reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4 - Secretary of the Commonwealth › § 2.2-433. Prohibited acts; violation a misdemeanor

A. No lobbyist shall:
1. Lobby in violation of the provisions of this article;
2. Make any expenditure, or obligate himself to do so, in connection with lobbying, unless he fully discloses the expenditure as required in this article; or
3. Misrepresent in any material respect or omit any information required to be reported pursuant to this article.
B. No lobbyist's principal shall:
1. Fail to file any statement required to be filed by the provisions of this article;
2. Misrepresent in any material respect or omit any information required to be reported pursuant to this article; or
3. Violate any of the provisions of this article.
C. Except as provided in subsection D of § 2.2-426, any lobbyist or lobbyist's principal violating any provision of this article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, a lobbyist who receives no compensation or anything of value for lobbying shall not be subject to the criminal penalties prescribed by this section.
1994, cc. 857, 937, § 2.1-792; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4 - Secretary of the Commonwealth › § 2.2-434. Employment of lobbyists prohibited; exceptions

Employment of a lobbyist for compensation by an officer, board, institution or agency of the Commonwealth, is expressly prohibited; however, this section shall not apply to any individual who is a full-time or part-time employee of such office, board, department, institution or agency of the Commonwealth.
1994, cc. 857, 937, § 2.1-793; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4 - Secretary of the Commonwealth › § 2.2-435. Prohibition for state party chairman

The chairman or any full-time paid employee of a state political party, as defined in § 24.2-101, or a member of his immediate family, as defined in § 2.2-3101, shall not be employed as a lobbyist by any principal.
1994, cc. 857, 937, § 2.1-794; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.2 - Coordination of Workforce Development › § 2.2-435.9. Annual report by publicly funded career and technical education and workforce development programs; performance on state-level metrics

Beginning November 1, 2016, and annually thereafter, each agency administering any publicly funded career and technical education and workforce development program shall submit to the Governor and the Virginia Board of Workforce Development a report detailing the program's performance against state-level metrics established by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development and the Secretary of Labor.
2015, cc. 275, 292; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 453.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.2 - Coordination of Workforce Development › § 2.2-435.10. Administration of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; executive summaries

A. The Secretary of Labor shall administer (i) a state workforce system and facilitate regional workforce systems that are business-driven, aligned with current and reliable labor market data, and targeted at providing participants with workforce credentials that have demonstrated value to employers and job seekers and (ii) a funding mechanism that adequately supports operations under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128) (WIOA).
B. The Secretary of Labor shall produce an annual executive summary, no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly, of the interim activity undertaken to implement the responsibilities described in subsection A and to administer the WIOA.
2015, cc. 275, 292; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 453; 2023, cc. 624, 625.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.2:1 - Special Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection › § 2.2-435.11. Special Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection; duties

A. The position of Special Assistant to the Governor for Coastal Adaptation and Protection (the Special Assistant) is created. The Special Assistant shall be the primary point of contact for the resources to address coastal adaptation and flooding mitigation. The Special Assistant shall be the lead in developing and in providing direction and ensuring accountability for a statewide coastal flooding adaptation strategy and shall initiate and assist with economic development opportunities associated with adaptation, development opportunities for the creation of business incubators, the advancement of the academic expertise at the Commonwealth Center for Recurrent Flooding Resiliency, coordination with the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board, safeguarding strategic national assets threatened by coastal flooding, and pursuing federal, state, and local funding opportunities for adaptation initiatives.
B. In consultation with the Chief Resilience Officer designated pursuant to § 2.2-220.5, the Special Assistant shall:
1. Identify and monitor those areas of the Commonwealth that are at greatest risk from recurrent flooding and increased future flooding and recommend actions that both the private and public sectors should consider in order to increase the resilience of such areas;
2. Upon the request of any locality in the Commonwealth in which is located a substantial flood defense or catchment area, including a levee, reservoir, dam, catch basin, or wetland or lake improved or constructed for the purpose of flood control, review and comment on plans for the construction or substantial reinforcement of such flood defense or catchment area; and
3. Initiate and assist with the pursuit of funding opportunities for resilience initiatives at both the state and local levels and assist in overseeing and coordinating funding initiatives of all agencies of the Commonwealth.
2018, cc. 722, 723; 2020, c. 493; 2022, c. 786.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.2:2 - Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion › § 2.2-435.12. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; duties

The position of Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (the Director) is created. The Director shall be appointed by the Governor. The Director shall (i) develop a sustainable framework to promote inclusive practices across state government; (ii) implement a measurable, strategic plan to address systemic inequities in state government practices; and (iii) facilitate methods to turn feedback and suggestions from state employees, external stakeholders, and community leaders into concrete equity policy.
2020, c. 712.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.3 - Commonwealth Identity Management Standards › § 2.2-436. Approval of electronic identity standards

A. The Secretary of Commerce and Trade in consultation with the Secretary of Administration, shall review and approve or disapprove, upon the recommendation of the Identity Management Standards Advisory Council pursuant to § 2.2-437, guidance documents that adopt (i) nationally recognized technical and data standards regarding the verification and authentication of identity in digital and online transactions; (ii) the minimum specifications and standards that should be included in an identity trust framework, as defined in § 59.1-550, so as to warrant liability protection pursuant to the Electronic Identity Management Act (§ 59.1-550 et seq.); and (iii) any other related data standards or specifications concerning reliance by third parties on identity credentials, as defined in § 59.1-550.
B. Final guidance documents approved pursuant to subsection A shall be posted on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall and published in the Virginia Register of Regulations as a general notice. The Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall send a copy of the final guidance documents to the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules established pursuant to § 30-73.1 at least 90 days prior to the effective date of such guidance documents. The Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall also annually file a list of available guidance documents developed pursuant to this chapter pursuant to § 2.2-4103.1 of the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) and shall send a copy of such list to the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules.
2015, cc. 482, 483; 2017, c. 488; 2020, c. 738; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 258.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.3 - Commonwealth Identity Management Standards › § 2.2-437. Identity Management Standards Advisory Council

A. The Identity Management Standards Advisory Council (the Advisory Council) is established to advise the Secretary of Commerce and Trade on the adoption of identity management standards and the creation of guidance documents pursuant to § 2.2-436.
B. The Advisory Council shall consist of seven members, to be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor, with expertise in electronic identity management and information technology. Members shall include a representative of the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority, five representatives of the business community with appropriate experience and expertise, and one representative of Virginia consumers. In addition to the seven appointed members, the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, or his designee, and the Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth, or his designee, may also serve as ex officio members with voting privileges on the Advisory Council. After the initial staggering of terms, members shall be appointed for terms of four years. Members may be reappointed.
The Advisory Council shall designate one of its members as chairman.
Members shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825.
Staff to the Advisory Council shall be provided by the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade.
C. Proposed guidance documents and general opportunity for oral or written submittals as to those guidance documents shall be posted on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall and published in the Virginia Register of Regulations as a general notice following the processes and procedures set forth in subsection B of § 2.2-4031 of the Virginia Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). The Advisory Council shall allow at least 30 days for the submission of written comments following the posting and publication and shall hold at least one meeting dedicated to the receipt of oral comment no less than 15 days after the posting and publication. The Advisory Council shall also develop methods for the identification and notification of interested parties and specific means of seeking input from interested persons and groups. The Advisory Council shall send a copy of such notices, comments, and other background material relative to the development of the recommended guidance documents to the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules.
2015, cc. 482, 483; 2017, c. 395; 2020, c. 738; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 258.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman › § 2.2-439. Children's Ombudsman; establishment; appointment; removal

A. There is hereby created the Office of the Children's Ombudsman as a means of effecting changes in policy, procedure, and legislation; educating the public; investigating and reviewing actions of the Department, local departments, child-placing agencies, or children's residential facilities; and monitoring and ensuring compliance with relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to child protective services and the placement, supervision, and treatment of, and improvement of delivery of care to, children in foster care and adoptive homes.
B. The Office of the Children's Ombudsman shall be headed by the Children's Ombudsman, who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The individual shall be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Children's Ombudsman and the Office of the Children's Ombudsman as provided in this chapter.
C. The appointment shall be for a term of four years. The Governor may remove the Ombudsman for cause in accordance with § 2.2-108. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Governor for the unexpired term.
2020, c. 1090; 2023, c. 750.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman › § 2.2-440. Procedures; training; notification of safety concerns

A. The Ombudsman shall establish procedures for the Office for budget, expenditures, and employment. Subject to annual appropriations, the Ombudsman shall employ sufficient personnel to carry out the duties and powers prescribed by this chapter.
B. The Ombudsman shall establish procedures for receiving and processing complaints from complainants and individuals not meeting the definition of complainant, conducting investigations, holding informal hearings, and reporting findings and recommendations resulting from investigations.
C. Personnel employed by the Office shall receive mandatory training in domestic violence and in handling complaints alleging that a child is an abused or neglected child.
D. The Ombudsman shall notify a child-serving agency of any immediate safety concerns regarding a child or children who are part of an active or open child protective services or foster care case. This notification shall occur as soon as possible, but not later than one business day after the Ombudsman becomes aware of the concerns.
2020, c. 1090; 2023, c. 750.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 4.4 - Office of the Children's Ombudsman › § 2.2-441. Individuals making complaint to Children's Ombudsman

A. Any of the following individuals may make a complaint to the Ombudsman with respect to a particular child, alleging that an administrative act is contrary to law, rule, or policy; imposed without an adequate statement of reason; or based on irrelevant, immaterial, or erroneous grounds:
1. The child, if the child is able to articulate a complaint;
2. A biological parent of the child;
3. A foster parent of the child;
4. An adoptive parent or a prospective adoptive parent of the child;
5. A legally appointed guardian of the child;
6. A guardian ad litem for the child;
7. A relative of the child or any person with a legitimate interest as defined in § 20-124.1;
8. A Virginia legislator;
9. An individual required to report that a child is alleged to be an abused or neglected child under § 63.2-1509; and
10. An attorney for any individual described in subdivisions 1 through 7.
B. Any individual may submit a complaint to the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman has the sole discretion and authority to determine if a complaint falls within the Ombudsman's duties and powers to investigate and if a complaint involves an administrative act. The Ombudsman may initiate an investigation upon receipt of a complaint from an individual not meeting the definition of complainant. An individual not meeting the definition of complainant is not entitled to receive information under this chapter as if such individual is a complainant. The individual is entitled to receive the recommendations of the Ombudsman and the Department or local department's response to the recommendations of the Ombudsman in accordance with state and federal law. During the course of an investigation, the Ombudsman may refer a case to a child-serving agency if the Ombudsman determines that such agency received a complaint on the case but did not conduct an investigation. If the Ombudsman refers a case to a child-serving agency, such agency shall conduct an investigation of the case or provide notice to the Ombudsman explaining why an investigation was not conducted or what alternative steps may have been taken to address the situation. If an investigation has been conducted, the child-serving agency shall report the results to the Ombudsman.
2020, c. 1090; 2023, c. 750.
2023 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 and duties

In addition to any powers described in this chapter, 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 and children who may have died as a result of alleged abuse or neglect:
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 upon the Ombudsman's own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint and make recommendations for improvement;
4. Initiate investigations of administrative acts of the Department, a local department, or a child-placing agency in cases relating to such children upon the Ombudsman's own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint; and
5. Subject to an appropriation of funds, commence and conduct investigations into alleged violations of the rights of a foster parent.
2020, c. 1090; 2023, c. 750.
2023 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 or children's residential facility, 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 children's residential facility, 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; 2023, c. 750.
2023 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 Office access to all information, records, and documents in the possession of the Department or local department, children's residential facility, or child-placing agency that the Ombudsman considers relevant and necessary in an investigation.
2. Assist the Ombudsman or the Office to obtain the necessary releases of those documents that are specifically restricted.
3. Upon the Ombudsman's request, provide the Ombudsman or the Office with progress reports concerning the administrative processing of a complaint.
4. Upon the Ombudsman's request, provide the Ombudsman or the Office 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 and the Office 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; 2023, c. 750.
2023 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, a children's residential facility, 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, a child-serving agency, a children's residential facility, 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; 2023, c. 750.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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 the requirements of Article VII, § 5 of the Constitution of Virginia, Chapter 3 (§ 24.2-304.04 et seq.) of Title 24.2, or Chapter 62 (§ 30-391 et seq.) of Title 30.
1989, c. 112, § 2.1-121.1; 1995, c. 249; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 1000; 2012, c. 1; 2023, c. 455.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 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.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-510.1. Open negotiation for employment of special counsel

No state agency or state agent shall enter into a contingency fee contract for legal services in which contingency fees and expenses are reasonably anticipated to exceed $100,000 until an open and competitive negotiation process has been undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.), applied mutatis mutandis. The contract shall be awarded to the attorney or firm that submits the most competitive proposal to provide such services considering the cost of the services, the qualifications of the attorney or firm to provide the services, the experience of the attorney or firm with similar legal matters, legal expertise generally, and such other relevant factors as may be identified by the Attorney General.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any contracts for legal fees entered into pursuant to § 2.2-507 for the purpose of implementing the Virginia Debt Collection Act (§ 2.2-4800 et seq.).
2002, c. 196.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-510.2. Employment of outside counsel where a conflict of interests exists

In cases where the Attorney General certifies to the Governor that it would be improper for the Attorney General's office to render legal services due to a conflict of interests, the Attorney General shall negotiate an agreement with outside counsel to render the necessary legal services for the matter. The agreement shall include a reasonable fee for the necessary legal services rendered. Compensation shall be expended from funds appropriated to the Attorney General's office.
2014, c. 824.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-511.1. Public integrity; law-enforcement misconduct

A. As used in this section:
"Law-enforcement officer" means the same as that term is defined in § 9.1-101.
"Locality" shall be construed to mean a county, city, or town as the context may require.
B. It is unlawful for the Commonwealth or any locality, or any agent thereof, or any person acting on behalf of the Commonwealth or any locality, to engage in a pattern or practice of conduct by law-enforcement officers of any agency of the Commonwealth or any locality that deprives persons of rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the laws of the United States and the Commonwealth.
C. Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of subsection B has occurred, the Attorney General, for or in the name of the Commonwealth, may (i) file a civil action to obtain appropriate equitable and declaratory relief to eliminate the pattern or practice or (ii) inquire into or seek to conciliate any unlawful pattern and practice pursuant to § 2.2-520. The Attorney General may file a civil action to obtain appropriate relief to enforce a conciliation agreement arising out of such inquiry or conciliation. The Attorney General may include, as part of a conciliation agreement, a provision that the locality shall be ineligible for funding under Article 8 (§ 9.1-165 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1 upon a finding by any court of the Commonwealth that such locality is failing to comply with the conciliation agreement. Upon such a finding, the court shall declare the locality ineligible for funding until the locality comes into compliance with the conciliation agreement.
D. Whenever the Attorney General has reasonable cause to believe that a violation of subsection B has occurred, the Attorney General is empowered to issue a civil investigative demand. The provisions of § 59.1-9.10 shall apply mutatis mutandis to civil investigative demands issued pursuant to this section.
2020, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 18, 19.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-511.2. Organized Retail Crime Fund; report

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Organized Retail Crime 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 awarding grants to attorneys for the Commonwealth and law-enforcement agencies to investigate, indict, and prosecute violations of organized retail theft and associated fraud and property crimes. 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.
The Attorney General shall establish guidelines and procedures for the proper administration of the Fund including eligibility requirements and procedures for filing a grant application. The Attorney General shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly summarizing the activities of the Fund.
2023, cc. 357, 358.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-512. Employment of special counsel to prosecute persons illegally practicing law

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General may expend funds appropriated to his office for the purpose of employing special counsel to investigate and prosecute a complaint that any person is engaged in the practice of law without being duly authorized or licensed so to do or is practicing law in violation of law. The compensation of the special counsel shall be paid out of the appropriation for the Attorney General's office. No special counsel shall be employed and paid except upon the request of the Executive Committee of the Virginia State Bar.
1958, c. 235, § 2-90.1; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-125; 1980, c. 269; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-513. Counsel for Commonwealth in federal matters

The Attorney General shall represent the interests of the Commonwealth, its departments, boards, institutions and commissions in matters before or controversies with the officers and several departments of the government of the United States.
Code 1950, § 2-91; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-126; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-514. Compromise and settlement of disputes

A. Except as provided in this section or former § 23-38.33:1, the Attorney General may compromise and settle disputes, claims and controversies involving all interests of the Commonwealth including, but not limited to the Virginia Tort Claims Act (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.), and may discharge any such claims, but only after the proposed compromise, settlement or discharge, together with the reasons therefor, have been submitted in writing to the Governor and approved by him. Where any dispute, claim or controversy involves the interests of any department, institution, division, commission, board, authority or bureau of the Commonwealth, the Attorney General may compromise and settle or discharge the same provided the action is approved both by the Governor, as provided in this section, and by the head, or his designee, of the department, institution, division, board, authority or bureau that is interested. However, when any dispute, claim or controversy arises under the Virginia Tort Claims Act (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.) or otherwise involves the interests of any department, institution, division, commission, board, authority or bureau of the Commonwealth, and the settlement amount does not exceed $250,000, the Attorney General or an assistant Attorney General assigned to such department, institution, division, commission, board, authority or bureau, or such other designee of the Attorney General, may compromise and settle or discharge the same provided the action is approved by the head, or his designee, of the department, institution, division, board or bureau whose interests are in issue. When the dispute, claim or controversy involves a case in which the Commonwealth has a claim for sums due it as the result of hospital, medical or dental care furnished by or on behalf of the Commonwealth, the Attorney General or such assistant Attorney General may compromise and settle and discharge the same when the settlement amount does not exceed $250,000.
B. No settlement under subsection A shall be made subject to a confidentiality agreement that prohibits the Commonwealth, a state agency, officer or employee from disclosing the amount of such settlement except where such confidentiality agreement is imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction or otherwise is required by law.
C. No settlement under subsection A shall be made subject to a confidentiality agreement if such settlement requires that a matter or issue shall be the subject of (i) regulatory action pursuant to Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of this title, or (ii) legislation proposed to be introduced in the General Assembly.
Code 1950, § 2-92; 1956, c. 387; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-127; 1973, c. 219; 1979, c. 266; 1986, c. 180; 1989, c. 75; 1995, cc. 359, 384; 2001, cc. 118, 844; 2004, c. 729; 2007, c. 217.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-515. Service on board of national tobacco trust entity

The Attorney General may serve in his official capacity on the board of directors of any entity established to ensure the implementation in the Commonwealth of a national tobacco trust established to provide payments to tobacco growers and tobacco quota owners to ameliorate adverse economic consequences resulting from a national settlement of states' claims against tobacco manufacturers.
2000, c. 1048, § 2.1-127.1; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-515.1. Statewide Facilitator for Victims of Domestic Violence

The Attorney General shall establish a Statewide Facilitator for Victims of Domestic Violence within the Office of the Attorney General. The Statewide Facilitator shall have the responsibility to (i) establish an address confidentiality program in accordance with § 2.2-515.2, (ii) assist agencies in implementing domestic violence programs, and (iii) report on the status of such programs to the House Committee on Courts of Justice and the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and the Virginia State Crime Commission by January 1 of each year.
2002, cc. 810, 818; 2007, c. 599; 2008, c. 649; 2011, cc. 97, 172.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 2.2 - Administration of Government › Chapter 5 - Department of Law › § 2.2-516. Annual report

The Attorney General shall annually, on or before May 1, deliver to the Governor a report of the state and condition of all important matters in which he has represented the Commonwealth during the preceding year. He shall also include in his report the official opinions rendered by him that he believes to be of general interest or helpful in promoting uniformity in the construction of the laws of the Commonwealth.
Code 1950, § 2-93; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-128; 1988, c. 122; 2001, c. 844.