or an ongoing child protective services investigation. The Ombudsman may release the results of its investigation to a complainant, or an individual not meeting the definition of complainant, if the Ombudsman receives notification that releasing the results of its investigation is not related to and will not interfere with an ongoing law-enforcement investigation or ongoing child protective services investigation.E. The Ombudsman shall not disclose the identity of an individual making a child abuse or child neglect complaint unless that individual's written permission is obtained first or a court has ordered the Ombudsman to release such information.F. The Ombudsman may release an individual's identity who makes an intentionally false report of child abuse or child neglect, subject to other laws relating to such disclosure.2020, c. 1090.
VA Code § 2.2-448 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman|§ 2.2-448. Penalty for filing complaint or cooperating in investigation prohibited

A. An official, the Department, a local department, a child-serving agency, or a child-placing agency shall not penalize any person for filing a complaint or cooperating with the Ombudsman in investigating a complaint.B. An individual, the Department, a local department, an adoption attorney, a child-serving agency, or a child-placing agency shall not hinder the lawful actions of the Ombudsman or employees of the Ombudsman.C. A report by the Ombudsman is not subject to prior approval by a person outside of the Office.2020, c. 1090.
VA Code § 2.2-449 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman|§ 2.2-449. Children's Advocacy Fund

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Children's Advocacy Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose, and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of supporting the Office of the Children's Ombudsman pursuant to § 2.2-439 and for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Children's Ombudsman.2020, c. 1090.
VA Code § 2.2-500 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-500. Attorney General to be chief executive officer; duties generally

The Attorney General shall be the chief executive officer of the Department of Law, and shall perform such duties as may be provided by law.Code 1950, § 2-85; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-117; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-501 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-501. Assistant and deputy Attorneys General

The Attorney General shall appoint a chief deputy Attorney General and may appoint the necessary deputy Attorneys General and assistant Attorneys General and fix their salaries within the limitation of the funds provided for the purpose in the general appropriation act.If a vacancy occurs in the office of Attorney General for any reason, the chief deputy Attorney General shall serve as acting Attorney General until such time as the vacancy is filled pursuant to § 24.2-213. The acting Attorney General shall exercise all the powers, and duties, and enjoy all the perquisites of the office of Attorney General as are provided by law.Code 1950, § 2-94; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-130; 1977, c. 596; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-502 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-502. Support staff

The Attorney General may appoint such persons as he deems necessary for the efficient conduct of his office, and apportion, out of the appropriation for his office, such salaries among such persons as he deems proper, but the aggregate amount paid them shall not exceed the amount provided by law.Code 1950, § 2-95; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-131; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-503 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-503. Office space

The Governor shall assign to the Attorney General office space for the Attorney General, his assistants and employees suitable for the transaction of the legal business of the Commonwealth.Code 1950, § 2-96; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-132; 1994, c. 64; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-504 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-504. Contingent and traveling expenses

The Attorney General may expend for the contingent expenses of his office the sums appropriated for his office by the General Assembly. The Attorney General, the deputy and assistant Attorneys General, and other employees of the office shall be reimbursed for actual travel expenses in the performance of their duties in accordance with § 2.2-2823.Code 1950, § 2-97; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-133; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-505 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-505. Official opinions of Attorney General

A. The Attorney General shall give his advice and render official advisory opinions in writing only when requested in writing so to do by one of the following: the Governor; a member of the General Assembly; a judge of a court of record or a judge of a court not of record; the State Corporation Commission; an attorney for the Commonwealth; a county, city or town attorney in those localities in which such office has been created; a clerk of a court of record; a city or county sheriff; a city or county treasurer or similar officer; a commissioner of the revenue or similar officer; a chairman or secretary of an electoral board; or the head of a state department, division, bureau, institution or board.B. Except in cases where an opinion is requested by the Governor or a member of the General Assembly, the Attorney General shall have no authority to render an official opinion unless the question dealt with is directly related to the discharge of the duties of the official requesting the opinion. Any opinion request to the Attorney General by an attorney for the Commonwealth or county, city or town attorney shall itself be in the form of an opinion embodying a precise statement of all facts together with such attorney's legal conclusions.Code 1950, § 2-86; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-118; 1968, c. 414; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 155; 1976, c. 715; 1999, c. 14; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-506 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-506. Legal services to attorneys for the Commonwealth in certain proceedings; costs

The Attorney General shall at the request of an attorney for the Commonwealth, provide legal service to such attorney for the Commonwealth in any proceedings brought against him seeking to restrain the enforcement of any state law.Any costs chargeable against the defendant in any such case shall be paid by the Commonwealth from the appropriation for the payment of criminal charges.1962, c. 235, § 2-86.2; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-120; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-507.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-507.1. Authority of Attorney General regarding charitable assets

A. The assets of a charitable corporation incorporated in or doing any business in Virginia shall be deemed to be held in trust for the public for such purposes as are established by the governing documents of such charitable corporation, the gift or bequest made to such charitable corporation, or other applicable law. The Attorney General shall have the same authority to act on behalf of the public with respect to such assets as he has with respect to assets held by unincorporated charitable trusts and other charitable entities, including the authority to seek such judicial relief as may be necessary to protect the public interest in such assets.B. Nothing contained in this section is intended to modify the standard of conduct applicable under existing law to the directors of charitable corporations incorporated in or doing any business in Virginia.2002, c. 792; 2004, c. 289.
VA Code § 2.2-507.2 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-507.2. Youth Internet Safety Fund established

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Youth Internet Safety Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All money as may be appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, bequests, grants, or donations shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of education, public awareness, and other activities to promote the safe and secure use of the Internet. Unless otherwise restricted by the terms of the gift or bequest, the Attorney General may direct the sale, exchange, or other disposition of such gifts and bequests. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Attorney General.2007, c. 309.
VA Code § 2.2-507.3 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-507.3. Cooperation with the Opioid Abatement Authority

A. As deemed necessary to comply with or effectuate the terms of a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order relating to claims regarding the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, or sale of opioids and in accordance with an agreement between the Attorney General and participating localities, as defined in § 2.2-2365, the Attorney General shall designate funds from such settlements, judgments, verdicts, or other court orders for deposit in the Opioid Abatement Fund (the Fund) established pursuant to § 2.2-2374. The Attorney General shall cooperate with and assist the Opioid Abatement Authority in its administration of the Fund.B. If the terms of a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order, or any agreement related thereto between the Attorney General and participating localities, include a local apportionment formula dividing any part of a settlement, judgment, or verdict among participating localities, or if the terms of a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order, or any agreement related thereto between the Attorney General and participating localities, as defined in § 2.2-2365, authorize participating localities to agree upon a local apportionment formula dividing any part of a settlement, judgment, or verdict, any such locality may submit the agreed-upon local apportionment formula to the Attorney General.2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.
VA Code § 2.2-508 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-508. Legal service in certain redistricting proceedings

Upon notification by a county, city or town of a pending civil action challenging the legality of its election district boundaries as required by § 24.2-304.5, the Attorney General shall review the papers in the civil action and may represent the interests of the Commonwealth in developing an appropriate remedy that is consistent with requirements of law, including but not limited to Article VII, Section 5 of the Constitution of Virginia, Chapter 3 (§ 24.2-302.2 et seq.) of Title 24.2, or Chapter 39 (§ 30-263 et seq.) of Title 30.1989, c. 112, § 2.1-121.1; 1995, c. 249; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 1000; 2012, c. 1.
VA Code § 2.2-509 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-509. Representation in administrative proceedings

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Attorney General finds after consultation with the head of the affected department that it is in the best interests of the Commonwealth to do so, the Attorney General may authorize any employee of his office or any employee of a department to represent that department or an affiliated body in any administrative proceedings before the department, an affiliated body or before any hearing officer or examiner appointed or employed by the department or affiliated body.1991, c. 227, § 2.1-121.2; 2001, c. 844.
VA Code § 2.2-509.1 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-509.1. Powers of investigators; enforcement of certain tobacco laws

Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General as designated by the Attorney General shall be authorized to seize cigarettes as defined in § 3.2-4200, which are sold, possessed, distributed, transported, imported, or otherwise held in violation of § 3.2-4207 or 58.1-1037. In addition, such investigators shall be authorized to accompany and participate with special agents of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority or other law-enforcement officials engaging in an enforcement action under § 3.2-4207 or 58.1-1037.2006, c. 695; 2015, cc. 38, 730.
VA Code § 2.2-510 (2021)
2021 Code of Virginia|Title 2.2 - Administration of Government|Chapter 5 - Department of Law|§ 2.2-510. Employment of special counsel generally

No special counsel shall be employed for or by the Governor or any state department, institution, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, entity, official, justice of the Supreme Court, or judge of any circuit court or district court except in the following cases:1. When the Governor determines that, because of the nature of the legal service to be performed, the Attorney General's office is unable to render such service, then the Governor shall issue an exemption order stating with particularity the facts and reasons leading to the conclusion that the Attorney General's office is unable to render such service. The Governor may then employ special counsel to render such service as he may deem necessary and proper. The compensation for such special counsel shall be paid out of the funds appropriated for the administration of the board, commission, division, or department to be represented or whose members, officers, inspectors, investigators, or other employees are to be represented pursuant to this section.2. In cases of legal services in civil matters to be performed for the Commonwealth, where it is impracticable or uneconomical for the Attorney General to render such service, he may employ special counsel whose compensation shall be paid out of the appropriation for the Attorney General's office.3. In cases of legal services in civil matters to be performed for any state department, institution, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, entity, official, member of the General Assembly, justice of the Supreme Court, or judge of any circuit court or district court where it is impracticable or uneconomical for the Attorney General's office to render such service, special counsel may be employed but only as set forth in subsection C of § 2.2-507, upon the written recommendation of the Attorney General, who shall approve all requisitions drawn upon the Comptroller for warrants as compensation for such special counsel before the Comptroller shall have authority to issue such warrants.4. In cases where the Attorney General certifies to the Governor that he is unable to render certain legal services, the Governor may employ special counsel or other assistance to render such services as may be necessary.Code 1950, § 2-88; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-122; 1975, c. 372; 1976, c. 726; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 572; 2007, c. 248; 2012, c. 847; 2014, c. 824; 2019, c. 357.