reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 10 - Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act › § 30-79. Purpose

A. Section 11 of Article X of the Constitution of Virginia (1971) requires that the General Assembly maintain a state employees retirement system to be administered in the best interest of the beneficiaries thereof. In order to fulfill this duty, continuing legislative oversight of the Virginia Retirement System ("Retirement System" or "System") is essential.
B. The General Assembly hereby designates the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission ("Commission") to oversee and evaluate the Virginia Retirement System on a continuing basis and to make such special studies and reports as may be requested by the General Assembly, the House Committee on Appropriations, or the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.
1994, cc. 3, 732.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 10 - Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act › § 30-80. Duties and powers

A. The areas of review and evaluation to be conducted by the Commission shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) structure and governance of the Retirement System; (ii) structure of the investment portfolio; (iii) investment practices, policies, and performance, including the effect of investment performance on employer contributions; (iv) actuarial policy and the actuarial soundness of the Retirement System's trust funds; and (v) administration and management of the Retirement System.
B. For the purpose of carrying out its duties under this chapter and notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, the Commission shall have the following powers, including but not limited to:
1. Access to the information, records, and facilities of the Retirement System and any corporations or subsidiaries thereof or other entities owned, directly or indirectly, or otherwise created by or on behalf of the System.
2. Access to the public and executive session meetings and records of the board of trustees of the System, as well as those of the System's investment advisory committee and real estate advisory committee. Access shall include the right to attend such meetings.
3. Access to the System's employees, consultants, actuaries, investment managers, advisors, attorneys, accountants, or other contractors in the employ or hire of the Virginia Retirement System. Such persons shall cooperate with the Commission and upon its request shall provide specific information or opinions in the form requested.
4. The chairman of the Commission may appoint a permanent subcommittee to provide guidance and direction for oversight activities, subject to the full Commission's supervision and such guidelines as the Commission itself may provide.
C. Confidential or proprietary records of the Virginia Retirement System or its subsidiary corporations provided to the Commission shall be exempted from the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).
1994, cc. 3, 732.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 10 - Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act › § 30-81. Required reports

A. The Virginia Retirement System shall submit to the General Assembly, through its Commission, both semi-annual and annual reports on the investment programs of the Retirement System. The report shall be presented in a format approved by the Commission and shall include information concerning (i) planned or actual material changes in asset allocation, (ii) investment performance of all asset classes and subclasses, and (iii) investment policies and programs.
B. The System shall also submit a biennial report on the actuarial soundness of its trust funds, which shall include (i) funding policy and objectives, (ii) current and projected funding levels, (iii) current and projected contribution rates, and (iv) actuarial assumptions.
C. The System shall furnish such reports or information as may be requested by standing committees of the General Assembly having jurisdiction over the subject matter which is the basis of such committee's inquiry.
D. The Commission shall publish the following reports concerning the Retirement System: (i) a biennial status report which shall include, at a minimum and where appropriate, findings and recommendations and the status of actions, if any, taken in response to prior recommendations and (ii) with the assistance of an actuary, an actuarial report once every four years.
E. The Commission's staff shall prepare and maintain an informational guide to the Virginia Retirement System for the members of the General Assembly.
F. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall complete an annual financial audit of the Virginia Retirement System, the State Police Officers' Retirement System, and the Judicial Retirement System. The Auditor shall report the findings of his audit to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. Such audit shall be submitted on or before the first day of the General Assembly session.
1994, cc. 3, 732.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 10 - Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act › § 30-82. Use of consultants

The Commission may employ on a consulting basis such investment, actuarial, and other professional or technical experts as may be reasonably necessary for the Commission to fulfill its responsibilities under this chapter. Such consultants shall provide, upon request, assistance to the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations on matters related to the Retirement System.
1994, cc. 3, 732.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 10 - Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act › § 30-84. Funding for Commission's oversight activities

The Commission's reasonable and necessary expenses related to its duties under this chapter shall be paid by the Retirement System and shall be borne by each trust fund in the System in the same ratio as the assets of each trust fund, as of the preceding June 30, bear to the total trust funds of the System on that date. On or before September 30 of each year, the Commission shall submit to the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System an itemized estimate for the next fiscal year of the amounts necessary to pay the Commission's expenses related to its duties under this chapter and shall include the estimate as part of the agency's budget submission to the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.
1994, cc. 3, 732; 2005, c. 633.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 11 - Joint Commission on Technology and Science › § 30-85. Commission established; powers and duties

The Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) is hereby established as a permanent legislative agency of the Commonwealth. JCOTS shall generally study all aspects of technology and science and endeavor to stimulate, encourage, promote, and assist in the development of technology and science in the Commonwealth and sound public policies related thereto. In addition, JCOTS shall:
1. Evaluate the impact of existing statutes and proposed legislation related to technology and science in the Commonwealth;
2. Advise the General Assembly, Governor, and agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth upon matters related to technology and science;
3. Investigate, research, and consider such issues related to technology and science as may be requested by the General Assembly or determined by JCOTS;
4. Make recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor;
5. Consult with appropriate entities, public or private, on matters related to technology and science under JCOTS' consideration;
6. Encourage research and development in technology and science;
7. Solicit input from appropriate entities, public or private, on issues related to technology and science;
8. Coordinate its efforts with and assist the efforts of other agencies, authorities, and institutions of the Commonwealth;
9. Accept private or public funds to carry out its purposes; and
10. Annually report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor. JCOTS shall make such further interim reports to the General Assembly and the Governor as it deems advisable or as required by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly or by the Governor. The chairman of JCOTS shall submit to the General Assembly and the Governor an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of JCOTS no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.
1997, c. 847; 2005, c. 322.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 11 - Joint Commission on Technology and Science › § 30-86. Membership; terms; vacancies; chairman and vice-chairman; expenses; quorum

A. JCOTS shall be composed of 12 members, seven of whom shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates from the membership thereof, in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates, and five of whom shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules from the membership of the Senate.
B. Members shall serve for terms coincident with their terms of office. Members may be reappointed for successive terms. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.
C. JCOTS members shall receive compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and shall be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to JCOTS for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.
D. Five members of JCOTS shall constitute a quorum. At the first meeting following the adjournment sine die of the Regular Session in an even-numbered year, JCOTS shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A vacancy in either office shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner. Meetings of JCOTS shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever members constituting a quorum so request.
1997, c. 847; 2000, c. 1046; 2005, c. 322.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 11 - Joint Commission on Technology and Science › § 30-88. Advisory committees

JCOTS may establish advisory committees composed of persons with expertise in the matters under consideration by JCOTS. Such persons shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed from funds appropriated or otherwise available to JCOTS for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825, unless they waive reimbursement.
1997, c. 847; 2005, c. 322.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-100. Declaration of legislative policy; construction

The General Assembly, recognizing that our system of representative government is dependent in part upon (i) citizen legislative members representing fully the public in the legislative process and (ii) its citizens maintaining the highest trust in their public officers, finds and declares that the citizens are entitled to be assured that the judgment of the members of the General Assembly will not be compromised or affected by inappropriate conflicts.
The provisions of this chapter do not preclude prosecution for any violation of any criminal law of the Commonwealth, including Articles 2 (Bribery and Related Offenses, § 18.2-438 et seq.) and 3 (Bribery of Public Servants and Party Officials, § 18.2-446 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 18.2, and do not constitute a defense to any prosecution for such a violation.
This chapter shall apply to the members of the General Assembly.
This chapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its purpose.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.30; 2001, c. 844; 2014, cc. 792, 804.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-103.2. Return of gifts

No person shall be in violation of any provision of this chapter prohibiting the acceptance of a gift if the gift is not used by such person and the gift or its equivalent in money is returned to the donor or delivered to a charitable organization within a reasonable period of time upon the discovery of the value of the gift and is not claimed as a charitable contribution for federal income tax purposes or (ii) consideration is given by the donee to the donor for the value of the gift within a reasonable period of time upon the discovery of the value of the gift provided that such consideration reduces the value of the gift to an amount not in excess of $100 as provided in subsection B of § 30-103.1.
2015, cc. 763, 777.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-105. Prohibited contracts by legislators

A. No legislator shall have a personal interest in a contract with the legislative branch of state government.
B. No legislator shall have a personal interest in a contract with any governmental agency of the executive or judicial branches of state government, other than in a contract of regular employment, unless such contract is awarded as a result of competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in § 2.2-4302.1 or 2.2-4302.2 or is exempted from competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation pursuant to § 2.2-4344.
C. No legislator shall have a personal interest in a contract with any governmental agency of local government, other than in a contract of regular employment, unless such contract is (i) awarded as a result of competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation as set forth in § 2.2-4302.1 or 2.2-4302.2 or is awarded as a result of a procedure embodying competitive principles as authorized by subdivision A 10 or A 11 of § 2.2-4343; (ii) exempted from competitive sealed bidding, competitive negotiation, or a procedure embodying competitive principles pursuant to § 2.2-4344; or (iii) awarded after a finding, in writing, by the administrative head of the local governmental agency that competitive bidding or negotiation is contrary to the best interest of the public.
D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to contracts for the sale by a governmental agency of services or goods at uniform prices available to the general public.
E. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a legislator's personal interest in a contract between a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth and a publisher or wholesaler of textbooks or other educational materials for students, which accrues to him solely because he has authored or otherwise created such textbooks or materials.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.35; 2001, c. 844; 2013, c. 583; 2017, cc. 829, 832.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-108. Prohibited conduct concerning personal interest in a transaction

A legislator who has a personal interest in a transaction shall disqualify himself from participating in the transaction.
Unless otherwise prohibited by the rules of his house, the disqualification requirement of this section shall not prevent any legislator from participating in discussions and debates, provided (i) he verbally discloses the fact of his personal interest in the transaction at the outset of the discussion or debate or as soon as practicable thereafter and (ii) he does not vote on the transaction in which he has a personal interest.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.38; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-110. Disclosure

A. In accordance with the requirements set forth in § 30-111.1, every legislator and legislator-elect shall file, as a condition to assuming office, a disclosure statement of his personal interests and such other information as is required on the form prescribed by the Council pursuant to § 30-111 and thereafter shall file such a statement annually on or before February 1. Disclosure forms shall be made available by the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council at least 30 days prior to the filing deadline. Disclosure forms shall be filed electronically with the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council in accordance with the standards approved by it pursuant to § 30-356. The disclosure forms of the members of the General Assembly shall be maintained as public records for five years in the office of the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council. Such forms shall be made public no later than six weeks after the filing deadline.
B. Candidates for the General Assembly shall file a disclosure statement of their personal interests as required by §§ 24.2-500 through 24.2-503.
C. Any legislator who has a personal interest in any transaction pending before the General Assembly and who is disqualified from participating in that transaction pursuant to § 30-108 and the rules of his house shall disclose his interest in accordance with the applicable rule of his house.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.40; 2001, c. 844; 2006, c. 779; 2014, cc. 792, 804; 2015, cc. 763, 777; 2016, cc. 773, 774; 2017, cc. 829, 832.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-110.1. Report of gifts

Every legislator shall file, on or before May 1, a report of gifts accepted or received by him or a member of his immediate family during the period beginning on January 1 complete through adjournment sine die of the regular session of the General Assembly. The gift report shall be on a form prescribed by the Council and shall be filed electronically with the Council in accordance with the standards approved by it pursuant to § 30-356. For purposes of this section, "adjournment sine die" means adjournment on the last legislative day of the regular session and does not include the ensuing reconvened session. Any gifts reported pursuant to this section shall not be listed on the annual disclosure form prescribed by the Council pursuant to § 30-111.
2016, cc. 773, 774.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-111. Disclosure form

A. The disclosure form to be used for filings required by subsections A and B of § 30-110 shall be prescribed by the Council. All completed forms shall be filed electronically with the Council in accordance with the standards approved by it pursuant to § 30-356.
B. Any legislator who knowingly and intentionally makes a false statement of a material fact on the Statement of Economic Interests is guilty of a Class 5 felony and shall be subject to disciplinary action for such violations by the house in which the legislator sits.
C. The Statement of Economic Interests of all members of each house shall be reviewed by the Council. If a legislator's Statement is found to be inadequate as filed, the legislator shall be notified in writing and directed to file an amended Statement correcting the indicated deficiencies, and a time shall be set within which such amendment shall be filed. If the Statement of Economic Interests, in either its original or amended form, is found to be adequate as filed, the legislator's filing shall be deemed in full compliance with this section as to the information disclosed thereon.
D. Ten percent of the membership of a house, on the basis of newly discovered facts, may in writing request the house in which those members sit, in accordance with the rules of that house, to review the Statement of Economic Interests of another member of that house in order to determine the adequacy of his filing. In accordance with the rules of each house, each Statement of Economic Interests shall be promptly reviewed, the adequacy of the filing determined, and notice given in writing to the legislator whose Statement is in issue. Should it be determined that the Statement requires correction, augmentation or revision, the legislator involved shall be directed to make the changes required within such time as shall be set under the rules of each house.
If a legislator, after having been notified in writing in accordance with the rules of the house in which he sits that his Statement is inadequate as filed, fails to amend his Statement so as to come into compliance within the time limit set, he shall be subject to disciplinary action by the house in which he sits. No legislator shall vote on any question relating to his own Statement.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.41; 1988, c. 849; 1994, cc. 724, 733, 735, 777, 793; 1995, c. 763; 1996, c. 77; 1997, cc. 577, 844; 1998, c. 732; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 610; 2006, cc. 779, 787, 892; 2007, cc. 620, 627; 2010, cc. 418, 474, 670; 2014, cc. 792, 804; 2015, cc. 763, 777; 2016, cc. 773, 774.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-111.1. Disclosure form; filing requirements

A. A legislator or legislator-elect required to file an annual disclosure on or before February 1 pursuant to this article shall disclose his personal interests and other information as required on the form prescribed by the Council for the preceding calendar year complete through December 31. A legislator or legislator-elect required to file a disclosure as a condition to assuming office shall file such disclosure on or before the day such office is assumed and disclose his personal interests and other information as required on the form prescribed by the Council for the preceding 12-month period complete through the last day of the month immediately preceding the month in which the office is assumed; however, any legislator or legislator-elect who assumes office in January shall be required to only file an annual disclosure on or before February 1 for the preceding calendar year complete through December 31.
B. When the deadline for filing any disclosure pursuant to this article falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline for filing shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
2017, cc. 829, 832.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-113. Powers and duties of Panel

The powers and duties of the Panel shall be applied and used only in relation to members of the respective house of the General Assembly for which it is created. The Panel shall establish its rules of procedure, including rules for the conduct of open meetings and hearings.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.45; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 876.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-113.1. Records

If a complaint is dismissed during the preliminary investigation, such records shall remain confidential and be retained for a period of five years and then destroyed. Records related to a complaint that has proceeded to an inquiry beyond a preliminary investigation shall be made available to the public and retained in a manner prescribed by the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.).
2010, c. 876.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-114. Filing of complaints; procedures; disposition

A. In response to the signed and sworn complaint of any citizen of the Commonwealth, which is subscribed by the maker as true under penalty of perjury, submitted to the Panel, the Panel shall inquire into any alleged violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) by any member of the respective house of the General Assembly in his current term or his immediate prior term. Complaints shall be filed with the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, which shall promptly (i) submit the complaint to the chairman of the appropriate Panel and (ii) forward a copy of the complaint to the legislator named in the complaint. The chairman shall promptly notify the Panel of the complaint. No complaint shall be filed with the Panel 60 or fewer days before a primary election or other nominating event or before a general election in which the cited legislator is running for office, and the Panel shall not accept or act on any complaint received during this period.
B. The Panel shall determine, during its preliminary investigation, whether the facts stated in the complaint taken as true are sufficient to show a violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.). If the facts, as stated in the complaint, fail to give rise to such a violation, then the Panel shall dismiss the complaint. If the facts, as stated in the complaint, give rise to such a violation, then the Panel shall request that the complainant appear and testify under oath as to the complaint and the allegations therein. After hearing the testimony and reviewing any other evidence provided by the complainant, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint if the Panel fails to find by a preponderance of the evidence that such violation has occurred. If the Panel finds otherwise, it shall proceed with the inquiry.
C. If after such preliminary investigation, the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel (i) shall immediately notify in writing the individual who filed the complaint and the cited legislator as to the fact of the inquiry and the charges against the legislator and (ii) shall schedule one or more hearings on the matter. The legislator shall have the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, face and examine the accuser, and be represented by counsel at any hearings. In its discretion, the Panel may grant the legislator any other rights or privileges not specifically enumerated in this subsection. Once the Panel has determined to proceed with an inquiry, its meetings and hearings shall be open to the public.
D. Once the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel shall complete its investigations and dispose of the matter as provided in § 30-116 notwithstanding the resignation of the legislator during the course of the Panel's proceedings.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.46; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 649; 2010, c. 876; 2014, cc. 792, 804.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-115. Subpoenas

The Panel may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documents, books or other records. The Panel may apply to the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond to compel obedience to the subpoenas of the Panel. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, every state and local governmental agency, and units and subdivisions thereof shall make available to the Panel any documents, records, data, statements or other information, except tax returns or information relating thereto, which the Panel designates as being necessary for the exercise of its powers and duties.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.47; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-117. Confidentiality of proceedings

All proceedings during the investigation of any complaint by the Panel shall be confidential. This rule of confidentiality shall apply to Panel members and their staff, the Committee on Privileges and Elections and its staff, and the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.49; 2001, c. 844; 2014, cc. 792, 804.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-118. Staff for Panel

The Panel may hire staff and outside counsel to assist the Panel and to conduct examinations of witnesses, subject to the approval of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate for the Senate Ethics Advisory Panel and subject to the approval of the Speaker of the House of Delegates for the House Ethics Advisory Panel.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.50; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 876; 2014, cc. 792, 804.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-119. Jurisdiction of Panel

The Senate and House Ethics Advisory Panels shall have jurisdiction over any complaint alleging a violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) of this chapter that occurs on or after August 1, 1987, and over any complaint alleging a violation of the Comprehensive Conflict of Interests Act occurring after July 1, 1984, and prior to August 1, 1987.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.52; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-120. Senate and House Committees on Standards of Conduct

Either house of the General Assembly may establish, in its rules, a Committee on Standards of Conduct to be appointed as provided in its rules and consisting of three members, one of whom shall be a member of the minority party. The Committee shall consider any request by a member of its house for an advisory opinion as to whether the facts in a particular case would constitute a violation of the provisions of this chapter and may consider other matters assigned to it pursuant to the rules of its house.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.53; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-121. Adoption of rules governing procedures and disciplinary sanctions

Each house of the General Assembly shall adopt rules governing procedures and disciplinary sanctions for members who have committed alleged violations of this chapter.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.53:1; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-122. Enforcement

The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Attorney General. In addition to any other powers and duties prescribed by law, the Attorney General shall have the following powers and duties:
1. If he determines that any legislator has knowingly violated any provision of this chapter, he shall designate an attorney for the Commonwealth who shall have complete and independent discretion in the prosecution of the legislator; and
2. He shall render advisory opinions to any legislator who seeks advice as to whether the facts in a particular case would constitute a violation of the provisions of this chapter. He shall determine which of his opinions or portions thereof are of general interest to the public and which may, from time to time, be published.
Irrespective of whether an opinion of the Attorney General has been requested and rendered, any legislator has the right to seek a declaratory judgment or other judicial relief as provided by law.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.59; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-123. Knowing violation of chapter a misdemeanor

Any legislator who knowingly violates any of the provisions of Articles 2 through 5 (§§ 30-102 through 30-111) of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A knowing violation under this section is one in which the person engages in conduct, performs an act or refuses to perform an act when he knows that the conduct is prohibited or required by this chapter. There shall be no prosecution for a violation of § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110 unless the house in which the member sits has referred the matter to the Attorney General as provided in subdivision 4 of § 30-116.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.54; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-124. Advisory opinions

A legislator shall not be prosecuted or disciplined for a violation of this chapter if his alleged violation resulted from his good faith reliance on a written opinion of a committee on standards of conduct established pursuant to § 30-120, an opinion of the Attorney General as provided in § 30-122, or a formal opinion or written informal advice of the Council established pursuant to § 30-355, and the opinion or advice was made after his full disclosure of the facts regardless of whether such opinion or advice is later withdrawn provided the alleged violation occurred prior to the withdrawal of the opinion or advice.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.55; 2001, c. 844; 2014, cc. 792, 804; 2015, cc. 763, 777; 2017, cc. 829, 832.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-125. Invalidation of contract; recision of sales

A. Any contract made in violation of § 30-103 or § 30-105 may be declared void and may be rescinded by the contracting or selling governmental authority within five years of the date of the contract. In cases in which the contract is invalidated, the contractor shall retain or receive only the reasonable value, with no increment for profit or commission, of the property or services furnished prior to the date of receiving notice that the contract has been voided. In cases of recision of a contract of sale, any refund or restitution shall be made to the contracting or selling governmental agency.
B. Any purchase made in violation of § 30-103 or § 30-105 may be rescinded by the contracting or selling governmental agency within five years of the date of the purchase.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.56; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-126. Civil penalty from violation of this chapter

A. In addition to any other fine or penalty provided by law, any money or other thing of value derived by a legislator from a violation of §§ 30-103 through 30-108 shall be forfeited and, in the event of a knowing violation, there may also be imposed a civil penalty in an amount equal to the amount of money or thing of value forfeited to the Commonwealth. If the thing of value received by the legislator in violation of this chapter should enhance in value between the time of the violation and the time of discovery of the violation, the greater value shall determine the amount of the civil penalty.
B. A legislator who fails to file the disclosure form required by § 30-111 within the time period prescribed shall be assessed a civil penalty in an amount equal to $250. The Council shall notify the Attorney General of any legislator's failure to file the required form within 30 days of the deadline for filing and the Attorney General shall assess and collect the civil penalty. All civil penalties collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited into the general fund and used exclusively to fund the Council.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.57; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 283, 756; 2015, cc. 763, 777.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-127. Criminal prosecutions

A. Violations of this chapter may be prosecuted notwithstanding the jurisdiction of, or any pending proceeding before, the House or Senate Ethics Advisory Panel.
B. Nothing in this chapter shall limit or affect the application of other criminal statutes and penalties as provided in the Code of Virginia, including but not limited to bribery, embezzlement, perjury, conspiracy, fraud, and violations of the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act Chapter 9.3 (§ 24.2-945 et seq.) of Title 24.2.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.61; 2001, c. 844; 2006, cc. 787, 892.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-128. Limitation of actions

The statute of limitations for the criminal prosecution of a legislator for violation of any provision of this chapter shall be one year from the time the Attorney General has actual knowledge of the violation or five years from the date of the violation, whichever event first occurs.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.58; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-129. Venue

Any prosecution for a violation of this chapter shall be brought in the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which the legislator resides, or the jurisdiction in which he resided at the time of the alleged violation if he is no longer a resident of the Commonwealth.
1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-639.60; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-129.1. Orientation sessions on ethics and conflicts of interests

The Council shall conduct an orientation session (i) for new and returning General Assembly members preceding each even-numbered year regular session and (ii) for any new General Assembly member who is elected in a special election and whose term commences after the date of the orientation session provided for in clause (i) and at least six months before the date of the next such orientation session within three months of his election. Attendance at the full orientation session shall be mandatory for newly elected members. Attendance at a refresher session shall be mandatory for returning members and may be accomplished by online participation. There shall be no penalty for the failure of a member to attend the full or refresher orientation session, but the member must disclose his attendance pursuant to § 30-111.
2014, cc. 792, 804; 2017, cc. 829, 832.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-129.2. Content of orientation sessions

The orientation session shall provide information and training for the members on ethics and conflicts of interests, on the provisions of the General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act (§ 30-100 et seq.), on relevant federal law provisions, and on related issues involving lobbying. Refresher sessions may be offered online.
2014, cc. 792, 804.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13 - General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act › § 30-129.3. Orientation session preparations

Those conducting the orientation sessions may call on other agencies in the legislative or executive branches for assistance, may invite experts to assist in the sessions, and shall, upon request of a member who holds a professional license or certification, apply for continuing education credits with the appropriate licensing or certifying entity for the sessions.
2014, cc. 792, 804.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 13.1 - Sexual Harassment Training Act › § 30-129.5. Sexual harassment training for new employees and new General Assembly members

A (i) legislative branch employee commencing or recommencing employment or (ii) new member of the General Assembly elected after January 1, 2019, shall complete sexual harassment training required under this chapter within 90 days of commencing or recommencing employment or such election, unless the person previously completed such training in the calendar year in which the person commenced or recommenced employment as a legislative branch employee or was elected to the General Assembly. Thereafter, the legislative branch employee or new member of the General Assembly shall complete sexual harassment training once every two calendar years.
2018, cc. 777, 781.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-130. Election, term and compensation; vacancy

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall be elected by the joint vote of the two houses of the General Assembly, for the term of four years, as provided in Article IV, Section 18 of the Constitution of Virginia, and he shall receive such compensation as may be appropriated by law for the purpose. In the event the office of Auditor of Public Accounts becomes vacant while the General Assembly is not in session, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission shall appoint a successor to serve until thirty days after the commencement of the next session of the General Assembly.
Code 1950, § 2-125; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-153; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 43; 1976, c. 697; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-131. Official bonds

The Auditor of Public Accounts and the employees in the office of the Auditor of Public Accounts shall be bonded in accordance with § 2.2-1840, conditioned upon the faithful discharge of their duties.
Code 1950, § 2-126; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-154; 2001, c. 844; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 152.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-132. Employment of assistants; location of offices

A. The Auditor of Public Accounts may employ, with the approval of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, the necessary assistants to enable him to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
B. The office of the Auditor of Public Accounts shall be located in the City of Richmond, and he shall be provided with suitable offices for the conduct of the business of his department.
Code 1950, §§ 2-142, 2-143; 1966, c. 677, §§ 2.1-171, 2.1-172; 1972, c. 582; 1973, c. 507; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-133.1. Additional certifications for public institutions of higher education

In addition to all other responsibilities and duties required under law, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall, promptly upon completion of the annual audit for each public institution of higher education, certify in writing to the Chairman of the Board of Visitors or other governing body of the institution, the Secretaries of Education, Finance, and Administration, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee on Finance, and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations whether or not the institution meets all of the financial and administrative management standards currently in effect for public institutions of higher education pursuant to § 23.1-1001 and as may be included in the appropriation act currently in effect. In addition, for any public institution of higher education required to develop and implement a plan of corrective action under § 23.1-1001, the Auditor shall at the time of making the certification provide a written evaluation of the institution's progress in implementation of the plan and in meeting all of the financial and administrative management standards currently in effect.
For purposes of this section "public institution of higher education" means the same as that term is defined in § 23.1-100.
2005, cc. 933, 945.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-133.2. Annual review of the collection and distribution of retail sales and use taxes

As part of the annual audit of the Department of Taxation, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall perform a review of the collection and distribution of the Retail Sales and Use Tax (§ 58.1-600 et seq.), with an important focus being the collection and distribution of local retail sales and use taxes. In addition to all other responsibilities and duties required under law, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall, promptly upon completion of the annual review, issue a report to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee on Finance, the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, and the Commissioner of the Department of Taxation. All actions or requests for tax information by the office of the Auditor of Public Accounts for the purpose of conducting the review shall be deemed to be performed in the line of duty for purposes of § 58.1-3.
2011, c. 614.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-134. Audit of accounts of city and county officers handling state funds; audit report; reimbursement of expenses

A. At least once in every two years, and at other times as the Governor directs, the Auditor of Public Accounts, either in person or through his assistants, shall audit all accounts and records of every city and county official and agency in the Commonwealth handling state funds, making a detailed written report thereof to the Governor, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and appropriate local officials within thirty days after each audit. Reports so made shall be public records.
B. Every city and county, the accounts and records of whose officials or agencies are audited in accordance with subsection A, shall reimburse the Commonwealth to the extent of one-half of the expense connected with the audit, to be paid into the state treasury by the Auditor of Public Accounts. All such sums so repaid shall be placed by the Comptroller to the credit of the current appropriation made to the Auditor of Public Accounts and may be used by him for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of subsection A.
Code 1950, §§ 2-136, 2-137; 1966, c. 677, §§ 2.1-165, 2.1-166; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-135. Inspection of accounts and vouchers

A. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his deputy shall, from time to time, inspect and scrutinize the accounts and vouchers of all state officers referred to in § 2.2-803.
B. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall have access to records of all state institutions, departments and agencies and they shall furnish all information requested by the Auditor and shall cooperate with him to the fullest extent.
C. Every inspection authorized by this section may be made without notice to the official whose accounts are to be inspected, and it shall be the duty of the official whose books and accounts and vouchers are being inspected to produce such books, vouchers and accounts and give the Auditor of Public Accounts or his deputy all necessary help and aid in making the inspection. If any official fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Code 1950, §§ 2-132, 2-133; 1950, p. 664; 1966, c. 677, §§ 2.1-160, 2.1-161; 2001, c. 844.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 30 - General Assembly › Chapter 14 - Auditor of Public Accounts › § 30-136. Power as to witnesses; perjury

The Auditor of Public Accounts, or his deputy, while conducting any examination authorized by this chapter, shall have power to (i) administer an oath to any person whose testimony may be required in any such examination, and (ii) compel the appearance and attendance of such person for the purpose of any such examination and investigation, and (iii) call for any books and papers necessary to such examination. If any person willfully swears falsely in such examination he shall be guilty of perjury.
Code 1950, § 2-140; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-169; 2001, c. 844.