reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-389. Consideration of application

A. The Commission shall promptly consider any application for a permit and issue or deny such permit based on the information in the application and all other information before it, including any investigation it deems appropriate. If an application for a permit is approved, the Commission shall issue a permit, which shall contain such information as the Commission deems appropriate. Such permit shall be valid for one year; however, the permit of a licensee's employee shall expire automatically when such permit holder leaves the employment of the licensee or at the end of one year, whichever occurs first. The licensee shall promptly notify the Commission when a permit holder leaves the employment of the licensee. The Commission shall establish criteria and procedures for permit renewal.
B. The Commission shall deny the application and refuse to issue the permit, which denial shall be final unless an appeal is taken under § 59.1-373, if it finds that the issuance of such permit to such applicant would not be in the interests of the people of the Commonwealth, or the horse racing industry of the Commonwealth, or would reflect on the honesty and integrity of the horse racing industry in the Commonwealth, or that the applicant:
1. Has knowingly made a false statement of a material fact in the application, or has deliberately failed to disclose any information requested by the Commission;
2. Is or has been found guilty of any corrupt or fraudulent practice or conduct in connection with horse racing in this or any other state;
3. Has knowingly failed to comply with the provisions of this chapter or the regulations of the Commission;
4. Has had a permit to engage in activity related to horse racing denied for just cause, suspended or revoked in any other state, and such denial, suspension or revocation is still in effect; or
5. Is unqualified to perform the duties required for the permit sought.
C. The Commission shall deny the application and refuse to issue the permit if, within the five years immediately preceding the date of his application for the permit sought, the applicant has been convicted of a crime involving the unlawful conduct of wagering, fraudulent use of a credential, unlawful transmission of information, touting, bribery, or administration or possession of drugs or any felony considered by the Commission to be detrimental to horse racing in the Commonwealth; the denial shall be final unless an appeal is taken under § 59.1-373. Additionally, the Commission may deny the application and refuse to issue any permit, if the applicant has been convicted of any such crime committed prior to the five years immediately preceding the date of his application.
D. The Commission may refuse to issue the permit if for any reason it feels the granting of such permit is not consistent with the provisions of this chapter or its responsibilities hereunder.
1988, c. 855; 1991, c. 591; 1998, c. 619; 1999, c. 356.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-390. Suspension or revocation of permit; fine

A. The Commission, acting by and through its stewards or at a meeting at which a quorum is present, may suspend or revoke a permit issued under this chapter or fine the holder of such permit a sum not to exceed $10,000, or suspend a permit issued by this chapter and fine the holder of such permit a sum not to exceed $10,000 after a hearing for which proper notice has been given to the permittee, in any case where it determines by a preponderance of the evidence that any provision of this chapter, or any regulation or condition of the Commission, has not been complied with, or has been violated. The Commission may revoke such permit, after such hearing, if it finds that facts not known by it at the time it was considering the application indicate that such permit should not have been issued. Deliberations of the Commission under this section shall be conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). If any permit is suspended or revoked, the Commission shall state its reasons for doing so, which shall be entered of record. Such action shall be final unless an appeal is taken in accordance with § 59.1-373. Suspension or revocation of a permit by the Commission for any violation shall not preclude criminal liability for such violation.
B. The Commission, acting by and through its stewards, or at a meeting at which a quorum is present, may summarily suspend the permit of a person for a period of not more than 90 days pending a hearing and final determination by the Commission or its stewards, if the Commission or its stewards determine the protection of the integrity of horse racing requires emergency action. The Commission or its stewards shall (i) schedule a hearing within 14 business days after the permit is summarily suspended and (ii) notify the permit holder, not less than five business days before the hearing, of the date, time and place of the hearing.
1988, c. 855; 1990, c. 456; 1991, c. 591; 1998, c. 619; 2005, c. 700.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-393. Admissions tax

The governing body of any county or city may by ordinance impose a tax on any licensee hereunder to conduct a race meeting at a track located solely in such county or city of twenty-five cents on the admission of each person on each day except those holding a valid permit under this chapter and actually employed at such track in the capacity for which such permit was issued. The licensee may collect such amount from the ticket holder in addition to the amount charged for the ticket of admission.
If such track or its enclosure is located in two or in three localities, each locality may impose a tax hereunder of twelve and one-half cents or eight and one-third cents per person, respectively.
Gross receipts for license tax purposes under Chapter 37 of Title 58.1 shall not include the admissions tax imposed under this section.
1988, c. 855; 1991, c. 591.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-394. Audit required

A regular post-audit shall be conducted of all accounts and transactions of the Commission. An audit of a fiscal and compliance nature of the accounts and transactions of the Commission shall be conducted by the Auditor of Public Accounts as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The cost of the audit and post-audit examinations shall be borne by the Commission.
1988, c. 855; 2018, cc. 57, 307.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-394.2. Compact Committee members

The Governor shall appoint one official to represent the Commonwealth on the Compact Committee for a term of four years. No official shall serve more than three consecutive terms. A vacancy shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired term.
2000, c. 992.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-394.3. Cooperation of departments, agencies and officers of the Commonwealth

All departments, agencies and officers of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions are hereby authorized to cooperate with the Compact Committee in furtherance of any of its activities pursuant to the Compact.
2000, c. 992.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-394.4. Racing Commission powers preserved

Nothing in this article shall be construed to diminish or limit the powers and responsibilities of the Racing Commission established by Article 1 of this chapter or to invalidate any action of the Racing Commission previously taken, including without limitation any regulation promulgated thereby.
2000, c. 992.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-395. Unlawful conduct of wagering

Any person not licensed under subdivision 5 of § 59.1-369 or under Article 2 (§ 59.1-375 et seq.) of this chapter who conducts pari-mutuel wagering, or horse racing on which wagering is conducted with his knowledge or consent, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
1988, c. 855; 2003, c. 682.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-396. Fraudulent use of credential

Any person other than the lawful holder thereof who has in his possession any credential, license or permit issued by the Commission, or a forged or simulated credential, license or permit of the Commission, and who uses such credential, license or permit for the purpose of misrepresentation, fraud or touting is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Any credential, license or permit issued by the Commission, if used by the holder thereof for a purpose other than identification and in the performance of legitimate duties on a racetrack or within a satellite facility, shall be automatically revoked whether so used on or off a racetrack or satellite facility.
1988, c. 855; 1992, c. 820.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-397. Unlawful transmission of information

Any person who knowingly transmits information as to the progress or results of a horse race, or information as to wagers, betting odds, post or off times, or jockey changes in any race by any means whatsoever for the purposes of carrying on illegal gambling operations as defined in § 18.2-325, or to a person engaged in illegal gambling operations shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
This section shall not be construed to prohibit a newspaper from printing such results or information as news, or any television or radio station from telecasting or broadcasting such results or information as news. This section shall not be so construed as to place in jeopardy any common carrier or its agents performing operations within the scope of a public franchise, or any gambling operation authorized by law.
1988, c. 855.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-398. Touting

Any person, who knowingly and designedly by false representation attempts to, or does persuade, procure or cause another person to wager on a horse in a race to be run in this Commonwealth or elsewhere, and upon which money is wagered in this Commonwealth, and who asks or demands compensation as a reward for information or purported information given in such case, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
1988, c. 855.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-399. Bribing of a jockey, driver or other participant

Any person who gives, promises or offers to any jockey, driver, groom or any person participating in any race meeting, including owners of racetracks and their employees, stewards, trainers, judges, starters and special policemen, any valuable thing with intent to influence him to attempt to lose or cause to be lost a horse race in which such person is taking part or expects to take part, or has any duty or connection, or who, being either jockey, driver, or groom or participant in a race meeting, solicits or accepts any valuable thing to influence him to lose or cause to be lost a horse race in which he is taking part, or expects to take part, or has any duty or connection, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
1988, c. 855.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-400. Prohibited acts, administration of drugs, etc.; penalty

Any person who, with the intent to defraud, acts to alter the outcome of a race by (i) the administration of any substance foreign to the natural horse, except those substances specifically permitted by the regulations of the Virginia Racing Commission, or (ii) the use of any device, electrical or otherwise, except those specifically permitted by the regulations of the Virginia Racing Commission, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Any person who, with the intent to defraud, influences or conspires with another to alter the outcome of a race by (i) the administration of any substance foreign to the natural horse, except those substances specifically permitted by the regulations of the Virginia Racing Commission, or (ii) the use of any device, electrical or otherwise, except those specifically permitted by the regulations of the Virginia Racing Commission, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Any person who (i) administers any substance foreign to the natural horse, except those substances specifically permitted by the regulations of the Virginia Racing Commission, when the horse is entered to start, or (ii) at any time, exposes any substance foreign to the natural horse with the intent of impeding or increasing the speed, endurance, health, or condition of a horse, shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
1988, c. 855; 1990, c. 366.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-401. Possessing drugs

The possession or transportation of any drug except those permitted by regulations of the Commission within the racing enclosure is prohibited except upon a bona fide veterinarian's prescription with complete statement of uses and purposes on the container. A copy of such prescription shall be filed with the stewards. Any person knowingly violating the provisions of this section relating to the legal possession of drugs shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. The provisions of the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) shall apply in situations where drugs regulated by that Act are within the racing enclosure.
1988, c. 855.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-402. Racing under false name; penalty

Any person who knowingly enters or races any horse in any running or harness race under any name or designation other than the name or designation assigned to such horse by and registered with the Jockey Club, the United States Trotting Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, or other applicable association or who knowingly instigates, engages in, or in any way furthers any act by which any horse is entered or raced in any running or trotting race under any name or designation other than the name or designation duly assigned by and registered with the Jockey Club, the United States Trotting Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, or other applicable association, is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
1988, c. 855; 1990, c. 351.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-403. Prohibition on persons under 21 years of age; penalty

No person shall wager on or conduct any wagering on the outcome of a horse race pursuant to the provisions of this chapter unless such person is 18 years of age or older. No person shall accept any wager from a minor. No person shall be admitted into a satellite facility if such person is under 18 years of age unless accompanied by one of his parents or his legal guardian. No person under 21 years of age shall use any electronic gaming terminal or other electronic device in a satellite facility to wager on or conduct any wagering on historical horse racing. Violation of this section shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor.
1988, c. 855; 1996, cc. 915, 1025; 2022, cc. 502, 503.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29 - Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering › § 59.1-405. Conspiracies and attempts to commit violations

A. Any person who conspires, confederates or combines with another, either within or without this Commonwealth, to commit a felony prohibited by this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
B. Any person who attempts to commit any act prohibited by this article shall be guilty of a criminal offense and punished as provided in either §§ 18.2-26, 18.2-27 or § 18.2-28, as appropriate.
1988, c. 855; 1991, c. 591.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 29.1 - Greyhound Racing › § 59.1-405.1. Greyhound racing and simulcasting prohibited; penalty

A. No person shall hold, conduct or operate any greyhound races for public exhibition in the Commonwealth for monetary remuneration.
B. No person shall transmit or receive interstate or intrastate simulcasting of greyhound races for commercial purposes in the Commonwealth.
C. Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony.
1995, c. 19.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-406. Scope

This chapter (§ 59.1-406 et seq.) is enacted to promote the safety and protection of persons engaged in work or activity in the vicinity of overhead high voltage lines. The chapter defines the conditions under which work may be carried on safely and provides for the safety arrangements to be taken when any person engages in work or other activity in proximity to overhead high voltage lines.
1989, c. 341.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-407. Definitions

As used in this chapter:
"Covered equipment" means any mechanical equipment or hoisting equipment, any part of which is capable of vertical, lateral or swinging motion that could cause the equipment to be operated within ten feet of an overhead high voltage line, including but not limited to cranes, derricks, power shovels, drilling rigs, excavating equipment, hay loaders, hay stackers, combines, grain augers and mechanical cotton pickers.
"Notice" means actual notification in the manner prescribed in § 59.1-411.
"Overhead high voltage line" means all above ground bare or insulated electrical conductors of voltage in excess of 600 volts measured between conductors or measured between a conductor and the ground, except those conductors that are de-energized and grounded or that are enclosed in rigid metallic conduit or flexible armored conduit.
"Person" means natural person, firm, business association, company, partnership, corporation or other legal entity.
"Person responsible for the work" means the person performing or controlling the work.
"Warning sign" means a weather-resistant sign of not less than five inches by seven inches with a yellow background and black lettering reading as follows: "WARNING -- UNLAWFUL TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHIN 10 FEET OF OVERHEAD HIGH VOLTAGE LINES" or such other equally effective warning signs as may be approved for use by the Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board or the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.
"Work" means the physical act of performing or preparing to perform any activity under, over, by, or near overhead high voltage lines, including, but not limited to, the operation, erection, handling, storage, or transportation of any tools, machinery, ladders, antennas, equipment, covered equipment, supplies, materials, or apparatus, or the moving of any house or other structure, whenever such activity is done by a person or entity in pursuit of his trade or business.
"Working day" means every day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal state and federal holidays.
1989, c. 341; 2003, c. 364.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-408. Prohibited activities

Unless danger of contact with overhead high voltage lines has been guarded against as provided by § 59.1-410:
1. No person shall, individually or through an agent or employee, perform, or require any other person to perform, any work, as defined in § 59.1-407, that will cause any person or tools, machinery, ladders, antennas, equipment, covered equipment, supplies, materials, or apparatus to be placed within 10 feet (3.1 meters) of any overhead high voltage line.
2. A clearance greater than 10 feet (3.1 meters) may be required under the circumstances by the occupational safety and health regulations adopted by the Safety and Health Codes Board pursuant to Chapter 3 (§ 40.1-22 et seq.) of Title 40.1 and enforced by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.
3. The prohibited activities as described in this section shall not apply to covered equipment as defined herein when lawfully driven or transported on public streets and highways in compliance with the height restriction imposed by § 46.2-1110, nor shall they apply to covered equipment, when used in agricultural or silvicultural activities, that is in compliance with the height restrictions imposed by § 46.2-1110 when driven or transported on land used for agricultural or silvicultural activities.
1989, c. 341; 1995, c. 298; 2003, c. 364.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-409. Warning signs

A. No person shall, individually or through an agent or employee, or as an agent or employee, operate any covered equipment in the proximity of an overhead high voltage line unless there is posted and maintained a warning sign placed as follows:
1. Within the equipment and readily visible and legible to the operator of such equipment when at the controls of such equipment; and
2. On the outside of equipment in such numbers and locations as to be readily visible and legible at 12 feet to other persons engaged in the work operations.
B. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the owner, lessee, or employer of any covered equipment to acquaint themselves, and their employees who will be operating the equipment or will be engaged in work, with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations prescribed and promulgated pursuant to it.
1989, c. 341; 2003, c. 364.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-411. Notification

A. Every notice served by any person on an owner or operator of an overhead high voltage line pursuant to § 59.1-410 shall contain the following information:
1. The name of the individual serving such notice;
2. The location or address of the tract or parcel of land upon which the work is to take place with sufficient particularity to enable the owner or operator of the overhead high voltage lines to ascertain the precise tract or parcel of land involved;
3. The name, address and work day telephone number of the person responsible for the work;
4. The field telephone number at the site of such work, if one is available;
5. The type and extent of the proposed work;
6. The name of the person for whom the proposed work is being performed;
7. The time and date of the notice; and
8. The dates upon which the work is scheduled to commence and be completed.
B. If the notification required by this chapter is made by telephone, a record of such notification shall be maintained by the owner or operator notified and the person giving the notice to document compliance with the requirements of this chapter.
C. To facilitate notification required by this chapter, every operator of overhead high voltage lines shall publish a phone number or numbers that, when called, will serve to provide initial notification of the need to arrange for the temporary safety arrangements pursuant to this chapter.
D. If, after the arrangements required by § 59.1-410 are made, a delay in commencing the work is encountered, then the person responsible for the work shall be required to give a new notice as specified in this section.
E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the owner or leaseholder of real estate devoted to agricultural or silvicultural activities beneath a high voltage line, unless otherwise required by state or federal law.
1989, c. 341; 1995, c. 298; 1996, c. 267; 2003, c. 364.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-412. Enforcement of chapter

The provisions of this chapter shall be considered as safety and health standards of the Commonwealth and enforced as to employers pursuant to § 40.1-49.4 by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.
In the case of violations of this chapter over which the Commissioner of Labor and Industry does not have enforcement powers pursuant to § 40.1-49.4, a civil penalty of up to $1,000 may be imposed at the discretion of the general district court for the jurisdiction in which the offense occurred.
1989, c. 341.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-413. Exemptions

This chapter shall not apply to the construction, reconstruction, operation, and maintenance of overhead electrical or communication circuits or conductors and their supporting structures and associated equipment of (i) rail transportation systems, (ii) electrical generating, transmission or distribution systems, (iii) communication systems, including cable television, or (iv) any other publicly or privately owned system provided that such work on any of the foregoing systems is performed by the employees of the owner or operator of the systems or independent contractors engaged on behalf of the owner or operator of the system to perform the work.
This chapter also shall not apply to electrical or communications circuits or conductors on the premises of coal or other mines which are subject to the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (30 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.) and regulations adopted pursuant to that Act by the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
1989, c. 341.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 30 - Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act › § 59.1-414. Application

A. The owner or operator of overhead high voltage lines shall not be liable for damage or loss to any person or property caused by work within 10 feet of overhead high voltage lines, unless notice has been given as required by § 59.1-411 and the owner or operator of the overhead high voltage line has failed to comply with the provisions of § 59.1-410.
B. Any person responsible for the work who violates the requirements of § 59.1-408 and whose subsequent activities within the vicinity of overhead high voltage lines cause damage to utility facilities or cause injury or damage to any person or property shall indemnify the owner or operator of such overhead high voltage lines against all claims arising from personal injury or death, property damage, or service interruptions, together with attorneys' fees and other costs incurred in defending any such claims directly resulting from work in violation of § 59.1-408.
C. Except as provided in subsection A, nothing in this chapter shall be construed or applied so as to alter the duty or degree of care applicable to owners or operators of overhead high voltage lines with respect to damage to property, personal injury or death.
D. Except for the rights provided to the owner or operator of the overhead high voltage line in subsection B, nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to alter, amend, restrict, or limit the exclusive remedy provisions of § 65.2-307.
1989, c. 341; 2003, c. 364.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-415. Definitions

As used in this chapter, which shall be known and may be cited as the "Prizes and Gifts Act":
"Anything of value," "item of value" or "item" means any item or service with monetary value.
"Handling charge" means any charge, fee or sum of money which is paid by a consumer to receive a prize, gift or any item of value including, but not limited to, promotional fees, redemption fees, registration fees or delivery costs.
"Pay-per-call service" means any passive, interactive, polling, conference, or other similar audiotext service that is accessed through a 900 number exchange or otherwise, and generates a service-related fee billed to a telephone customer.
"Person" means any natural person, corporation, trust, partnership, association and any other legal entity.
1989, c. 689; 1991, c. 154.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-416. Representation of having won a prize, gift or any item of value

A. No person shall, in connection with the sale or lease or solicitation for the sale or lease of goods, property, or service, represent that another person has won anything of value or is the winner of a contest, unless all of the following conditions are met:
1. The recipient of the prize, gift or item of value shall be given the prize, gift or item of value without obligation; and
2. The prize, gift or item of value shall be delivered to the recipient at no expense to him, within ten days of the representation.
B. The use of language that may lead a reasonable person to believe he has won a contest or anything of value, including, but not limited to, "Congratulations," or "You have won," or "You are the winner of," shall be considered a representation of the type governed by this section.
1989, c. 689.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-418. Representation of being specially selected

A. No person shall represent that another person has been specially selected in connection with the sale or lease or solicitation for sale or lease of goods, property, or service, unless the selection process is designed to reach a particular type or types of persons.
B. The use of any language that may lead a reasonable person to believe he has been specially selected, including but not limited to "carefully selected," or "You have been selected to receive," or "You have been chosen," shall be considered a representation of the type governed by this section.
1989, c. 689.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-419. Simulation of checks and invoices

In connection with a consumer transaction, no person shall issue any writing which simulates or resembles (i) a check unless the writing clearly and conspicuously discloses its true value and purpose, and the writing would not mislead a reasonable person or (ii) an invoice unless the intended recipient of the invoice has actually contracted for goods, property, or services for which the issuer seeks proper payment.
1989, c. 689.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-420. Conditions for handling charges and shipping charges

A. It shall be unlawful to notify a person that he will receive a gift, prize or item of value and that as a condition of receiving the gift, prize or item of value he will be required to pay any money, or purchase or lease (including rent) any goods or services, if any one or more of the following conditions exist:
1. The shipping charge exceeds:
a. The cost of postage or the charge of a delivery service in the business of delivering goods of like size, weight, and kind for shipping the gift, prize or item of value from the geographic area in which the gift, prize or item of value is being distributed; or
b. The exact amount for shipping paid to an independent fulfillment house or an independent supplier, either of which is in the business of shipping goods for shippers other than the offeror of the gift, prize or item of value; or
2. The handling charge exceeds the lesser of five dollars or the actual cost of handling.
B. This section shall apply to all offers of prizes, gifts or items of value covered by this chapter.
1989, c. 689.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-421. Action to enforce the provisions of chapter

Any consumer who suffers loss by reason of a violation of any provision of this chapter may bring a civil action to enforce such provisions. Any consumer who is successful in such an action shall recover reasonable attorney's fees, and court costs incurred by bringing such action.
1989, c. 689.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-422. Enforcement; penalties

Any violation of this chapter shall constitute a prohibited practice under the provisions of § 59.1-200 and shall be subject to any of the enforcement provisions of Chapter 17 (§ 59.1-196 et seq.) of this title.
1989, c. 689.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 31 - Prizes and Gifts Act › § 59.1-423. Exemptions

The provisions of §§ 59.1-417 through 59.1-420 shall not apply to the sale or purchase, or solicitation or representation in connection therewith, of goods from a catalog or of books, recordings, videocassettes, periodicals and similar goods through a membership group or club which is regulated by the Federal Trade Commission trade regulation rule concerning use of negative option plans by sellers in commerce or through a contractual plan or arrangement such as a continuity plan, subscription arrangement, or a single sale or purchase series arrangement under which the seller ships goods to a consumer who has consented in advance to receive such goods and the recipient of such goods is given the opportunity, after examination of the goods, to receive a full refund of charges for the goods, or unused portion thereof, upon return of the goods, or unused portion thereof, undamaged.
1989, c. 689.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 32 - Virginia Public Telephone Information Act › § 59.1-425. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Alternate operator services provider" means a telecommunications company, other than a local exchange company or interexchange company certificated by the State Corporation Commission or an affiliate or agent of such a company, which provides intrastate long distance operator assisted services where human or automated call intervention is necessary for obtaining billing information from the end-user. However, this exception for local exchange companies and interexchange companies applies only where the rates charged are those of the local exchange company or interexchange company on file with the State Corporation Commission.
"Person" means individual and entity.
"Public telephone equipment provider" means any person who makes available for public use telephone equipment with access to the public switched network where a charge is made to the user for such use and intrastate local or long distance service is provided through such equipment by an alternate operator services provider. This includes but is not limited to hotels, motels, airports, baccalaureate institutions of higher education, hospitals, and coin-operated telephone equipment either privately owned or furnished by local exchange and interstate long distance telephone companies.
1989, c. 703.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 32 - Virginia Public Telephone Information Act › § 59.1-426. Notice requirements of article

A. Any public telephone equipment provider shall conspicuously display the identity of the company which will normally make the charge for any intrastate long distance calls or local operator-assisted calls not handled by the local exchange telephone company placed from such equipment.
B. 1. Public telephone equipment providers shall disclose on the telephone equipment the method to gain access to other intrastate long distance or local services. The notice shall also explain how to reach the local exchange telephone company operator unless the local exchange company operator can be reached by dialing "0."
2. A notice shall be conspicuously posted on or near the equipment stating "For long distance rates, dial........" All alternate operator service companies shall provide a toll free number to provide rate information and shall be able to quote a specific rate for each call upon inquiry. The posting of this notice shall be the responsibility of the subscriber to the alternate operator service.
C. The alternate operator service shall preannounce to the person placing the call the identity of the provider handling the intrastate toll or operator-assisted local call and the rate for the operator-assisted local call before a cost is incurred by the person placing the call.
D. No alternate operator service provider may bill for a call placed using a credit card issued by a local exchange telephone company or interexchange carrier without the express consent of the person placing the call.
E. No provider of operator services, whether or not certificated by the State Corporation Commission, shall enter into any contract or agreement with a customer which provides or permits call blocking of (i) the local exchange operator, (ii) other operator service providers' 950 or 800 numbers used to gain access to such carriers' networks, (iii) other operator service providers' 1-0-XXX-0+ numbers used to gain access to such carriers' networks, unless a waiver is first obtained from the State Corporation Commission, or (iv) emergency telephone numbers, such as 911.
F. Any person who adds a charge for use of telephone equipment in placing local or long distance calls shall conspicuously disclose the amount of the charge.
G. Every public telephone equipment provider, other than a telephone company certificated by the State Corporation Commission, owning coin-operated telephones shall conspicuously post on its coin-operated telephones a notice stating the local emergency telephone number and the complete address of the telephone. The letter size of the emergency number and address shall be at least one-quarter of an inch in height.
1989, c. 703; 1990, cc. 346, 357.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 32 - Virginia Public Telephone Information Act › § 59.1-427. Enforcement; penalties

Any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a prohibited practice pursuant to the provisions of § 59.1-200 and shall be subject to any and all of the enforcement provisions of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, Chapter 17 (§ 59.1-196 et seq.) of this title.
1989, c. 703.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 33 - Pay-Per-Call Services Act › § 59.1-429. Definitions

As used in this chapter:
"Division" means the Division of Consumer Counsel in the Department of Law.
"Information provider" means any person providing pay-per-call services.
"Long distance carrier" means any interexchange telephone company providing services within the Commonwealth.
"Pay-per-call service" means any passive, interactive, polling, conference, or other similar audiotext service that is accessed by telephone, through a 900 number exchange or otherwise, and generates a service-related fee billed to a telephone customer.
"Telephone company" means a certificated local exchange telephone company which owns, manages, or controls any plant or equipment or any part of a plant or equipment within the Commonwealth for the conveyance of telephone messages, either directly or indirectly.
1991, cc. 608, 630; 2012, cc. 803, 835.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 33 - Pay-Per-Call Services Act › § 59.1-430. Required disclosures

A. Every pay-per-call service advertisement or solicitation shall disclose (i) that a fee in excess of applicable telephone company or long distance carrier charges, if any, is charged for calls to the telephone number provided; (ii) the per-minute or flat-rate charges for the calls; (iii) the average length of call, measured in minutes, required to receive the service; (iv) whether additional calls to other pay-per-call services are required to obtain the full benefit of the service; and (v) the information provider's name, business address, and business telephone number.
In television advertisements, the price disclosure shall be preceded by a dollar sign, stated in arabic numerals, positioned in the lower portion of the television screen in letters large enough to be easily read by viewers and displayed during the entire time the telephone number is displayed. In written materials, the cost of the call shall be printed in ten-point bold-faced type immediately adjacent to the pay-per-call service telephone number.
B. The disclosures required by subsection A of this section shall be conspicuously displayed in a manner reasonably intended to furnish advance notice of the pay-per-call service's total cost.
C. Every information provider shall disclose to the customer at the beginning of each call for which pay-per-call charges are incurred the per-minute or flat-rate charges for the pay-per-call service if (i) the per-minute rate charged is two dollars or more; (ii) the flat-rate charge is five dollars or more; or (iii) the pay-per-call service is intended for children under the age of twelve, regardless of the amount charged. In addition, pay-per-call services intended for children under the age of twelve shall also include an introductory statement that children should obtain prior parental approval before calling the service. The information provider shall also provide a delayed timing of information charges.
D. Every information provider shall provide a period of a minimum of twelve seconds for a delayed timing of information charges and price disclosure message. If the delayed timing period is exceeded, a consumer shall be billed from the time of the initial connection, and transport charges shall be billed to the information provider from the time of the initial connection. If the consumer disconnects the call within the delayed timing period, no information charge shall be billed to the caller.
During the delayed timing period, the information provider shall inform the consumer of any information required by subsection C of this section and of all of the following: (i) the name of the programs; (ii) the date the information was recorded, if the information is a recorded message; and (iii) that if the caller disconnects the call within the delayed timing period, the consumer will not be charged for the call.
1991, cc. 608, 630; 1992, c. 284.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 33 - Pay-Per-Call Services Act › § 59.1-431. Telephone company and long distance carrier duties

Every telephone company and long distance carrier shall furnish the following information on any telephone customer's bill that contains charges for pay-per-call services: (i) the pay-per-call number called; (ii) the date, time, and length of the call; and (iii) the amount charged.
1991, cc. 608, 630.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 33 - Pay-Per-Call Services Act › § 59.1-432. Regulations

The Division is authorized to prescribe reasonable regulations in order to implement provisions in this chapter relating to pay-per-call service advertising or solicitation. These regulations shall be adopted, amended, or repealed in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
1991, cc. 608, 630; 2012, cc. 803, 835.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 33 - Pay-Per-Call Services Act › § 59.1-433. Investigations

A. The Division may, with respect to pay-per-call service advertising or solicitation:
1. Make necessary public and private investigations within or without this Commonwealth to determine whether any person has violated the provisions of this chapter, or any rule, regulation, or order issued pursuant to this chapter;
2. Require or permit any person to file a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the Division determines, as to all facts and circumstances concerning the matter under investigation; and
3. Administer oaths or affirmations, and upon such motion or upon request of any party, may subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any matter that is relevant to the investigation, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of relevant facts, or any other matter reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of material evidence.
B. Any proceeding or hearing of the Division pursuant to this chapter, in which witnesses are subpoenaed and their attendance required for evidence to be taken, or any matter is to be produced to ascertain material evidence, shall take place within the City of Richmond.
C. If any person fails to obey a subpoena or to answer questions propounded by the Division and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected thereby, the Division may apply to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond for an order compelling compliance.
1991, cc. 608, 630.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 33 - Pay-Per-Call Services Act › § 59.1-434. Enforcement; penalties

Any violation of this chapter shall constitute a prohibited practice under the provisions of § 59.1-200 and shall be subject to any and all of the enforcement provisions of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-196 et seq.) of this title.
1991, cc. 608, 630.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 59.1 - Trade and Commerce › Chapter 33.1 - Home Service Contract Providers › § 59.1-434.1. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Board" means the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services or his designee.
"Home service contract" means a contract or agreement for a separately stated consideration for any duration to perform the service, repair, replacement, or maintenance of property or to indemnify for the costs of service, repair, replacement, or maintenance, for the operational failure of any property due to a defect in materials, workmanship, inherent defect, or normal wear and tear, with or without additional provisions for incidental payment of indemnity under limited circumstances. Home service contracts may provide for the service, repair, replacement, or maintenance of property for damage resulting from power surges or interruption and for accidental damage from handling. Home service contracts may provide roof leak coverage.
"Property" means any component, part, appliance, or household system of a residential property that is covered by a contract, whether such component, part, appliance, or household system is personal property or is affixed as real property to the covered residential property.
"Provider" means a person that is contractually obligated to the purchaser under the terms of the home service contract.
"Purchaser" means a person who enters into a home service contract with a provider.
2017, c. 727.