Virginia Law

A. The Advisory Committee (committee), established by the State Corporation Commission (commission), shall meet on a periodic basis to review probable violations of the Act, this chapter, and the commission staff's (staff) findings and recommendations relative to such violations. Upon determination of either the staff or the committee that a violation may have occurred, and that an enforcement action is required, the staff shall take one or more of the following actions:

1. Issue a warning letter to the person alleged to have committed the violation ( defendant);

2. Issue an information letter to a county, city, or town alleged to have committed the violation;

3. Enter settlement negotiations with the defendant. Upon reaching agreement on settlement terms, the division shall present the proposed settlement to the commission for final acceptance or rejection; or

4. Request the issuance of a "Rule to Show Cause" order pursuant to 5VAC5-20-90 of the commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure.

B. In the event that the staff but not the committee recommends enforcement action against a probable violator, notwithstanding subdivision A 3 of this section, the staff may not pursue a settlement with the probable violator absent the initiation of a rule to show cause. As part of its request for a rule to show cause, staff shall report to the commission the committee's recommendations and reason for the committee's recommendations.

C. As soon as practicable after its establishment, the committee shall develop and implement a set of bylaws. These bylaws shall delineate the committee's practice and procedures relative to performing the duties assigned by the commission, including the review of probable violations of the Act and this chapter.

D. If deemed necessary, the committee shall establish one or more subcommittees of experts in the operations covered by the Act. These subcommittees shall assist the committee in performing its assigned duties.