Virginia Law

A. As used in this part, "manufacturer" means a person or entity that assembles from raw materials or subparts a distributed pull-tab system.

B. Fact-finding conference; notification, appearance, and conduct.

1. Unless automatic revocation or immediate suspension is required by law, no permit to conduct charitable gaming, sell charitable gaming supplies, or distribute a distributed pull-tab system; no registration to lease a facility for the purpose of holding a poker tournament; or no authorization to operate and conduct electronic gaming shall be denied, suspended, or revoked except upon notice stating the basis for such proposed action and the time and place for a fact-finding conference as set forth in § 2.2-4019 of the Administrative Process Act.

2. If a basis exists for a refusal to renew, suspend, or revoke a permit or authorization, the department shall notify by certified mail or by hand delivery the interested persons at the address of record maintained by the department.

3. Notification shall include the basis for the proposed action and afford interested persons the opportunity to present written and oral information to the department that may have a bearing on the proposed action at a fact-finding conference. If there is no withdrawal, a fact-finding conference shall be scheduled at the earliest mutually agreeable date, but no later than 60 days from the date of the notification. Organizations; suppliers; persons who manage, operate, conduct, or administer poker tournaments; landlords leasing a facility for a poker tournament; or manufacturers who wish to waive their right to a conference shall notify the department at least 14 days before the scheduled conference.

4. If after consideration of evidence presented during an informal fact-finding conference, a basis for action still exists, the interested persons shall be notified in writing within 60 days of the fact-finding conference via certified or hand-delivered mail of the decision and the right to a formal hearing. Parties to the conference may agree to extend the report deadline if more time is needed to consider relevant evidence.

C. Hearing; notification, appearance, and conduct.

1. If after a fact-finding conference, a sufficient basis still exists to deny, suspend, or revoke a permit or authorization, interested persons shall be notified by certified or hand-delivered mail of the proposed action and of the opportunity for a hearing on the proposed action. If an organization; supplier; person who manages, operates, conducts, or administers a poker tournament; landlord leasing a facility for a poker tournament; or manufacturer desires to request a hearing, such party shall notify the department within 14 days of receipt of a report on the conference. Parties may enter into a consent agreement to settle the issues at any time prior to or subsequent to an informal fact-finding conference.

2. If an interested party or representative fails to appear at a hearing, the hearing officer may proceed in the interested party's or representative's absence and make a recommendation.

3. Oral and written arguments may be submitted to and limited by the hearing officer. Oral arguments shall be recorded in an appropriate manner.

D. Hearing location. Hearings before a hearing officer shall be held, insofar as practicable, in the county or city in which the organization; supplier; person who manages, operates, conducts, or administers a poker tournament; landlord leasing a facility for a poker tournament; or manufacturer is located. If the parties agree, hearing officers may conduct hearings at locations convenient to the greatest number of persons or by telephone conference, video conference, or similar technology, in order to expedite the hearing process.

E. Hearing decisions.

1. Recommendations of the hearing officer shall be a part of the record and shall include a written statement of the hearing officer's findings of fact and recommendations as well as the reasons or basis for the recommendations. Recommendations shall be based upon all the material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record.

2. The department shall review the recommendation of the hearing officer and render a decision on the recommendation within 30 days of receipt. The decision shall cite the appropriate rule, relief, or denial thereof as to each issue.

F. Agency representation. The commissioner's designee may represent the department in an informal conference or at a hearing.