Virginia Law

1. "Illegal gambling" means the making, placing, or receipt of any bet or wager in the Commonwealth of money or other consideration or thing of value, made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake, or other consideration or thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest, or any other event the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance, whether such game, contest, or event occurs or is to occur inside or outside the limits of the Commonwealth.

For the purposes of this subdivision and notwithstanding any provision in this section to the contrary, the making, placing, or receipt of any bet or wager of money or other consideration or thing of value shall include the purchase of a product, Internet access, or other thing made in exchange for a chance to win a prize, stake, or other consideration or thing of value by means of the operation of a gambling device as described in subdivision 3 b, regardless of whether the chance to win such prize, stake, or other consideration or thing of value may be offered in the absence of a purchase.

"Illegal gambling" also means the playing or offering for play of any skill game.

2. "Interstate gambling" means the conduct of an enterprise for profit that engages in the purchase or sale within the Commonwealth of any interest in a lottery of another state or country whether or not such interest is an actual lottery ticket, receipt, contingent promise to pay, order to purchase, or other record of such interest.

3. "Gambling device" includes:

a. Any device, machine, paraphernalia, equipment, or other thing, including books, records, and other papers, which are actually used in an illegal gambling operation or activity;

b. Any machine, apparatus, implement, instrument, contrivance, board, or other thing, or electronic or video versions thereof, including but not limited to those dependent upon the insertion of a coin or other object for their operation, which operates, either completely automatically or with the aid of some physical act by the player or operator, in such a manner that, depending upon elements of chance, it may eject something of value or determine the prize or other thing of value to which the player is entitled, provided, however, that the return to the user of nothing more than additional chances or the right to use such machine is not deemed something of value within the meaning of this subsection; and provided further, that machines that only sell, or entitle the user to, items of merchandise of equivalent value that may differ from each other in composition, size, shape, or color, shall not be deemed gambling devices within the meaning of this subsection; and

c. Skill games.

Such devices are no less gambling devices if they indicate beforehand the definite result of one or more operations but not all the operations. Nor are they any less a gambling device because, apart from their use or adaptability as such, they may also sell or deliver something of value on a basis other than chance.

4. "Operator" includes any person, firm, or association of persons, who conducts, finances, manages, supervises, directs, or owns all or part of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity, or operation.

5. "Skill" means the knowledge, dexterity, or any other ability or expertise of a natural person.

6. "Skill game" means an electronic, computerized, or mechanical contrivance, terminal, machine, or other device that requires the insertion of a coin, currency, ticket, token, or similar object to operate, activate, or play a game, the outcome of which is determined by any element of skill of the player and that may deliver or entitle the person playing or operating the device to receive cash or cash equivalents, gift cards, vouchers, billets, tickets, tokens, or electronic credits to be exchanged for cash or cash equivalents whether the payoff is made automatically from the device or manually. "Skill game" includes (i) a device that contains a meter or measurement device that records the number of free games or portions of games that are rewarded and (ii) a device designed or adapted to enable a person using the device to increase the chances of winning free games or portions of games by paying more than the amount that is ordinarily required to play the game. "Skill game" does not include any amusement device, as defined in § 18.2-334.6.

7. "Unregulated location" means any location that is not regulated or operated by the Virginia Lottery or Virginia Lottery Board, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, or the Virginia Racing Commission.

1975, cc. 14, 15; 1992, c. 423; 2010, c. 877; 2011, cc. 879, 887; 2019, c. 761; 2020, cc. 1217, 1277; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 329, 546; 2022, cc. 554, 609; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2; 2023, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 879 and 887, cl. 2.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, any person who illegally gambles or engages in interstate gambling as defined in § 18.2-325 shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. If an association or pool of persons illegally gamble, each person therein shall be guilty of illegal gambling.

However, if any person makes, places, or receives any bet or wager of money or other thing of value on a horse race in the Commonwealth, whether the race is inside or outside the limits of the Commonwealth at any place or through any means other than (i) at a racetrack licensed by the Virginia Racing Commission pursuant to Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1 or (ii) at a satellite facility or through advance deposit account wagering, as those terms are defined in § 59.1-365, licensed by the Virginia Racing Commission pursuant to Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1, such person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For the purposes of this paragraph, venue shall be in any county or city in which any act was performed in furtherance of any course of conduct constituting illegal gambling.

Code 1950, § 18.1-316; 1960, c. 358; 1973, c. 463; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1992, c. 423; 2011, c. 732.

If any person while gambling cheats or by fraudulent means wins or acquires for himself or another money or any other valuable thing, he shall be fined not less than five nor more than ten times the value of such winnings. This penalty shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed under this article.

Code 1950, § 18.1-318; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

The operator of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, any such operator who engages in an illegal gambling operation which (i) has been or remains in substantially continuous operation for a period in excess of thirty days or (ii) has gross revenue of $2,000 or more in any single day shall be fined not more than $20,000 and imprisoned not less than one year nor more than ten years.

As used in this section, the term "gross revenue" means the total amount of illegal gambling transactions handled, dealt with, received by or placed with such operation, as distinguished from any net figure or amount from which deductions are taken, without regard to whether money or any other thing of value actually changes hands.

Code 1950, § 18.1-318.1; 1972, c. 364; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 331.

If the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other person in control of any place or conveyance, knows, or reasonably should know, that it is being used for illegal gambling, and permits such gambling to continue without having notified a law-enforcement officer of the presence of such illegal gambling activity, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-319, 18.1-324, 18.1-337, 18.1-339; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 401; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Any person, firm or association of persons, other than those persons specified in other sections of this article, who knowingly aids, abets or assists in the operation of an illegal gambling enterprise, activity or operation, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-319, 18.1-325; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 401; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1984, c. 625.

A person is guilty of illegal possession of a gambling device when he manufactures, sells, transports, rents, gives away, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of any gambling device, believing or having reason to believe that the same is to be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity. Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-323, 18.1-329, 18.1-330; 1960, c. 358; 1962, c. 633; 1964, c. 371; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

A. In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who conducts, finances, manages, supervises, directs, sells, or owns a gambling device that is located in an unregulated location is subject to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each gambling device located in such unregulated location.

B. The Attorney General, an attorney for the Commonwealth, or the attorney for any locality may cause an action in equity to be brought in the name of the Commonwealth or of the locality, as applicable, to immediately enjoin the operation of a gambling device in violation of this section and to request an attachment against all such devices and any moneys within such devices pursuant to Chapter 20 (§ 8.01-533 et seq.) of Title 8.01, and to recover the civil penalty of up to $25,000 per device.

C. In any action brought under this section, the Attorney General, the attorney for the Commonwealth, or the attorney for the locality may recover reasonable expenses incurred by the state or local agency in investigating and preparing the case, and attorney fees.

D. Any civil penalties assessed under this section in an action in equity brought in the name of the Commonwealth shall be paid into the Literary Fund. Any civil penalties assessed under this section in an action in equity brought in the name of a locality shall be paid into the general fund of the locality.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 329, 546; 2022, c. 553.

In any prosecution under this article, no consideration shall be deemed to have passed or been given because of any person's attendance upon the premises of another; his execution, mailing or delivery of an entry blank; his answering of questions, verbally or in writing; his witnessing of a demonstration or other proceeding; or any one or more thereof, where no charge is made to, paid by, or any purchase required of him in connection therewith.

Code 1950, § 18.1-340.1; 1960, c. 226; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to prevent any contest of speed or skill between men, animals, fowl or vehicles, where participants may receive prizes or different percentages of a purse, stake or premium dependent upon whether they win or lose or dependent upon their position or score at the end of such contest.

Any participant who, for the purpose of competing for any such purse, stake or premium offered in any such contest, knowingly and fraudulently enters any contestant other than the contestant purported to be entered or knowingly and fraudulently enters a contestant in a class in which it does not belong, shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-319, 18.1-322; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 401; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in a game of chance conducted in a private residence, provided such private residence is not commonly used for such games of chance and there is no operator as defined in subsection 4 of § 18.2-325.

Code 1950, § 18.1-327; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1992, c. 423.

Defeated at referendum.

Nothing in this article shall apply to any bingo game, instant bingo, network bingo, raffle, duck race, or Texas Hold'em poker tournament conducted solely by organizations as defined in § 18.2-340.16 which have received a permit as set forth in § 18.2-340.25, or which are exempt from the permit requirement under § 18.2-340.23.

1979, c. 420; 1993, c. 513; 1995, c. 837; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2020, c. 982.

Nothing in this article shall apply to:

1. Any lottery conducted by the Commonwealth pursuant to Article 1 (§ 58.1-4000 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of Title 58.1;

2. Any sports betting or related activity that is lawful under Article 2 (§ 58.1-4030 et seq.) of Chapter 40 of Title 58.1; or

3. The placement or operation of or communication to and from data center equipment in the Commonwealth associated with the hosting of lottery games duly authorized by another state or jurisdiction and regulated and operated consistent with and exclusively for the benefit of such state or jurisdiction, provided that wagering on such games is legally authorized in such other state or jurisdiction and the individuals wagering on such games are required by the laws or regulations of such other state or jurisdiction to be physically located within the geographic bounds of such other state or jurisdiction at the time the wager is initiated or placed.

1987, c. 531; 2020, cc. 1218, 1256; 2024, cc. 311, 358.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in any race meeting or pari-mutuel wagering conducted in accordance with Chapter 29 (§ 59.1-364 et seq.) of Title 59.1.

1988, c. 855.

Nothing in this article shall be construed to make it illegal to participate in any casino gaming operation conducted in accordance with Chapter 41 (§ 58.1-4100 et seq.) of Title 58.1.

2020, cc. 1197, 1248.

A. As used in this section:

"Amusement device" means a game that is activated by a coin, token, or other object of consideration or value and that does not provide the opportunity to (i) enter into a sweepstakes, lottery, or other illegal gambling event or (ii) receive any form of consideration or value, except for an appropriate reward.

"Appropriate reward" means a noncash, merchandise prize (i) the value of which does not exceed the cost of playing the amusement device or the total aggregate cost of playing multiple amusement devices, (ii) that is not and does not include an alcoholic beverage, (iii) that is not eligible for repurchase, and (iv) that is not exchangeable for cash or cash equivalents.

B. A person may make amusement devices available for play if the prize won or distributed to a player is a noncash, merchandise prize or a voucher, billet, ticket, token, or electronic credit redeemable only for an appropriate reward. An appropriate reward shall only be redeemable on the premises where the amusement device is located.

C. An amusement device shall not be designed or adapted to cause or enable a person to cause the release of free games or portions of games when designated as a potential reward for use of the device and shall not contain any meter or other measurement device to record the number of free games or portions of games that are rewarded.

D. An amusement device shall not be designed or adapted to enable a person using the device to increase the chances of winning free games or portions of games by paying more than is ordinarily required to play the game.

2020, cc. 1217, 1277, § 18.2-334.5; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 2; 2023, Sp. Sess. I, c. 1.

Repealed by Acts 1979, c. 420.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995.

No witness called by the Commonwealth or by the court, giving evidence either before the grand jury or in any prosecution under this article, shall ever be prosecuted for the offense being prosecuted concerning which he testifies. Such witness shall be compelled to testify and for refusing to do so may be punished for contempt.

Code 1950, § 19.1-266; 1960, c. 366; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

If it shall come to the knowledge of the Governor that § 18.2-331 is not being enforced in any county, city or town, the Governor may call upon the Attorney General to direct its enforcement in such county, city or town, and thereupon the Attorney General may instruct the attorney for the Commonwealth, sheriff and chief of police, if any, of such county, or the attorney for the Commonwealth and chief of police of such city, or the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county in which such town is located and the chief of police or sergeant of such town, to take such steps as may be necessary to insure the enforcement of such section in such county, city or town, and if any such officers, after receiving such instructions, shall thereafter fail or refuse to exercise diligence in the enforcement of § 18.2-331, the Attorney General shall make report thereof in writing to the Governor and to the judge of the circuit court having jurisdiction over the acts thereby prohibited, and thereupon the Attorney General upon being directed so to do by the Governor, shall take such steps as he may deem proper in directing the institution and prosecution of criminal proceedings, to secure the enforcement of § 18.2-331.

Code 1950, § 18.1-334; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Whenever any person shall be engaged in committing, or in permitting to be committed, or shall be about to commit, or permit, any act prohibited by any one or more of the sections in this article, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which such act is being, or is about to be, committed or permitted, or the Attorney General of the Commonwealth, may institute and maintain a suit in equity in the appropriate court, in the name of the Commonwealth, upon the relation of such attorney for the Commonwealth, or the Attorney General, to enjoin and restrain such person from committing, or permitting, such prohibited act or acts. The procedure in any such suit shall be similar to the procedure in other suits for injunctions, except that no bond shall be required upon the granting of either a temporary or permanent injunction therein.

Code 1950, § 18.1-343; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

The governing body of any county may adopt ordinances prohibiting illegal gambling, including a provision for forfeiture proceedings in accordance with Chapter 22.1 (§ 19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2. Such ordinances shall not conflict with the provisions of this article or with other state laws and any penalties provided for violation of such ordinances shall not exceed a fine of $2,500 or confinement in jail for 12 months, either or both.

Code 1950, § 18.1-344; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1991, c. 710; 2012, cc. 283, 756.

Repealed by Acts 1995, c. 837, effective July 1, 1996.

A. Charitable gaming as authorized herein shall be permitted in the Commonwealth as a means of funding qualified organizations but shall be conducted only in strict compliance with the provisions of this article. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is vested with control of all charitable gaming in the Commonwealth. The Commissioner shall have the power to prescribe regulations and conditions under which such gaming shall be conducted to ensure that it is conducted in a manner consistent with the purpose for which it is permitted.

B. The conduct of any charitable gaming is a privilege that may be granted, denied, or revoked by the Department or its duly authorized representatives in its discretion in order to effectuate the purposes set forth in this article.

1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2008, cc. 387, 689; 2022, cc. 553, 554, 609.

As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Bingo" means a specific game of chance played with (i) individual cards having randomly numbered squares ranging from one to 75, (ii) Department-approved electronic devices that display facsimiles of bingo cards and are used for the purpose of marking and monitoring players' cards as numbers are called, or (iii) Department-approved cards, in which prizes are awarded on the basis of designated numbers on such cards conforming to a predetermined pattern of numbers selected at random.

"Bona fide member" means an individual who participates in activities of a qualified organization other than such organization's charitable gaming activities.

"Charitable gaming" or "charitable games" means those raffles, Texas Hold'em poker tournaments, and games of chance explicitly authorized by this article. Unless otherwise specified, "charitable gaming" includes electronic gaming authorized by this article.

"Charitable gaming permit" or "permit" means a permit issued by the Department to an organization that authorizes such organization to conduct charitable gaming, and if such organization is qualified as a social organization, electronic gaming.

"Charitable gaming supplies" includes bingo cards or sheets, devices for selecting bingo numbers, instant bingo cards, pull-tab cards and seal cards, playing cards for Texas Hold'em poker, poker chips, and any other equipment or product manufactured for or intended to be used in the conduct of charitable games. However, for the purposes of this article, charitable gaming supplies shall not include items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming such as markers, wands, or tape.

"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"Conduct" means the actions associated with the provision of a gaming operation during and immediately before or after the permitted activity, which may include (i) selling bingo cards or packs, electronic devices, instant bingo or pull-tab cards, or raffle tickets, (ii) calling bingo games, (iii) distributing prizes, and (iv) any other services provided by volunteer workers.

"Department" means the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"Electronic gaming" or "electronic games" means any instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal card gaming that is conducted primarily by use of an electronic device. "Electronic gaming" does not include (i) the game of chance identified in clause (ii) of the definition of "bingo" or (ii) network bingo.

"Electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts" means the gross receipts derived from electronic gaming less the total amount in prize money paid out to players.

"Electronic gaming manufacturer" means a manufacturer of electronic devices used to conduct electronic gaming.

"Fair market rental value" means the rent that a rental property will bring when offered for lease by a lessor who desires to lease the property but is not obligated to do so and leased by a lessee under no necessity of leasing.

"Gaming expenses" means prizes, supplies, costs of publicizing gaming activities, audit and administration or permit fees, and a portion of the rent, utilities, accounting and legal fees, and such other reasonable and proper expenses as are directly incurred for the conduct of charitable gaming.

"Gross receipts" means the total amount of money generated by an organization from charitable gaming before the deduction of expenses, including prizes.

"Instant bingo," "pull tabs," or "seal cards" means specific games of chance played by the random selection of one or more individually prepacked cards with winners being determined by the preprinted or predetermined appearance of concealed letters, numbers, or symbols that must be exposed by the player to determine wins and losses and may include the use of a seal card that conceals one or more numbers or symbols that have been designated in advance as prize winners. Such cards may be dispensed by mechanical equipment.

"Jackpot" means a bingo game that the organization has designated on its game program as a jackpot game in which the prize amount is greater than $100.

"Landlord" means any person or his agent, firm, association, organization, partnership, or corporation, employee, or immediate family member thereof, which owns and leases, or leases any premises devoted in whole or in part to the conduct of bingo games or other charitable gaming pursuant to this article, and any person residing in the same household as a landlord.

"Management" means the provision of oversight of a gaming operation, which may include the responsibilities of applying for and maintaining a permit or authorization, compiling, submitting, and maintaining required records and financial reports, and ensuring that all aspects of the operation are in compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations.

"Network bingo" means a specific bingo game in which pari-mutuel play is permitted.

"Network bingo provider" means a person licensed by the Department to operate network bingo.

"Operation" means the activities associated with production of a charitable gaming or electronic gaming activity, which may include (i) the direct on-site supervision of the conduct of charitable gaming and electronic gaming; (ii) coordination of volunteers; and (iii) all responsibilities of charitable gaming and electronic gaming designated by the organization's management.

"Organization" means any one of the following:

1. A volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency or auxiliary unit thereof that has been recognized in accordance with § 15.2-955 by an ordinance or resolution of the political subdivision where the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located as being a part of the safety program of such political subdivision;

2. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively for educational purposes, and awards scholarships to accredited public institutions of higher education or other postsecondary schools licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia;

3. An athletic association or booster club or a band booster club established solely to raise funds for school-sponsored athletic or band activities for a public school or private school accredited pursuant to § 22.1-19 or to provide scholarships to students attending such school;

4. An association of war veterans or auxiliary units thereof organized in the United States;

5. A fraternal association or corporation operating under the lodge system;

6. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to provide services and other resources to older Virginians, as defined in § 51.5-116;

7. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to foster youth amateur sports;

8. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to provide health care services or conduct medical research;

9. An accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

10. A church or religious organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

11. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to (i) create and foster a spirit of understanding among the people of the world; (ii) promote the principles of good government and citizenship; (iii) take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social, and moral welfare of the community; (iv) provide a forum for the open discussion of matters of public interest; (v) encourage individuals to serve the community without personal financial reward; and (vi) encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industries, professions, public works, and private endeavors;

12. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to (i) raise awareness of law-enforcement officers who died in the line of duty; (ii) raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum; and (iii) raise funds for the charitable causes of other organizations that are exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

13. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively to (i) promote the conservation of the environment, caves, or other natural resources; (ii) promote or develop opportunities for the use of science and technology to advance the conservation of the environment, caves, or other natural resources; and (iii) raise funds for the conservation of the environment, caves, or other natural resources or provide grant opportunities to other nonprofit organizations that are devoted to such conservation efforts;

14. An organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that manages a museum that is operated, and has always been operated, exclusively for the purposes of musical heritage and the legacy of the "1927 Bristol Sessions";

15. An organization (i) established on or before December 31, 1963, as a result of its members being prohibited from joining similar existing organizations because of laws such as the Public Assemblages Act of 1926, which required the racial segregation of all public events in the Commonwealth; (ii) that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code; and (iii) that is operated, and has always been operated, for community awareness and action through educational, economic, and cultural service activities;

16. An organization established on or before December 31, 1977, that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code and is incorporated, in part, to raise funds for donation to organizations whose missions include promoting early detection of and public education about and supporting research and treatment options for heart disease and various cancers;

17. A local chamber of commerce; or

18. Any other nonprofit organization that is exempt from income tax pursuant to § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and that raises funds by conducting raffles, bingo, instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards that generate annual gross receipts of $40,000 or less, provided that such gross receipts, less expenses and prizes, are used exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or community purposes. Notwithstanding § 18.2-340.26:1, proceeds from instant bingo, pull tabs, and seal cards shall be included when calculating an organization's annual gross receipts for the purposes of this subdivision.

"Pari-mutuel play" means an integrated network operated by a licensee of the Department comprised of participating charitable organizations for the conduct of network bingo games in which the purchase of a network bingo card by a player automatically includes the player in a pool with all other players in the network, and where the prize to the winning player is awarded based on a percentage of the total amount of network bingo cards sold in a particular network.

"Qualified organization" means any organization to which a valid permit has been issued by the Department to conduct charitable gaming or any organization that is exempt pursuant to § 18.2-340.23.

"Raffle" means a lottery in which the prize is won by (i) a random drawing of the name or prearranged number of one or more persons purchasing chances or (ii) a random contest in which the winning name or preassigned number of one or more persons purchasing chances is determined by a race involving inanimate objects floating on a body of water, commonly referred to as a "duck race."

"Reasonable and proper business expenses" means business expenses actually incurred by a qualified organization in the conduct of charitable gaming and not otherwise allowed under this article or under Department regulations on real estate and personal property tax payments, travel expenses, payments of utilities and trash collection services, legal and accounting fees, costs of business furniture, fixtures and office equipment and costs of acquisition, maintenance, repair, or construction of an organization's real property. For the purpose of this definition, (i) salaries and wages of employees whose primary responsibility is to provide services for the principal benefit of an organization's members or (ii) expenses for social or recreational activities for the principal benefit of a social organization's members may qualify as a business expense, if so determined by the Department. However, payments made pursuant to § 51.1-1204 to the Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund shall be deemed a reasonable and proper business expense.

"Social organization" means any qualified organization that provides certification to the Department that it is:

1. An accredited public institution of higher education or other postsecondary school licensed or certified by the Board of Education or the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia qualified under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;

2. An organization established on or before November 10, 1922, that is qualified under § 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code, is the only federally chartered Marine Corps-related veterans organization in the country, and is operated for the purpose of promoting the interest and preserving the traditions of the United States Marine Corps;

3. An organization established on or before December 31, 1963, as a result of its members being prohibited from joining similar existing organizations because of laws such as the Public Assemblages Act of 1926, which required the racial segregation of all public events in the Commonwealth, that is qualified under § 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code;

4. An organization established on or before December 31, 1977, that is qualified under § 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code and is incorporated, in part, to raise funds for donation to organizations whose missions include promoting early detection of and public education about and supporting research and treatment options for heart disease and various cancers;

5. A fraternal beneficiary society, order, or association qualified under § 501(c)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code;

6. A domestic fraternal society, order, or association qualified under § 501(c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code; or

7. A post or organization of past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States, or an auxiliary unit or society of, or a trust or foundation for, any such post or organization qualified under § 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.

"Social quarters" means, in addition to any specifications prescribed by the Department, an area at a social organization's primary location that (i) such organization designates to be used predominantly by its members for social and recreational activities, (ii) is accessible exclusively to members of the social organization and their guests, and (iii) is not advertised or open to the general public. It shall not disqualify the area from being considered social quarters if guests occasionally accompany members into the area, so long as such guests do not spend their own funds to participate in charitable gaming or electronic gaming activities conducted in the area. In determining if an area is social quarters for purposes of § 18.2-340.26:3, the Department may rely on publications of the Internal Revenue Service regarding the allowable participation of guests in an organization's social and recreational activities for purposes of § 501 of the Internal Revenue Code.

"Supplier" means any person who offers to sell, sells, or otherwise provides charitable gaming supplies to any qualified organization.

"Texas Hold'em poker game" means a variation of poker in which (i) players receive two cards facedown that may be used individually, (ii) five cards shown face up are shared among all players in the game, (iii) players combine any number of their individual cards with the shared cards to make the highest five-card hand to win the value wagered during the game, and (iv) the ranking of hands and the rules of the game are governed by the official rules of the Poker Tournament Directors Association.

"Texas Hold'em poker tournament" or "tournament" means an organized competition of players (i) who pay a fixed fee for entry into the competition and for a certain amount of poker chips for use in the competition; (ii) who may be allowed to pay an additional fee, during set preannounced times of the competition, to receive additional poker chips for use in the competition; (iii) who may be seated at one or more tables simultaneously playing Texas Hold'em poker games; (iv) who upon running out of poker chips are eliminated from the competition; and (v) a pre-set number of whom are awarded prizes of value according to how long such players remain in the competition.

1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1998, cc. 57, 398; 1999, c. 534; 2002, cc. 282, 340; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2007, cc. 160, 264; 2008, cc. 387, 689; 2009, c. 121; 2010, c. 429; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2020, c. 982; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520; 2022, cc. 554, 609, 612, 722, 767; 2023, cc. 594, 787; 2024, cc. 445, 504.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 884, cl. 2.

The Department shall have all powers and duties necessary to carry out the provisions of this article and to exercise the control of charitable gaming as set forth in § 18.2-340.15. Such powers and duties shall include the following:

1. The Department is vested with jurisdiction and supervision over all charitable gaming authorized under the provisions of this article and including all persons that conduct or provide goods, services, or premises used in the conduct of charitable gaming. It may employ such persons as are necessary to ensure that charitable gaming is conducted in conformity with the provisions of this article and Department regulations. The Department shall designate such agents and employees as it deems necessary and appropriate who shall be sworn to enforce the provisions of this article and the criminal laws of the Commonwealth and who shall be law-enforcement officers as defined in § 9.1-101.

2. The Department, its agents and employees and any law-enforcement officers charged with the enforcement of charitable gaming laws shall have free access to the offices, facilities, or any other place of business of any organization, including any premises devoted in whole or in part to the conduct of charitable gaming. These individuals may enter such places or premises for the purpose of carrying out any duty imposed by this article, securing records required to be maintained by an organization, investigating complaints, or conducting audits.

3. The Department may compel the production of any books, documents, records, or memoranda of any organization, electronic gaming manufacturer, or supplier involved in the conduct of charitable gaming for the purpose of satisfying itself that this article and its regulations are strictly complied with. In addition, the Department may require the production of an annual balance sheet and operating statement of any person granted a permit pursuant to the provisions of this article and may require the production of any contract to which such person is or may be a party.

4. The Department may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses before it, administer oaths, and compel production of records or other documents and testimony of such witnesses whenever, in the judgment of the Department, it is necessary to do so for the effectual discharge of its duties.

5. The Department may compel any person conducting charitable gaming to file with the Department such documents, information, or data as shall appear to the Department to be necessary for the performance of its duties.

6. The Department may enter into arrangements with any governmental agency of this or any other state or any locality in the Commonwealth or any agency of the federal government for the purposes of exchanging information or performing any other act to better ensure the proper conduct of charitable gaming.

7. The Department may issue a charitable gaming permit while the permittee's tax-exempt status is pending approval by the Internal Revenue Service.

8. The Department shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly, which report shall include a financial statement of the operation of the Department and any recommendations for legislation applicable to charitable gaming in the Commonwealth.

9. The Department, its agents, and employees may conduct such audits, in addition to those required by § 18.2-340.31, as they deem necessary and desirable.

10. The Department may limit the number of organizations for which a person may manage, operate, or conduct charitable games.

11. The Department may promulgate regulations that require any landlord that leases to a qualified organization any premises devoted in whole or in part to the conduct of bingo games or any other charitable gaming to register with the Department.

12. The Department may report any alleged criminal violation of this article to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth for appropriate action.

13. Beginning July 1, 2024, and at least once every five years thereafter, the Department shall convene a stakeholder work group to review the limitations on prize amounts and provide any recommendations to the General Assembly by November 30 of the year in which the stakeholder work group is convened.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2014, c. 208; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 491; 2022, cc. 554, 609, 612, 722, 767.

A. The Department shall adopt regulations that:

1. Require, as a condition of receiving a charitable gaming permit or authorization to conduct electronic gaming, that the applicant use a predetermined percentage of its receipts for those lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes for which the organization is specifically chartered or organized, including (i) those expenses relating to the acquisition, construction, maintenance, or repair of any interest in real property or (ii) expenses related to the rental of real property by an organization as described by subdivision 5, 6, or 7 of the definition of "social organization" in § 18.2-340.16 where such real property is involved in the operation of the organization and used for lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes, as follows:

a. With respect to charitable gaming, other than electronic gaming, a predetermined percentage of its gross receipts.

b. With respect to electronic gaming, a predetermined percentage of its electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts.

2. Specify the conditions under which a complete list of the organization's members who participate in the management, operation, or conduct of charitable gaming may be required in order for the Department to ascertain the percentage of Virginia residents in accordance with subdivision A 3 of § 18.2-340.24.

Membership lists furnished to the Department in accordance with this subdivision shall not be a matter of public record and shall be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

3. Prescribe fees for processing applications for charitable gaming permits and authorizing social organizations to conduct electronic gaming. Such fees may reflect the nature and extent of the charitable gaming activity proposed to be conducted.

4. Establish requirements for the audit of all reports required in accordance with §§ 18.2-340.30 and 18.2-340.30:2.

5. Define electronic and mechanical equipment used in the conduct of charitable gaming. Department regulations shall include capacity for such equipment to provide full automatic daubing as numbers are called. For the purposes of this subdivision, electronic or mechanical equipment for instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards shall include such equipment that displays facsimiles of instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards and are used solely for the purpose of dispensing or opening such paper or electronic cards, or both; but shall not include (i) devices operated by dropping one or more coins or tokens into a slot and pulling a handle or pushing a button or touchpoint on a touchscreen to activate one to three or more reels marked into horizontal segments by varying symbols, where the predetermined prize amount depends on how and how many of the symbols line up when the rotating reels come to rest, or (ii) other similar devices that display flashing lights or illuminations, or bells, whistles, or other sounds, solely intended to entice players to play. Such regulations shall not prohibit (a) devices that display spinning, rotating, or rolling reels or animations or flashing lights; (b) devices that accept vouchers; (c) the purchase and play of an electronic pull tab with a single press or touch of a button; or (d) the use of multiple video monitors or touchscreens on an electronic gaming device.

6. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may (i) provide food and nonalcoholic beverages to its members who participate in the management, operation, or conduct of bingo; (ii) permit members who participate in the management, operation, or conduct of bingo to play bingo; and (iii) subject to the provisions of subdivision 12 of § 18.2-340.33, permit nonmembers to participate in the conduct of bingo so long as the nonmembers are under the direct supervision of a bona fide member of the organization during the bingo game.

7. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may sell raffle tickets for a raffle drawing that will be held outside the Commonwealth pursuant to subsection B of § 18.2-340.26.

8. Prescribe the conditions under which persons who are bona fide members of a qualified organization or a child, above the age of 13 years, of a bona fide member of such organization may participate in the conduct or operation of bingo games.

9. Prescribe the conditions under which a person below the age of 18 years may play bingo, provided that such person is accompanied by his parent or legal guardian.

10. Require all qualified organizations that are subject to Department regulations to post in a conspicuous place in every place where charitable gaming is conducted a sign that bears a toll-free telephone number for "Gamblers Anonymous" or other organization that provides assistance to compulsive gamblers.

11. Require all qualified organizations that are subject to Department regulations to post in a conspicuous place in every place where charitable gaming is conducted a sign that bears the toll-free telephone number and website for the illegal gaming tip line established and administered by the Office of the Gaming Enforcement Coordinator in the Department of State Police pursuant to § 52-54 for members of the public to report concerns about, or suspected instances of, illegal gaming activities.

12. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may sell network bingo cards in accordance with § 18.2-340.28:1 and establish a percentage of proceeds derived from network bingo sales to be allocated to (i) prize pools, (ii) the organization conducting the network bingo, and (iii) the network bingo provider. The regulations shall also establish procedures for the retainage and ultimate distribution of any unclaimed prize.

13. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may manage, operate, or contract with operators of, or conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

14. Prescribe the conditions under which a qualified organization may lease the premises of a permitted social organization for the purpose of conducting bingo, network bingo, instant bingo, pull tabs, seal cards, and electronic gaming permitted under this article and establish requirements for proper financial reporting of all disbursements, gross receipts, and electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts and payment of all fees required under this article.

B. The Commissioner may, by regulation, approve variations to the card formats for bingo games, provided that such variations result in bingo games that are conducted in a manner consistent with the provisions of this article. Department-approved variations may include bingo games commonly referred to as player selection games and 90-number bingo.

1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1998, c. 845; 2001, c. 833; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2010, cc. 429, 572; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2020, cc. 568, 982; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 14, 499, 520; 2022, cc. 554, 609, 722, 767; 2024, cc. 445, 504, 593.

A. The Department may deny, suspend, or revoke the permit of any organization found not to be in strict compliance with the provisions of this article and Department regulations. The action of the Department in denying, suspending, or revoking any permit shall be subject to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

B. Except as provided in §§ 8.01-534, 18.2-340.25, 18.2-340.30, 18.2-340.30:2, and 18.2-340.36, no permit to conduct charitable gaming or authorization to conduct electronic gaming shall be denied, suspended, or revoked, and no charitable games or funds from charitable gaming operations shall be seized, except upon notice stating the proposed basis for such action and the time and place for the hearing. At the discretion of the Department, hearings may be conducted by hearing officers who shall be selected from the list prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. After a hearing on the issues, the Department may refuse to issue or may suspend or revoke any such permit or authorization if it determines that the organization has not complied with the provisions of this article or Department regulations.

C. Any person aggrieved by a refusal of the Department to issue any permit, the suspension or revocation of a permit, or any other action of the Department may seek review of such action in accordance with Article 4 (§ 2.2-4025 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 573; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2000, c. 1000; 2001, c. 813; 2002, c. 282; 2003, c. 884; 2004, c. 213; 2006, c. 644; 2010, c. 711; 2022, cc. 553, 554, 609, 722, 767.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 884, cl. 2.

A. This article permits qualified organizations to conduct (i) raffles, bingo, network bingo, instant bingo games, and Texas Hold'em poker tournaments and (ii) electronic gaming authorized pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.26:3. All games not explicitly authorized by this article or Department regulations adopted in accordance with § 18.2-340.19 are prohibited. Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize the Department to approve the conduct of any other form of poker in the Commonwealth.

B. The award of any prize money for any charitable game shall not be deemed to be part of any gaming contract within the purview of § 11-14.

C. Nothing in this article shall prohibit an organization from using the Virginia Lottery's Pick-3 number or any number or other designation selected by the Virginia Lottery in connection with any lottery, as the basis for determining the winner of a raffle.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2014, c. 225; 2020, c. 982; 2022, cc. 554, 609, 722, 767.

A. No organization that reasonably expects, on the basis of prior charitable gaming annual results or any other quantifiable method, to realize gross receipts of $40,000 or less in any 12-month period from raffles conducted in accordance with the provisions of this article shall be required to (i) notify the Department of its intention to conduct raffles or (ii) comply with Department regulations governing raffles.

B. Any organization that reasonably expects, on the basis of prior charitable gaming annual results or any other quantifiable method, to realize gross receipts of $40,000 or less from all charitable gaming other than raffles on a total of no more than seven days per calendar year shall be required to register with the Department pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.24:1.

C. If any organization's actual gross receipts from raffles for the 12-month period exceed $40,000 as described in subsection A or actual gross receipts from all charitable gaming other than raffles conducted on a total of no more than seven days per calendar year exceed $40,000 as described in subsection B, the Department shall require the organization to obtain a permit pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.25 and file by a specified date the report required by § 18.2-340.30.

D. Any (i) organization described in subdivision 18 of the definition of "organization" in § 18.2-340.16 or (ii) volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency or auxiliary unit thereof that has been recognized in accordance with § 15.2-955 by an ordinance or resolution of the political subdivision where the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located as being part of the safety program of such political subdivision shall be exempt from the payment of application fees required by § 18.2-340.25 and the payment of audit fees required by § 18.2-340.31. Any such organization, department, agency, or unit that conducts electronic gaming shall be subject to such application fees and audit fees for its electronic gaming activities; however, in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-340.31, any audit fees may be paid by either the organization or the electronic gaming manufacturer whose electronic gaming devices are present on the premises of the organization, department, agency, or unit. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as exempting any organizations described in subdivision 18 of the definition of "organization" in § 18.2-340.16, volunteer fire departments, or volunteer emergency medical services agencies from any other provisions of this article or other Department regulations.

E. Nothing in this section shall prevent the Department from conducting any investigation or audit it deems appropriate to ensure an organization's compliance with the provisions of this article and, to the extent applicable, Department regulations.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2009, c. 121; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520; 2022, cc. 554, 609, 722, 767; 2023, cc. 592, 593, 594, 787.

A. To be eligible for a permit to conduct charitable gaming, an organization shall:

1. Have been in existence and met on a regular basis in the Commonwealth for a period of at least three years immediately prior to applying for a permit.

The three-year residency requirement shall not apply (i) to any lodge or chapter of a national or international fraternal order or of a national or international civic organization which is exempt under § 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code and which has a lodge or chapter holding a charitable gaming permit issued under the provisions of this article anywhere within the Commonwealth; (ii) to booster clubs which have been operating for less than three years and which have been established solely to raise funds for school-sponsored activities in public schools or private schools accredited pursuant to § 22.1-19; (iii) to recently established volunteer fire and rescue companies or departments, after county, city, or town approval; or (iv) to an organization which relocates its meeting place on a permanent basis from one jurisdiction to another, complies with the requirements of subdivision 2 of this section, and was the holder of a valid permit at the time of its relocation.

2. Be operating currently and have always been operated as a nonprofit organization.

3. Have at least 50 percent of its membership consist of residents of the Commonwealth; however, if an organization (i) does not consist of bona fide members and (ii) is exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, the Department shall exempt such organizations from the requirements of this subdivision.

B. Any organization whose gross receipts from all charitable gaming exceeds or can be expected to exceed $40,000 in any calendar year shall have been granted tax-exempt status pursuant to § 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. At the same time tax-exempt status is sought from the Internal Revenue Service, the same documentation may be filed with the Department in conjunction with an application for a charitable gaming permit. If such documentation is filed, the Department may, after reviewing such documentation it deems necessary, issue a charitable gaming permit.

C. A permit shall be valid only for the dates and times designated in the permit.

1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2009, c. 121; 2014, c. 208; 2020, c. 568; 2022, cc. 554, 609.

A. Any organization seeking to conduct charitable gaming in accordance with subsection B of § 18.2-340.23 shall first register with the Department on a form prescribed by the Department. The Department shall only require the organization to provide (i) proof of the organization's nonprofit status; (ii) contact information for the chief executive officer of the organization or his designee; (iii) the location, dates, and times of any expected charitable gaming activity; (iv) a description of the general nature of the anticipated charitable gaming activity; and (v) a signed attestation that the organization (a) does not reasonably expect to realize more than $40,000 in gross receipts on a total of no more than seven days per calendar year for the charitable gaming activities listed on the registration form, (b) understands that should the organization exceed the $40,000 threshold, it will be required to file the report in accordance with § 18.2-340.30, and (c) understands it shall be required to comply with the provisions of this article and Department regulations.

B. Any organization that registers with the Department pursuant to this section is subject to random audits of its charitable gaming activities by the Department and is subject to the penalties specified in §§ 18.2-340.36 and 18.2-340.37 for gross violations of this article.

C. The Department may deny, suspend, or revoke the registration of any organization found not to be in compliance with the provisions of this article and Department regulations. The action of the Department in denying, suspending, or revoking any registration shall be subject to the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

D. Any person aggrieved by the denial, suspension, or revocation of a registration or any other action of the Department may seek review of such action in accordance with Article 5 (§ 2.2-4025 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

2023, cc. 592, 593.

A. Except as provided for in § 18.2-340.23, prior to the commencement of any charitable game, an organization shall obtain a permit from the Department.

B. All complete applications for a permit shall be acted upon by the Department within 45 days from the filing thereof. Upon compliance by the applicant with the provisions of this article, and at the discretion of the Department, a permit may be issued. All permits when issued shall be valid for the period specified in the permit unless it is sooner suspended or revoked. No permit shall be valid for longer than two years. The application shall be a matter of public record.

All permits shall be subject to regulation by the Department to ensure the public safety and welfare in the operation of charitable games. The permit shall only be granted after a reasonable investigation has been conducted by the Department. The Department may require any prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with employee's, licensee's, or applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purposes of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant. The Central Criminal Records Exchange upon receipt of a prospective employee, licensee, or applicant record or notification that no record exists, shall forward the report to the Commissioner of the Department or his designee, who shall belong to a governmental entity. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the routine fingerprinting of volunteer bingo workers.

C. In no case shall an organization receive more than one permit allowing it to conduct charitable gaming; except that an organization may also apply for and receive a temporary permit pursuant to § 18.2-340.25:2.

D. Application for a charitable gaming permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by payment of the fee for processing the application.

E. Applications for renewal of permits shall be made in accordance with Department regulations. If a complete renewal application is received 45 days or more prior to the expiration of the permit, the permit shall continue to be effective until such time as the Department has taken final action. Otherwise, the permit shall expire at the end of its term.

F. The failure to meet any of the requirements of § 18.2-340.24 shall cause the automatic denial of the permit, and no organization shall conduct any charitable gaming until the requirements are met and a permit is obtained.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1999, c. 361; 2003, c. 884; 2006, cc. 211, 644; 2008, cc. 387, 689; 2017, c. 739; 2020, c. 568; 2022, cc. 554, 609; 2023, cc. 755, 787.

A. In addition to a charitable gaming permit, a social organization shall receive authorization from the Department prior to conducting any electronic gaming pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.26:3. A social organization may request such authorization from the Department by providing certain information, as determined by the Department on a form prescribed by the Department.

B. All requests for authorization to conduct electronic gaming shall be acted upon by the Department within 45 days from the date of the request. A social organization that meets the necessary requirements pursuant to this article may be, at the discretion of the Department, authorized to conduct electronic gaming pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.26:3. Any such authorization granted by the Department shall be noted on the social organization's charitable gaming permit and shall be valid for the time specified in the permit unless it is sooner suspended or revoked. No authorization to conduct electronic gaming shall be valid for longer than two years. All requests received by the Department shall be a matter of public record.

All authorizations to conduct electronic gaming shall be subject to regulation by the Department to ensure the public safety and welfare in the operation of electronic games. The authorization shall only be granted after a reasonable investigation has been conducted by the Department.

C. In no case shall a social organization be authorized to conduct electronic gaming at more than one location.

D. Requests for authorization to conduct electronic gaming shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by payment of a fee.

E. Requests for renewal of such authorizations shall be made in accordance with Department regulations. If a complete renewal request is received 45 days or more prior to the expiration of the authorization, the authorization shall continue to be effective until such time as the Department has taken final action. Otherwise, the authorization shall expire at the end of its term.

2022, cc. 722, 767.

A. Any qualified organization described in subdivision 4 or 5 of the definition of "organization" in § 18.2-340.16 may obtain a temporary permit from the Department allowing such organization to sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards upon premises located anywhere in the Commonwealth during a convention, conference, or related event lasting no more than seven consecutive days held by such organization's affiliated state, regional, or national organization up to once per quarter as designated in the permit.

B. All complete applications for a permit shall be acted upon by the Department within 45 days from the filing thereof. Upon compliance by the applicant with the provisions of this article, and at the discretion of the Department, a temporary permit may be issued. All temporary permits when issued shall be valid for the period specified in the permit unless it is sooner suspended or revoked. No permit shall be valid for longer than one year. The application shall be a matter of public record.

All temporary permits shall be subject to regulation by the Department to ensure the public safety and welfare in the operation of charitable games. The temporary permit shall only be granted after a reasonable investigation has been conducted by the Department. The Department may require any prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant to submit to fingerprinting and to provide personal descriptive information to be forwarded along with the employee's, permit holder's, or applicant's fingerprints through the Central Criminal Records Exchange to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purposes of obtaining criminal history record information regarding such prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant. The Central Criminal Records Exchange upon receipt of a prospective employee, permit holder, or applicant record or notification that no record exists shall forward the report to the Commissioner of the Department or his designee, who shall belong to a governmental entity. However, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require the routine fingerprinting of volunteer bingo workers.

C. In no case shall an organization receive more than one temporary permit allowing it to conduct charitable gaming; however, an organization may also receive a permit in accordance with the provisions of § 18.2-340.25.

D. Application for a temporary permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by payment of the fee for processing the application.

E. Applications for renewal of temporary permits shall be made in accordance with Department regulations. If a complete renewal application is received 45 days or more prior to the expiration of the temporary permit, the temporary permit shall continue to be effective until such time as the Department has taken final action. Otherwise, the temporary permit shall expire at the end of its term.

F. The failure to meet any of the requirements of § 18.2-340.24 shall cause the automatic denial of the temporary permit, and no organization shall conduct any charitable gaming in accordance with the provisions of subsection A until such requirements are met and a temporary permit is obtained.

2023, cc. 755, 787.

A. Except as provided in subsection B, a qualified organization may sell raffle tickets both in and out of the jurisdiction designated in its permit and shall conduct the drawing within the Commonwealth.

B. A qualified organization may sell raffle tickets for a raffle drawing which will be held outside the Commonwealth, provided the raffle is conducted in accordance with (i) Department regulations and (ii) the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction in which the raffle drawing will be held.

C. Before a prize drawing, each stub or other detachable section of each ticket sold or won through some other authorized charitable game conducted by the same organization holding the raffle, shall be placed into a receptacle from which the winning tickets are drawn. The receptacle shall be designed so that each ticket placed in it has an equal chance of being drawn.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2001, c. 833; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2008, c. 573; 2022, cc. 554, 609.

A. Except as provided in subsection D, instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards may be sold only (i) by a qualified organization, as defined in § 18.2-340.16, (ii) upon premises that are owned or exclusively and entirely leased by the qualified organization or leased by the qualified organization pursuant to subsection C, and (iii) at such times that the premises in which the instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards are sold is open only to members and their guests via controlled access. Except as provided in subsections C and D, no organization may sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards (a) at a location outside of the county, city, or town in which the organization's principal office, as registered with the State Corporation Commission, is located or in an adjoining county, city, or town or (b) at an establishment that has been granted a license pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1 unless such license is held by the organization. Nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the conduct of games of chance involving the sale of pull tabs, or seal cards, commonly known as last sale games, conducted in accordance with this section or, if such games are electronic games, in accordance with § 18.2-340.26:3.

B. It is prohibited to use an electronic device to conduct instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards except as permitted under § 18.2-340.26:3.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a qualified organization may lease the premises of any social organization authorized pursuant to § 18.2-340.26:3 for the purpose of selling instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.

D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards may be sold by a qualified organization that has received a temporary permit from the Department pursuant to § 18.2-340.25:2 upon premises located anywhere in the Commonwealth during a convention, conference, or related event lasting no more than seven consecutive days held by such organization's affiliated state, regional, or national organization up to once per quarter as designated in the temporary permit.

2001, c. 833; 2006, c. 644; 2007, c. 196; 2020, c. 979; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520; 2022, cc. 722, 767; 2023, cc. 755, 787.

As a part of its annual fundraising event, any qualified organization may sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards, provided that (i) any such instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards are dispensed by mechanical equipment only; (ii) the sale of the same is limited to a single event of no more than seven days per calendar year; (iii) any such event is open to the public; and (iv) no such organization realizes actual gross receipts of more than $40,000 from the conduct of all charitable gaming other than raffles on a total of no more than seven days per calendar year. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 18.2-340.28, an organization authorized under this section shall not be required to sell such instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards at such times designated in the permit for regular bingo games or at a location at which the organization is authorized to conduct regular bingo games pursuant to subsections E and F of § 18.2-340.27. If any organization's actual gross receipts from the sale of instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards pursuant to this section exceed $40,000, the Department shall require the organization to obtain a permit pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.25 and file by a specified date the report required by § 18.2-340.30. The Department may require organizations authorized under this section to make such financial reporting as it deems necessary.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as exempting organizations authorized to sell instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards under this section from any other provisions of this article or other Department regulations.

2007, c. 160; 2022, cc. 554, 609; 2023, cc. 592, 593.

A. The Department may authorize a social organization to conduct electronic gaming (i) within its social quarters and (ii) elsewhere on the premises of its primary location. Any such authorized social organization may lease its premises to any qualified organization for the purpose of conducting electronic gaming. A qualified organization that leases the premises of a social organization pursuant to this section shall be subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commissioner. No other electronic gaming shall be allowed under this article. Any person who conducts or participates in electronic gaming that is not authorized under this section shall be subject to the penalties specified in § 18.2-340.37.

B. A social organization may request authorization from the Department to conduct electronic gaming pursuant to this section in accordance with the procedures established under §§ 18.2-340.20 and 18.2-340.25. Any fee charged by the Department for the purpose of such authorization shall be in addition to any fee charged for a charitable gaming permit. Any charitable gaming permit that also authorizes a social organization to conduct electronic gaming shall identify the expiration date of such authorization and the number of electronic gaming devices authorized at the location.

C. A social organization and any qualified organization that leases the premises of a social organization pursuant to this section are prohibited from advertising any electronic gaming activities to the general public.

D. The Department may authorize a maximum of 18 electronic gaming devices at a location. Each such device shall bear a mark indicating it has been authorized and approved by the Department.

E. An electronic gaming manufacturer that has been issued a permit by the Department in accordance with § 18.2-340.34 shall report all electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts pursuant to the provisions of § 18.2-340.30:2.

F. The use of electronic gaming devices utilizing multiple video monitors or touchscreens shall be limited to one player at a time.

G. No social organization or qualified organization leasing the premises of a social organization shall allow any individual younger than 21 years of age to participate in electronic gaming. No individual younger than 21 years of age shall participate in electronic gaming or otherwise use an electronic device to play or redeem any instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.

H. No social organization or any qualified organization leasing the premises of a social organization shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in electronic gaming.

2022, cc. 722, 767.

A. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks or debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games.

B. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in bingo games.

C. Bingo games may be held by qualified organizations on any calendar day.

D. Qualified organizations may hold an unlimited number of bingo sessions on any calendar day.

E. Except as provided in subsection F, no organization may conduct bingo games (i) at a location outside of the county, city, or town in which its principal office, as registered with the State Corporation Commission, is located or in an adjoining county, city, or town or (ii) at an establishment that has been granted a license pursuant to Chapter 2 (§ 4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1 unless such license is held by the organization.

F. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection E, a qualified organization may lease the premises of any social organization authorized pursuant to § 18.2-340.26:3 for the purpose of conducting bingo games.

1995, c. 837; 2006, c. 644; 2010, c. 429; 2017, c. 739; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520; 2022, cc. 722, 767.

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 568, cl. 2.

A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games pursuant to the provisions of this article may also play instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards; however, such games shall be played only at such times designated in the permit for regular bingo games and only at locations at which the organization is authorized to conduct regular bingo games pursuant to subsections E and F of § 18.2-340.27, except that a qualified organization that is issued a temporary permit pursuant to § 18.2-340.25:2 shall be authorized to play instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards in accordance with subsection D of § 18.2-340.26:1. It is prohibited to use an electronic device to conduct instant bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards except as permitted under § 18.2-340.26:3.

B. Any organization conducting instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards shall maintain a record of the date, quantity, and card value of instant bingo supplies purchased as well as the name and address of the supplier of such supplies. The organization shall also maintain a written invoice or receipt from a nonmember of the organization verifying any information required by this subsection. Such supplies shall be paid for only by check drawn on the gaming account of the organization. A complete inventory of all such gaming supplies shall be maintained by the organization on the premises where the gaming is being conducted.

C. No qualified organization shall sell any instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards to any individual younger than 18 years of age. No individual younger than 18 years of age shall play or redeem any instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.

D. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in instant bingo, network bingo, pull tabs, or seal cards.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2006, c. 644; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 14, 499, 520; 2022, cc. 722, 767; 2023, cc. 755, 787.

A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games pursuant to the provisions of this article may also sell network bingo cards; however, network bingo shall be sold only at such times designated in the permit for regular bingo games and only at locations at which the organization is authorized to conduct regular bingo games pursuant to subsections E and F of § 18.2-340.27.

B. Any organization selling network bingo cards shall maintain a record of the date and quantity of network bingo cards purchased from a licensed network bingo provider. The organization shall also maintain a written invoice or receipt from a licensed supplier verifying any information required by this subsection. Such supplies shall be paid for only by check drawn on the gaming account of the organization or by electronic fund transfer. A complete inventory of all such gaming supplies shall be maintained by the organization on the premises where network bingo cards are sold.

C. No qualified organization shall sell any network bingo cards to any individual younger than 18 years of age. No individual younger than 18 years of age shall play or redeem any network bingo cards.

D. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks or debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in any network bingo game. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in network bingo games.

E. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or other electronic fund transfer other than debit cards in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in network bingo games.

F. No qualified organization shall conduct network bingo more frequently than one day in any calendar week, which shall not be the same day of each week.

G. No qualified organization shall sell network bingo cards on the Internet or other online service or allow the play of network bingo on the Internet or other online service. However, the location where network bingo games are conducted shall be equipped with a video monitor, television, or video screen, or any other similar means of visually displaying a broadcast or signal, that relays live, real-time video of the numbers as they are called by a live caller. The Internet or other online service may be used to relay information about winning players.

H. Qualified organizations may award network bingo prizes on a graduated scale; however, no single network bingo prize shall exceed $25,000.

I. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit an organization from participating in more than one network bingo network.

2013, cc. 36, 350; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520; 2022, cc. 722, 767.

A. Any organization qualified to conduct bingo games on or after July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments; however, no such organization may conduct individual Texas Hold'em poker games. The Commissioner shall promulgate regulations establishing circumstances under which organizations qualified to conduct bingo games prior to July 1, 2019, may conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

B. A qualified organization may contract with an operator to administer Texas Hold'em poker tournaments. Limitations on operator fees shall be established by Department regulations.

C. A qualified organization shall accept only cash or, at its option, checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments. However, no such organization shall accept postdated checks in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

D. No qualified organization or any person on the premises shall extend lines of credit or accept any credit or debit card or other electronic fund transfer in payment of any charges or assessments for players to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

E. No qualified organization shall allow any individual younger than 18 years of age to participate in Texas Hold'em poker tournaments.

2020, c. 982; 2022, cc. 554, 609, 612.

A. Any two or more qualified organizations may jointly organize and conduct bingo games provided both have fully complied with all other provisions of this article.

B. Any two or more qualified organizations jointly conducting such games shall be (i) subject to the same restrictions and prohibitions contained in this article that would apply to a single organization conducting bingo games and (ii) required to furnish to the Department a written report setting forth the location where such games will be held, the division of manpower, costs, and proceeds for each game to be jointly conducted.

Upon a finding that the division of manpower and costs for each game bears a reasonable relationship to the division of proceeds, the Department shall issue a joint permit.

C. No bingo game shall be jointly conducted until the joint permit issued pursuant to subsection B is obtained by the organizations.

1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644.

A. 1. Each qualified organization shall keep a complete record of all:

a. Inventory of charitable gaming supplies purchased.

b. Receipts from its charitable gaming operation, including a breakdown of receipts attributable to each type of game offered.

c. Electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts.

d. Disbursements related to charitable gaming and electronic gaming operations, including a breakdown of disbursements for each purpose specified in subdivision 1 of § 18.2-340.33.

2. Except as provided in §§ 18.2-340.23 and 18.2-340.30:2, each qualified organization shall file under penalty of perjury and at least annually, on a form prescribed by the Department, a report of all receipts and disbursements specified in subdivision 1, the amount of money on hand attributable to charitable gaming as of the end of the period covered by the report, and any other information related to its charitable gaming operation that the Department may require. In addition, the Commissioner, by regulation, may require any qualified organization, except any qualified organization that realizes annual gross receipts of $40,000 or less, whose net receipts exceed a specified amount during any three-month period to file a report of its receipts and disbursements for such period. All reports filed pursuant to this section shall be a matter of public record.

B. All reports required by this section shall be filed on or before the date prescribed by the Department. The Commissioner, by regulation, shall establish a schedule of late fees to be assessed for any organization that fails to submit required reports by the due date.

C. Except as provided in § 18.2-340.23, each qualified organization shall designate or compensate an outside individual or group who shall be responsible for filing an annual, and, if required, quarterly, financial report if the organization goes out of business or otherwise ceases to conduct charitable gaming activities. The Department shall require such reports as it deems necessary until all proceeds of any charitable gaming have been used for the purposes specified in § 18.2-340.19 or have been disbursed in a manner approved by the Department.

D. Each qualified organization shall maintain for three years a complete written record of (i) all charitable gaming sessions using Department prescribed forms or reasonable facsimiles thereof approved by the Department; (ii) the name and address of each individual to whom is awarded any charitable gaming prize or jackpot that meets or exceeds the requirements of Internal Revenue Service Publication 3079, as well as the amount of the award; and (iii) an itemized record of all receipts and disbursements, including operating costs and use of proceeds incurred in operating bingo games.

E. The failure to file reports within 30 days of the time such reports are due shall cause the automatic revocation of the permit, and no organization shall conduct any bingo game or raffle thereafter until the report is properly filed and a new permit is obtained. However, the Department may grant an extension of time for filing such reports for a period not to exceed 45 days if requested by an organization, provided the organization requests an extension within 15 days of the time such reports are due and all projected fees are paid. For the term of any such extension, the organization's permit shall not be automatically revoked, such organization may continue to conduct charitable gaming, or electronic gaming if authorized to do so pursuant to the provisions of this article, and no new permit shall be required.

F. For purposes of this section, the requirement to file a report shall also include the payment of any applicable fees required to accompany such report.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1999, c. 360; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2007, c. 541; 2014, c. 208; 2022, cc. 553, 554, 609, 722, 767; 2023, cc. 592, 593.

Repealed by Acts 2010, c. 429, cl. 2.

A. Each electronic gaming manufacturer that holds a permit issued by the Department pursuant to § 18.2-340.34 shall keep a complete record of all electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts and shall file at least annually, on a form prescribed by the Department, a report of all such receipts and any other information related to the manufacture of electronic gaming devices that the Department may require.

B. The report required by this section shall be filed on or before the date prescribed by the Department. The Department, by regulation, shall establish a schedule of late fees to be assessed for any electronic gaming manufacturer that fails to submit required reports by the due date.

C. Each electronic gaming manufacturer shall maintain for three years a complete written record of all electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts.

D. The failure to file the report required by this section within 30 days of the time such report is due shall cause the automatic revocation of the electronic gaming manufacturer's permit, and no such manufacturer shall manufacture any new electronic gaming device until the report is properly filed and a new permit is obtained. However, the Department may grant an extension of time for filing such report for a period not to exceed 45 days if requested by a manufacturer, provided that the manufacturer requests an extension within 15 days of the time such report is due and all projected fees are paid. For the term of any such extension, the manufacturer's permit shall not be automatically revoked, such manufacturer may continue to manufacture electronic gaming devices, and no new permit shall be required.

E. For purposes of this section, the requirement to file a report shall also include the payment of any applicable fees required to accompany such report.

2022, cc. 722, 767.

A. All reports filed pursuant to §§ 18.2-340.30 and 18.2-340.30:2 shall be subject to audit by the Department in accordance with Department regulations. The Department may engage the services of independent certified public accountants to perform any audits deemed necessary to fulfill the Department's responsibilities under this article.

B. The Department shall prescribe a reasonable audit and administration fee to be paid by (i) any organization conducting charitable gaming under a permit issued by the Department unless the organization is exempt from such fee pursuant to § 18.2-340.23 or (ii) any electronic gaming manufacturer that holds a permit issued by the Department pursuant to § 18.2-340.34. Such fee shall not exceed one-half of one percent of the gross receipts that an organization reports pursuant to § 18.2-340.30 or one-half of one percent of the electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts that an electronic gaming manufacturer reports pursuant to § 18.2-340.30:2. The audit and administration fee shall accompany each report for each calendar quarter.

C. The audit and administration fee shall be payable to the Treasurer of Virginia. All such fees received by the Treasurer of Virginia shall be separately accounted for and shall be used only by the Department for the purposes of auditing and regulating charitable gaming.

D. In addition to the fee imposed under subsection B, an additional fee of (i) one-quarter of one percent of the gross receipts that an organization reports pursuant to § 18.2-340.30 shall be paid by the organization or (ii) one-quarter of one percent of the electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts that an electronic gaming manufacturer reports pursuant to § 18.2-340.30:2 shall be paid by the electronic gaming manufacturer to the Treasurer of Virginia. All such amounts shall be collected and deposited in the same manner as prescribed in subsections B and C and shall be used for the same purposes.

1995, c. 837; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2020, c. 982; 2022, cc. 554, 609, 722, 767.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462.

In addition to those other practices prohibited by this article, the following acts or practices are prohibited:

1. No part of the gross receipts or electronic gaming adjusted gross receipts derived by a qualified organization may be used for any purpose other than (i) gaming expenses; (ii) reasonable and proper business expenses; and (iii) those lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational purposes for which the organization is specifically chartered or organized.

2. Except as provided in § 18.2-340.34:1, no qualified organization shall enter into a contract with or otherwise employ for compensation any person for the purpose of organizing, managing, or conducting any charitable games. However, organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons may use a part of their gross receipts for costs associated with providing clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of charitable gaming.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not prohibit the joint operation of bingo games held in accordance with § 18.2-340.29.

3. No person shall pay or receive for use of any premises wholly devoted to the conduct of any charitable games, any consideration in excess of the current fair market rental value of such property. Fair market rental value consideration shall not be based upon or determined by reference to a percentage of the proceeds derived from the operation of any charitable games or to the number of people in attendance at such charitable games.

4. No person shall participate in the management or operation of any charitable game unless such person is and, for a period of at least 30 days immediately preceding such participation, has been a bona fide member of the organization. For any organization that is not composed of members, a person who is not a bona fide member may volunteer in the conduct of a charitable game as long as that person is directly supervised by a bona fide official member of the organization.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to (i) persons employed as clerical assistants by qualified organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons; (ii) employees of a corporate sponsor of a qualified organization, provided such employees' participation is limited to the management, operation, or conduct of no more than one raffle per year; (iii) the spouse or family member of any such bona fide member of a qualified organization provided at least one bona fide member is present; or (iv) persons employed by a qualified organization authorized to sell pull tabs or seal cards in accordance with § 18.2-340.16, provided (a) such sales are conducted by no more than two on-duty employees and (b) such employees receive no compensation for or based on the sale of the pull tabs or seal cards.

5. No person shall receive any remuneration for participating in the management, operation, or conduct of any charitable game, except that:

a. Persons employed by organizations composed of or for deaf or blind persons may receive remuneration not to exceed $30 per event for providing clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of charitable games only for such organizations;

b. Persons under the age of 19 who sell raffle tickets for a qualified organization to raise funds for youth activities in which they participate may receive nonmonetary incentive awards or prizes from the organization;

c. Remuneration may be paid to off-duty law-enforcement officers from the jurisdiction in which such bingo games are played for providing uniformed security for such bingo games even if such officer is a member of the sponsoring organization, provided the remuneration paid to such member is in accordance with off-duty law-enforcement personnel work policies approved by the local law-enforcement official and further provided that such member is not otherwise engaged in the management, operation, or conduct of the bingo games of that organization, or to private security services businesses licensed pursuant to § 9.1-139 providing uniformed security for such bingo games, provided that employees of such businesses shall not otherwise be involved in the management, operation, or conduct of the bingo games of that organization;

d. A member of a qualified organization lawfully participating in the management, operation, or conduct of a bingo game may be provided food and nonalcoholic beverages by such organization for on-premises consumption during the bingo game provided the food and beverages are provided in accordance with Department regulations;

e. Remuneration may be paid to bingo managers or callers who have a current registration certificate issued by the Department in accordance with § 18.2-340.34:1, or who are exempt from such registration requirement. Such remuneration shall not exceed $100 per session; and

f. Volunteers of a qualified organization may be reimbursed for their reasonable and necessary travel expenses, not to exceed $50 per session.

6. No landlord shall, at bingo games conducted on the landlord's premises, (i) participate in the conduct, management, or operation of any bingo games; (ii) sell, lease, or otherwise provide for consideration any bingo supplies, including bingo cards, instant bingo cards, or other game pieces; or (iii) require as a condition of the lease or by contract that a particular manufacturer, distributor, or supplier of bingo supplies or equipment be used by the organization.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to any qualified organization conducting bingo games on its own behalf at premises owned by it.

7. No qualified organization shall enter into any contract with or otherwise employ or compensate any member of the organization on account of the sale of bingo supplies or equipment.

8. No organization shall award any bingo prize money or any merchandise valued in excess of the following amounts:

a. No bingo door prize shall exceed $250 for a single door prize or $500 in cumulative door prizes in any one session;

b. No regular bingo or special bingo game prize shall exceed $100. However, up to 10 games per bingo session may feature a regular bingo or special bingo game prize of up to $200;

c. No instant bingo, pull tab, or seal card prize for a single card shall exceed $2,000;

d. Except as provided in this subdivision 8, no bingo jackpot of any nature whatsoever shall exceed $1,000, nor shall the total amount of bingo jackpot prizes awarded in any one session exceed $1,000. Proceeds from the sale of bingo cards and the sheets used for bingo jackpot games shall be accounted for separately from the bingo cards or sheets used for any other bingo games; and

e. No single network bingo prize shall exceed $25,000. Proceeds from the sale of network bingo cards shall be accounted for separately from bingo cards and sheets used for any other bingo game.

9. The provisions of subdivision 8 shall not apply to:

Any progressive bingo game, in which (i) a regular or special prize, not to exceed $100, is awarded on the basis of predetermined numbers or patterns selected at random and (ii) a progressive prize, not to exceed $500 for the initial progressive prize and $5,000 for the maximum progressive prize, is awarded if the predetermined numbers or patterns are covered when a certain number of numbers is called, provided that (a) there are no more than six such games per session per organization, (b) the amount of increase of the progressive prize per session is no more than $200, (c) the bingo cards or sheets used in such games are sold separately from the bingo cards or sheets used for any other bingo games, (d) the organization separately accounts for the proceeds from such sale, and (e) such games are otherwise operated in accordance with the Department's rules of play.

10. No organization shall award any raffle prize valued at more than $100,000.

The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to a raffle conducted no more than three times per calendar year by a qualified organization qualified as a tax-exempt organization pursuant to § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code for a prize consisting of a lot improved by a residential dwelling where 100 percent of the moneys received from such a raffle, less deductions for the fair market value for the cost of acquisition of the land and materials, are donated to lawful religious, charitable, community, or educational organizations specifically chartered or organized under the laws of the Commonwealth and qualified as a § 501(c) tax-exempt organization. No more than one such raffle shall be conducted in any one geographical region of the Commonwealth.

11. No qualified organization composed of or for deaf or blind persons which employs a person not a member to provide clerical assistance in the management and operation but not the conduct of any charitable games shall conduct such games unless it has in force fidelity insurance, as defined in § 38.2-120, written by an insurer licensed to do business in the Commonwealth.

12. No person shall participate in the management or operation of any charitable game if he has ever been convicted of any felony or if he has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving fraud, theft, or financial crimes within the preceding five years. No person shall participate in the conduct of any charitable game if, within the preceding 10 years, he has been convicted of any felony or if, within the preceding five years he has been convicted of any misdemeanor involving fraud, theft, or financial crimes. In addition, no person shall participate in the management, operation, or conduct of any charitable game if that person, within the preceding five years, has participated in the management, operation, or conduct of any charitable game which was found by the Department or a court of competent jurisdiction to have been operated in violation of state law, local ordinance, or Department regulation.

13. Qualified organizations jointly conducting bingo games pursuant to § 18.2-340.29 shall not circumvent any restrictions and prohibitions which would otherwise apply if a single organization were conducting such games. These restrictions and prohibitions shall include the frequency with which bingo games may be held, the value of merchandise or money awarded as prizes, or any other practice prohibited under this section.

14. A qualified organization shall not purchase any charitable gaming supplies for use in the Commonwealth from any person who is not currently registered with the Department as a supplier pursuant to § 18.2-340.34.

15. Unless otherwise permitted in this article, no part of an organization's charitable gaming gross receipts shall be used for an organization's social or recreational activities.

16. No organization qualified to conduct Texas Hold'em poker tournaments pursuant to § 18.2-340.28:2 shall conduct any Texas Hold'em poker games where the game has no predetermined end time and the players wager actual money or poker chips that have cash value.

1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1998, cc. 57, 398; 1999, c. 534; 2000, c. 1000; 2001, c. 754; 2002, c. 282; 2003, c. 884; 2004, c. 275; 2005, cc. 776, 826; 2006, c. 644; 2007, cc. 226, 790; 2008, c. 352; 2010, c. 429; 2013, cc. 36, 350; 2017, cc. 566, 739; 2020, c. 568; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 491; 2022, cc. 553, 554, 609, 612, 722, 767.

A. No person shall offer to sell, sell, or otherwise provide charitable gaming supplies to any qualified organization and no manufacturer shall distribute electronic gaming devices for charitable gaming in the Commonwealth unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a permit by the Department. An application for permit shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $1,000. Each permit shall remain valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a permit shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $1,000 and shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.

B. The Commissioner shall have authority to prescribe by regulation reasonable criteria consistent with the provisions of this article for the registration of suppliers and manufacturers of electronic gaming devices for charitable gaming. The Department shall refuse to issue a permit to any supplier or manufacturer who has, or which has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has, (i) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony in any state or federal court or has been convicted of any offense that, if committed in the Commonwealth, would be a felony; (ii) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a crime involving gambling; (iii) violated the gaming laws of any jurisdiction within the last five years, including violations for failure to register; or (iv) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to charitable gaming suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction within the last five years. The Department may refuse to issue a permit to any supplier or manufacturer who has, or which has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has, (a) failed to file or has been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth or (b) failed to establish a registered office or registered agent in the Commonwealth if so required by § 13.1-634 or 13.1-763.

C. The Department shall suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the permit of any supplier or manufacturer for any conduct described in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of subsection B. The Department shall suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the permit of any supplier or manufacturer for any conduct described in clause (a) or (b) of subsection B or for any violation of this article or regulation of the Department. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the supplier or manufacturer a written statement of the grounds upon which it proposes to take such action and an opportunity to be heard. Every hearing in a contested case shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

D. Each supplier shall document each sale of charitable gaming supplies, including electronic gaming devices, and other items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming, such as markers, wands, or tape, to a qualified organization on an invoice which clearly shows (i) the name and address of the qualified organization to which such supplies or items were sold; (ii) the date of the sale; (iii) the name or form and serial number of each deal of instant bingo cards and pull-tab raffle cards, the quantity of deals sold, and the price per deal paid by the qualified organization; (iv) the serial number of the top sheet in each packet of bingo paper, the serial number for each series of uncollated bingo paper, and the cut, color, and quantity of bingo paper sold; and (v) any other information with respect to charitable gaming supplies, including electronic gaming devices, or other items incidental to the conduct of charitable gaming as the Commissioner may prescribe by regulation. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the charitable gaming supplies when delivered to the qualified organization.

Each manufacturer of electronic gaming devices shall document each distribution of such devices to a qualified organization or supplier on an invoice which clearly shows (a) the name and address of the qualified organization or supplier to which such systems were distributed; (b) the date of distribution; (c) the serial number of each such device; and (d) any other information with respect to electronic gaming devices as the Commissioner may prescribe by regulation. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the electronic gaming devices when delivered to the qualified organization or supplier.

E. Each supplier and manufacturer shall maintain a legible copy of each invoice required by subsection D for a period of three years from the date of sale. Each supplier and manufacturer shall make such documents immediately available for inspection and copying to any agent or employee of the Department upon request made during normal business hours. This subsection shall not limit the right of the Department to require the production of any other documents in the possession of the supplier or manufacturer which relate to its transactions with qualified organizations. All documents and other information of a proprietary nature furnished to the Department in accordance with this subsection shall not be a matter of public record and shall be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

F. Each supplier and manufacturer shall provide to the Department the results of background checks and any other records or documents necessary for the Department to enforce the provisions of subsections B and C.

1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 1997, cc. 777, 838; 1999, c. 534; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2007, c. 264; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 520; 2022, cc. 553, 554, 609, 722, 767.

A. No person shall receive remuneration as a bingo manager or caller from any qualified organization unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a registration certificate by the Department. Application for registration shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $75. Each registration certificate shall remain valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a registration certificate shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $75 and shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.

B. As a condition of registration as a bingo manager, the applicant shall (i) have been a bona fide member of the qualified organization for at least 12 consecutive months prior to making application for registration and (ii) be required to complete a reasonable training course developed and conducted by the Department.

As a condition of registration as a bingo caller, the applicant shall be required to complete a reasonable training course developed and conducted by the Department.

The Department may refuse to register any bingo manager or caller who has (a) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony in any state or federal court or has been convicted of any offense which, if committed in the Commonwealth, would be a felony; (b) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a crime involving gambling; (c) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to activities defined as charitable gaming in the Commonwealth suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction; or (d) failed to file or has been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth.

C. The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the registration certificate of any bingo manager or caller for any conduct described in subsection B or for any violation of this article or Department regulations. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the bingo manager or caller a written statement of the grounds upon which it proposes to take such action and an opportunity to be heard. Every hearing in a contested case shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

D. The provisions of subsection A requiring registration for bingo callers with the Department shall not apply to a bingo caller for a volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency or auxiliary unit thereof that has been recognized in accordance with § 15.2-955 by an ordinance or resolution of the political subdivision where the volunteer fire department or volunteer emergency medical services agency is located as being a part of the safety program of such political subdivision.

2005, cc. 776, 826; 2007, cc. 226, 347; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2022, cc. 554, 609.

A. No person shall sell or offer to sell or otherwise provide access to a network bingo network to any qualified organization unless and until such person has made application for and has been issued a license by the Department. An application for license shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department and shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $500. Each license shall remain valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. Application for renewal of a license shall be accompanied by a fee in the amount of $500 and shall be made on forms prescribed by the Department.

B. The Commissioner shall have authority to prescribe by regulation reasonable criteria consistent with the provisions of this article for the licensure of network bingo providers. The Department may refuse to issue a license to any network bingo provider that has any officer, director, partner, or owner who has (i) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a felony in any state or federal court or has been convicted of any offense that, if committed in the Commonwealth, would be a felony; (ii) been convicted of or pleaded nolo contendere to a crime involving gambling; (iii) had any license, permit, certificate, or other authority related to activities defined as charitable gaming in the Commonwealth suspended or revoked in the Commonwealth or in any other jurisdiction; (iv) failed to file or been delinquent in excess of one year in the filing of any tax returns or the payment of any taxes due the Commonwealth; or (v) failed to establish a registered office or registered agent in the Commonwealth if so required by § 13.1-634 or 13.1-763.

C. The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license of any network bingo provider for any conduct described in subsection B or for any violation of this article or regulation of the Department. Before taking any such action, the Department shall give the network bingo provider a written statement of the grounds upon which it proposes to take such action and an opportunity to be heard. Every hearing in a contested case shall be conducted in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

D. The Commissioner by regulation shall require network bingo providers to have onsite independent supervision of network bingo games as the numbers are called.

E. Each network bingo provider shall document each sale of network bingo supplies and other items incidental to the conduct of network bingo to a qualified organization on an invoice that clearly shows (i) the name and address of the qualified organization to which such supplies or items were sold; (ii) the date of the sale; (iii) the name or form and serial number of each network bingo card, the quantity of cards sold, and the price per card paid by the qualified organization; and (iv) any other information required by the Department. A legible copy of the invoice shall accompany the network bingo supplies when delivered to the qualified organization.

F. Each network bingo provider shall maintain a legible copy of each invoice required by subsection E for a period of three years from the date of sale. Each network bingo provider shall make such documents immediately available for inspection and copying to any agent or employee of the Department upon request made during normal business hours. This subsection shall not limit the right of the Department to require the production of any other documents in the possession of the network bingo provider that relate to its transactions with qualified organizations. All documents and other information of a proprietary nature furnished to the Department in accordance with this subsection shall be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

2013, cc. 36, 350; 2022, cc. 554, 609.

The Department of State Police shall assist in the conduct of investigations by the Department.

1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884; 2022, c. 553.

A. When any officer charged with the enforcement of the charitable gaming laws of the Commonwealth has reasonable cause to believe that the conduct of charitable gaming is being conducted by an organization in violation of this article or Department regulations, he may apply to any judge, magistrate, or other person having authority to issue criminal warrants for the immediate suspension of the permit or registration of the organization conducting charitable gaming. If the judge, magistrate, or person to whom such application is presented is satisfied that probable cause exists to suspend the permit or registration, he shall suspend the permit or registration. Immediately upon such suspension, the officer shall notify the organization in writing of such suspension.

B. Written notice specifying the particular basis for the immediate suspension shall be provided by the officer to the organization within one business day of the suspension and a hearing held thereon by the Department or its designated hearing officer within 10 days of the suspension unless the organization consents to a later date. No charitable gaming shall be conducted by the organization until the suspension has been lifted by the Department or a court of competent jurisdiction.

1995, c. 837; 2003, c. 884; 2022, cc. 554, 609; 2023, cc. 592, 593.

A. Any person or organization, whether permitted or qualified pursuant to this article or not, that (i) conducts charitable gaming without first obtaining a permit to do so, (ii) continues to conduct such games after revocation or suspension of such permit, or (iii) otherwise violates any provision of this article shall, in addition to any other penalties provided, be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $25,000 and not more than $50,000 per incident. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be payable to the State Treasurer for remittance to the Department.

B. Any electronic gaming manufacturer, whether permitted pursuant to this article or not, shall, in addition to any other penalties provided, be subject to the penalty identified in subsection A for any violation of any provision of this article.

2022, cc. 555, 608, 722, 767.

A. Any person who violates the provisions of this article or who willfully and knowingly files, or causes to be filed, a false application, report or other document or who willfully and knowingly makes a false statement, or causes a false statement to be made, on any application, report or other document required to be filed with or made to the Department shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

B. Each day in violation shall constitute a separate offense.

C. Any person who converts funds derived from any charitable gaming to his own or another's use, when the amount of funds is less than $1,000, shall be guilty of petit larceny and, when the amount of funds is $1,000 or more, shall be guilty of grand larceny. The provisions of this section shall not preclude the applicability of any other provision of the criminal law of the Commonwealth that may apply to any course of conduct that violates this section.

1995, c. 837; 1996, c. 919; 2003, c. 884; 2006, c. 644; 2018, cc. 764, 765; 2020, cc. 89, 401.

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 754, cl. 2.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 608.

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 122, cl. 2.

Repealed by Acts 2013, c. 621.

Any person who, for money or its equivalent, (i) commits any act in violation of § 18.2-361; performs cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus upon or by another person; engages in sexual intercourse or anal intercourse; touches the unclothed genitals or anus of another person with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify; or allows another to touch his unclothed genitals or anus with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify or (ii) offers to commit any act in violation of § 18.2-361; perform cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus upon or by another person; engage in sexual intercourse or anal intercourse; touch the unclothed genitals or anus of another person with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify; or allow another to touch his unclothed genitals or anus with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify and thereafter does any substantial act in furtherance thereof is guilty of prostitution, which is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-194; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534; 1993, c. 609; 2013, cc. 417, 467; 2014, c. 794; 2020, cc. 122, 595, 900; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 188.

Any person who offers money or its equivalent to another for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts enumerated in § 18.2-346 and thereafter does any substantial act in furtherance thereof is guilty of solicitation of prostitution, which is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, any person who solicits prostitution from a minor (i) 16 years of age or older is guilty of a Class 6 felony or (ii) younger than 16 years of age is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 188.

A. As soon as practicable following conviction of any person for violation of § 18.2-346, 18.2-346.01, or 18.2-361, any violation of Article 1 (§ 18.2-247 et seq.) or 1.1 (§ 18.2-265.1 et seq.) of Chapter 7 involving the possession, sale, or use of a controlled substance in a form amenable to intravenous use, or the possession, sale, or use of hypodermic syringes, needles, or other objects designed or intended for use in parenterally injecting controlled substances into the human body, such person shall be provided the option to submit to testing for a sexually transmitted infection. The convicted person shall receive counseling from personnel of the Department of Health concerning (i) the meaning of the test, (ii) sexually transmitted infections, and (iii) the transmission and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

B. Any tests performed pursuant to this section shall be consistent with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. The results of such test for a sexually transmitted infection shall be confidential as provided in § 32.1-36.1 and shall be disclosed to the person who is the subject of the test and to the Department of Health as required by § 32.1-36. The Department shall conduct surveillance and investigation in accordance with the requirements of § 32.1-39.

C. Upon receiving a report of a positive test for hepatitis C, the State Health Commissioner may share protected health information relating to such positive test with relevant sheriffs' offices, the state police, local police departments, adult or youth correctional facilities, salaried or volunteer firefighters, paramedics or emergency medical technicians, officers of the court, and regional or local jails (i) to the extent necessary to advise exposed individuals of the risk of infection and to enable exposed individuals to seek appropriate testing and treatment and (ii) as may be needed to prevent and control disease and is deemed necessary to prevent serious harm and serious threats to the health and safety of individuals and the public.

The disclosed protected health information shall be held confidential; no person to whom such information is disclosed shall redisclose or otherwise reveal the protected health information without first obtaining the specific authorization from the individual who was the subject of the test for such redisclosure.

Such protected health information shall only be used to protect the health and safety of individuals and the public in conformance with the regulations concerning patient privacy promulgated by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, as such regulations may be amended.

D. The results of the tests shall not be admissible in any criminal proceeding.

The cost of the tests shall be paid by the Commonwealth and taxed as part of the cost of such criminal proceedings.

1990, c. 913; 2005, c. 438; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 188, 465.

It is unlawful for any person to keep any bawdy place, or to reside in or at or visit for immoral purposes any such bawdy place. Each day such bawdy place is kept, resided in, or visited shall constitute a separate offense. In a prosecution under this section, the general reputation of the bawdy place may be proved. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

As used in this Code, "bawdy place" means any place within or outside any building or structure that is used or is to be used for lewdness, assignation, or prostitution.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-195, 18.1-196; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 617.

It is unlawful for any person or any officer, employee, or agent of any firm, association, or corporation with knowledge of, or good reason to believe, the immoral purpose of such visit, to take or transport or assist in taking or transporting, or offer to take or transport on foot or in any way, any person to a place, whether within or outside any building or structure, used or to be used for the purpose of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution within the Commonwealth or to procure or assist in procuring for the purpose of illicit sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act violative of § 18.2-361, or touching of the unclothed genitals or anus of another person with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify, or to give any information or direction to any person with intent to enable such person to commit an act of prostitution. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, any adult who violates this section with a person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-197; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534; 2014, c. 794; 2019, c. 617; 2020, c. 595.

It is unlawful for any travel agent to knowingly promote travel services, as defined in § 59.1-445, for the purposes of prostitution or any act in violation of an offense set forth in subdivision 1 of the definition of Tier III offense as defined in § 9.1-902, made punishable within the Commonwealth, whether committed within or without. Violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense, and any person violating this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Punishment for a violation of this section shall be separate and apart from any punishment received from any other offense. For the purposes of this section "travel agent" means any person who for a consideration consults with or advises persons concerning travel services in the course of his business.

2019, c. 458; 2020, c. 829.

It is unlawful for any owner or chauffeur of any vehicle, with knowledge or reason to believe the same is to be used for such purpose, to use the same or to allow the same to be used for the purpose of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse or to aid or promote such prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse by the use of any such vehicle. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, any adult who violates this section by using a vehicle or allowing a vehicle to be used for or to aid or promote prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-198; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 617.

In any case in which a person is convicted of a violation of § 18.2-346 or of a misdemeanor violation of § 18.2-347, 18.2-348, or 18.2-349 and where a city or county farm or hospital is available for the confinement of persons so convicted, confinement may be in such farm or hospital, in the discretion of the court or judge.

Code 1950, § 18.1-199; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2019, c. 617; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 188.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 459.

Reserved.

Any person who:

(1) For purposes of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse, takes any person into, or persuades, encourages or causes any person to enter, a bawdy place, or takes or causes such person to be taken to any place against his or her will for such purposes; or

(2) Takes or detains a person against his or her will with the intent to compel such person, by force, threats, persuasions, menace or duress, to marry him or her or to marry any other person, or to be defiled; or

(3) Being parent, guardian, legal custodian or one standing in loco parentis of a person, consents to such person being taken or detained by any person for the purpose of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse; or

(4) For purposes of prostitution, takes any minor into, or persuades, encourages, or causes any minor to enter, a bawdy place, or takes or causes such person to be taken to any place for such purposes; is guilty of pandering.

A violation of subdivision (1), (2), or (3) is punishable as a Class 4 felony. A violation of subdivision (4) is punishable as a Class 3 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-204; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534; 1997, c. 555; 2014, cc. 649, 706; 2015, c. 395.

Any person who receives any money or other valuable thing for or on account of (i) procuring for or placing in a house of prostitution or elsewhere any person for the purpose of causing such person to engage in unlawful sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act in violation of § 18.2-361, or touching of the unclothed genitals or anus of another person with the intent to sexually arouse or gratify; (ii) causing any person to engage in concubinage, prostitution, or the manufacture of any obscene material or child pornography; or (iii) causing any person to engage in forced labor or services or providing or obtaining labor or services by any act in violation of subsection B of § 18.2-47 is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Any person who violates clause (i) or (ii) with a person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-206; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534; 2011, c. 785; 2014, c. 794; 2015, cc. 690, 691; 2020, c. 595; 2024, c. 368.

A. Any person who offers money or other valuable thing to another for the purpose of purchasing or otherwise obtaining custody or control of a minor and thereafter does any substantial act in furtherance thereof is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

B. Any parent, legal guardian, or other person having custody or control of a minor who receives any money or other valuable thing for or on account of selling or otherwise transferring custody or control of such minor, or offers to sell or otherwise transfer custody or control of such minor, is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

C. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person (i) entering into a surrogacy contract pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 9 (§ 20-156 et seq.) of Title 20, (ii) seeking to adopt a child or place his child for adoption pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 12 (§ 63.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 63.2, or (iii) who is a person with a legitimate interest as defined in § 20-124.1 in such minor.

D. A violation of this section shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. If the acts or activities violating this section also violate another provision of law, a prosecution under this section shall not prohibit or bar any prosecution or proceeding under such other provision or the imposition of any penalties provided for thereby.

2023, c. 359.

Any person who shall knowingly receive any money or other valuable thing from the earnings of any male or female engaged in prostitution, except for a consideration deemed good and valuable in law, shall be guilty of pandering, punishable as a Class 4 felony. Any person who violates this section by receiving money or other valuable thing from a person under the age of 18 is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-208; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534; 2015, cc. 690, 691.

A. Any person who, with the intent to receive money or other valuable thing or to assist another in receiving money or other valuable thing from the earnings of a person from prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse in violation of § 18.2-346, solicits, invites, recruits, encourages, or otherwise causes or attempts to cause a person to violate § 18.2-346 is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

B. Any person who violates subsection A through the use of force, intimidation, or deception is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

C. Any adult who violates subsection A with a person under 18 years of age is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

D. Each violation of this section constitutes a separate and distinct felony.

2015, cc. 690, 691; 2019, c. 617; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 188.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 459.

A. Any person transporting or attempting to transport through or across the Commonwealth any person for the purposes of unlawful sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or prostitution, or for the purpose of committing any crime specified in § 18.2-361, 18.2-370, or 18.2-370.1, or for the purposes of committing or attempting to commit criminal sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4, may be presented, indicted, tried, and convicted in any county or city in which any part of such transportation occurred.

B. Venue for the trial of any person charged with committing or attempting to commit any crime specified in § 18.2-361, 18.2-370, or 18.2-370.1, or sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 may be had in the county or city in which such crime is alleged to have occurred or, with the concurrence of the attorney for the Commonwealth in the county or city in which the crime is alleged to have occurred, in any county or city through which the victim was transported by the defendant prior to the commission of such offense.

C. Venue for the trial of any person charged with committing or attempting to commit criminal sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 against a person under 18 years of age may be had in the county or city in which such crime is alleged to have occurred or, when the county or city where the offense is alleged to have occurred cannot be determined, then in the county or city where the person under 18 years of age resided at the time of the offense.

D. Venue for the trial of any person charged with committing or attempting to commit (i) any crime specified in § 18.2-361, 18.2-370, or 18.2-370.1, or criminal sexual assault under Article 7 (§ 18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 and (ii) any violent felony as defined in § 17.1-805 or any act of violence as defined in § 19.2-297.1 arising out of the same incident, occurrence, or transaction may be had in the county or city in which any such crime is alleged to have occurred or, with the concurrence of the attorney for the Commonwealth in the county or city in which the crime is alleged to have occurred, in any county or city through which the victim was transported by the defendant in the commission of such offense.

Code 1950, § 18.1-210; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 54; 1978, c. 610; 1981, c. 397; 2004, c. 869; 2011, c. 763; 2014, c. 794; 2015, c. 555.

Any male or female referred to in §§ 18.2-355 through 18.2-361 shall be a competent witness in any prosecution under such sections to testify to any and all matters, including conversations by or with the accused with third persons in his or her presence, notwithstanding he or she may have married the accused either before or after the violation of any of the provisions of this section; but such witness shall not be compelled to testify after such marriage.

Code 1950, § 18.1-211; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1980, c. 534.

A. If any person carnally knows in any manner any brute animal or voluntarily submits to such carnal knowledge, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who performs or causes to be performed cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, or anal intercourse upon or by his daughter or granddaughter, son or grandson, brother or sister, or father or mother is guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if a parent or grandparent commits any such act with his child or grandchild and such child or grandchild is at least 13 but less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense, such parent or grandparent is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

C. For the purposes of this section, parent includes step-parent, grandparent includes step-grandparent, child includes step-child, and grandchild includes step-grandchild.

Code 1950, § 18.1-212; 1960, c. 358; 1968, c. 427; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1977, c. 285; 1981, c. 397; 1993, c. 450; 2005, c. 185; 2014, c. 794.

A. As used in this section:

"Animal" means any nonhuman vertebrate species.

"Obscene" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-372.

"Obscene item" means the same as that term is defined in § 18.2-373.

"Sexual contact" means any act committed between a person and an animal for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, abuse, or financial gain involving (i) contact between the sex organs or anus of one and the mouth, sex organs, or anus of another; (ii) the insertion of any part of the animal's body into the vaginal or anal opening of the person; or (iii) the insertion of any part of the body of a person or any object into the vaginal or anal opening of an animal or touching or fondling by a person of the sex organs or anus of an animal without a bona fide veterinary or animal husbandry purpose.

B. Any person who knowingly (i) engages in sexual contact with an animal; (ii) causes another person by force, threat, or intimidation to engage in sexual contact with an animal; (iii) advertises, solicits, offers, sells, purchases, or possesses an animal with the intent that the animal be subject to sexual contact; (iv) permits sexual contact with an animal to be conducted on any premises under his ownership or control; or (v) produces, distributes, publishes, sells, transmits, finances, possesses, or possesses with the intent to distribute, publish, sell, or transmit an obscene item depicting a person engaged in sexual contact with an animal is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

C. Any person convicted of violating this section shall be prohibited by the court from possessing, owning, or exercising control over any animal. Additionally, the court may order such person to attend an appropriate treatment program or obtain psychiatric or psychological counseling and may impose the costs of such a program or counseling upon the person convicted.

D. Nothing in this section shall apply to an accepted veterinary practice; the artificial insemination of an animal for reproductive purposes; an accepted animal husbandry practice, including grooming, raising, breeding, or assisting with the birthing process of animals; or generally accepted practices related to the judging of breed conformation.

E. For the purpose of enforcing this section, the provisions of §§ 3.2-6502, 3.2-6564, and 3.2-6568 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

2022, c. 594.

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Qualifying offense" means a charge for a violation of § 18.2-346 or 18.2-347.

"Victim of sex trafficking" means any person charged with a qualifying offense in the Commonwealth who committed such offense as a direct result of being solicited, invited, recruited, encouraged, forced, intimidated, or deceived by another to engage in acts of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse for money or its equivalent, as described in § 18.2-346, regardless of whether any other person has been charged or convicted of an offense related to the sex trafficking of such person.

B. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution of a qualifying offense if at the time of the offense leading to such charge, such person was a victim of sex trafficking and (i) was coerced to engage in the offense through the use of force or intimidation or (ii) such offense was committed at the direction of another person other than the individual with whom the person engaged in the acts of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse for such money or its equivalent.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 334.

If any married person, during the life of such person's spouse, marries another person in the Commonwealth, or, if the marriage with such other person takes place outside of the Commonwealth and the persons cohabitate in the Commonwealth, he is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Venue for a violation of this section may be in the county or city where the subsequent marriage occurred or where the parties to the subsequent marriage cohabited.

Code 1950, § 20-41; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2003, c. 99; 2020, c. 900.

If any persons, resident in the Commonwealth, one of whom has a living spouse, shall, with the intention of returning to reside in the Commonwealth, go into another state or country and there intermarry and return to and reside in the Commonwealth cohabiting as a married couple, such marriage shall be governed by the same law, in all respects, as if it had been solemnized in the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 20-44; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, c. 900.

Sections 18.2-362 and 18.2-363 shall not extend to a person whose spouse shall have been continuously absent from such person for seven years next before marriage of such person to another, and shall not have been known by such person to be living within that time; nor to a person who can show that the second marriage was contracted in good faith under a reasonable belief that the former consort was dead; nor to a person who shall, at the time of the subsequent marriage, have been divorced from the bond of the former marriage; nor to a person whose former marriage was void.

Code 1950, § 20-42; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2020, c. 900.

Any person, being married, who voluntarily shall have sexual intercourse with any person not his or her spouse shall be guilty of adultery, punishable as a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, §§18.1-187, 18.1-190; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

A. Any person who engages in sexual intercourse with any person whom he is forbidden by law to marry is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor except as provided by subsection B.

B. Any person who engages in sexual intercourse with his daughter or granddaughter, son or grandson, or father or mother is guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if a parent or grandparent engages in sexual intercourse with his child or grandchild, and such child or grandchild is at least 13 years of age but less than 18 years of age at the time of the offense, such parent or grandparent is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

C. For the purposes of this section, parent includes stepparent, grandparent includes step-grandparent, child includes a stepchild, and grandchild includes a step-grandchild.

Code 1950, § 18.1-191; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, c. 397; 1993, c. 703; 2014, c. 542; 2020, cc. 122, 900.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 459.

Any person who, by force, fraud, intimidation, or threats, places or leaves or procures any other person to place or leave his spouse in a bawdy place for the purpose of prostitution or unlawful sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus is guilty of pandering, punishable as a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, § 18.1-207; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2014, c. 794; 2020, c. 900.

A. It is unlawful for any responsible person to abuse or neglect any vulnerable adult. Any responsible person who abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult in violation of this section and the abuse or neglect does not result in serious bodily injury or disease to the vulnerable adult is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Any responsible person who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense under this subsection is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any responsible person who abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult in violation of this section and the abuse or neglect results in serious bodily injury or disease to the vulnerable adult is guilty of a Class 4 felony. Any responsible person who abuses or neglects a vulnerable adult in violation of this section and the abuse or neglect results in the death of the vulnerable adult is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

C. For purposes of this section:

"Abuse" means (i) knowing and willful conduct that causes physical injury or pain or (ii) knowing and willful use of physical restraint, including confinement, as punishment, for convenience or as a substitute for treatment, except where such conduct or physical restraint, including confinement, is a part of care or treatment and is in furtherance of the health and safety of the vulnerable adult.

"Neglect" means the knowing and willful failure by a responsible person to provide treatment, care, goods, or services which results in injury to the health or endangers the safety of a vulnerable adult.

"Responsible person" means a person who has responsibility for the care, custody, or control of a vulnerable adult by operation of law or who has assumed such responsibility voluntarily by contract or in fact.

"Serious bodily injury or disease" includes but is not limited to (i) disfigurement, (ii) a fracture, (iii) a severe burn or laceration, (iv) mutilation, (v) maiming, or (vi) life-threatening internal injuries or conditions, whether or not caused by trauma.

"Vulnerable adult" means any person 18 years of age or older who is impaired by reason of mental illness, intellectual or developmental disability, physical illness or disability, or other causes, including age, to the extent the adult lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate, or carry out reasonable decisions concerning his well-being or has one or more limitations that substantially impair the adult's ability to independently provide for his daily needs or safeguard his person, property, or legal interests.

D. No responsible person shall be in violation of this section whose conduct was (i) in accordance with the informed consent of the vulnerable adult that was given when he was not vulnerable or a person authorized to consent on his behalf; (ii) in accordance with a declaration by the vulnerable adult under the Health Care Decisions Act (§ 54.1-2981 et seq.) that was given when he was not vulnerable or with the provisions of a valid medical power of attorney; (iii) in accordance with the wishes of the vulnerable adult that were made known when he was not vulnerable or a person authorized to consent on behalf of the vulnerable adult and in accord with the tenets and practices of a church or religious denomination; (iv) incident to necessary movement of, placement of, or protection from harm to the vulnerable adult; or (v) a bona fide, recognized, or approved practice to provide medical care.

1992, c. 551; 1994, c. 620; 2000, c. 796; 2001, c. 181; 2004, c. 863; 2007, cc. 562, 653; 2012, cc. 476, 507; 2019, c. 234; 2022, cc. 259, 642.

A. Any person 18 years of age or over, who, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally commits any of the following acts with any child under the age of 15 years is guilty of a Class 5 felony:

(1) Expose his or her sexual or genital parts to any child to whom such person is not legally married or propose that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts to such person; or

(2) [Repealed.]

(3) Propose that any such child feel or fondle his own sexual or genital parts or the sexual or genital parts of such person or propose that such person feel or fondle the sexual or genital parts of any such child; or

(4) Propose to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361; or

(5) Entice, allure, persuade, or invite any such child to enter any vehicle, room, house, or other place, for any of the purposes set forth in the preceding subdivisions of this subsection.

B. Any person 18 years of age or over who, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally receives money, property, or any other remuneration for allowing, encouraging, or enticing any person under the age of 18 years to perform in or be a subject of sexually explicit visual material as defined in § 18.2-374.1 or who knowingly encourages such person to perform in or be a subject of sexually explicit material is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

C. Any person who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a Class 4 felony, provided that (i) the offenses were not part of a common act, transaction or scheme; (ii) the accused was at liberty as defined in § 53.1-151 between each conviction; and (iii) it is admitted, or found by the jury or judge before whom the person is tried, that the accused was previously convicted of a violation of this section.

D. Any parent, step-parent, grandparent, or step-grandparent who commits a violation of either this section or clause (v) or (vi) of subsection A of § 18.2-370.1 (i) upon his child, step-child, grandchild, or step-grandchild who is at least 15 but less than 18 years of age is guilty of a Class 5 felony or (ii) upon his child, step-child, grandchild, or step-grandchild less than 15 years of age is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 18.1-213 through 18.1-215; 1960, c. 358; 1973, c. 131; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1979, c. 348; 1981, c. 397; 1986, c. 503; 2000, c. 333; 2001, cc. 776, 840; 2005, cc. 185, 762; 2013, cc. 423, 470; 2014, c. 794.

Any child over the age of thirteen years but under the age of eighteen who, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally exposes his or her sexual or genital parts to any other child under the age of fourteen years who, measured by actual dates of birth, is five or more years the accused's junior, or proposes that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts to such person, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1998, c. 825.

A. Any person 18 years of age or older who, except as provided in § 18.2-370, maintains a custodial or supervisory relationship over a child under the age of 18 and is not legally married to such child and such child is not emancipated who, with lascivious intent, knowingly and intentionally (i) proposes that any such child feel or fondle the sexual or genital parts of such person or that such person feel or handle the sexual or genital parts of the child; or (ii) proposes to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361; or (iii) exposes his or her sexual or genital parts to such child; or (iv) proposes that any such child expose his or her sexual or genital parts to such person; or (v) proposes to the child that the child engage in sexual intercourse, sodomy or fondling of sexual or genital parts with another person; or (vi) sexually abuses the child as defined in subdivision 6 of § 18.2-67.10 is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who is convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this section is guilty of a Class 5 felony, provided that (i) the offenses were not part of a common act, transaction or scheme; (ii) the accused was at liberty as defined in § 53.1-151 between each conviction; and (iii) it is admitted, or found by the jury or judge before whom the person is tried, that the accused was previously convicted of a violation of this section.

1982, c. 521; 1986, c. 503; 1991, c. 517; 2001, c. 840; 2005, c. 185; 2014, c. 794.

A. "Offense prohibiting proximity to children" means a violation or an attempt to commit a violation of (i) subsection A of § 18.2-47, clause (ii) or (iii) of § 18.2-48, subsection B of § 18.2-361, or subsection B of § 18.2-366, where the victim of one of the foregoing offenses was a minor, or (ii) clause (iii) of subsection A of § 18.2-61, § 18.2-63 or 18.2-64.1, subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.1, subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.2, subdivision A 1 or A 4 (a) of § 18.2-67.3, § 18.2-370 or 18.2-370.1, clause (ii) of § 18.2-371, or § 18.2-374.1, 18.2-374.1:1 or 18.2-379. As of July 1, 2006, "offense prohibiting proximity to children" includes a violation of § 18.2-472.1 when the offense requiring registration was one of the foregoing offenses.

B. Every adult who is convicted of an offense prohibiting proximity to children when the offense occurred on or after July 1, 2000, shall as part of his sentence be forever prohibited from loitering within 100 feet of the premises of any place he knows or has reason to know is a primary, secondary or high school. In addition, every adult who is convicted of an offense prohibiting proximity to children when the offense occurred on or after July 1, 2006, shall as part of his sentence be forever prohibited from loitering within 100 feet of the premises of any place he knows or has reason to know is a child day program as defined in § 22.1-289.02.

C. Every adult who is convicted of an offense prohibiting proximity to children, when the offense occurred on or after July 1, 2008, shall as part of his sentence be forever prohibited from going, for the purpose of having any contact whatsoever with children who are not in his custody, within 100 feet of the premises of any place owned or operated by a locality that he knows or should know is a playground, athletic field or facility, or gymnasium.

D. Any person convicted of an offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, similar to any offense set forth in subsection A shall be forever prohibited from loitering within 100 feet of the premises of any place he knows or has reason to know is a primary, secondary, or high school or any place he knows or has reason to know is a child day program as defined in § 22.1-289.02. In addition, he shall be forever prohibited from going, for the purpose of having any contact whatsoever with children who are not in his custody, within 100 feet of the premises of any place owned or operated by a locality that he knows or has reason to know is a playground, athletic field or facility, or gymnasium.

E. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

2000, c. 770; 2006, cc. 857, 914; 2008, c. 579; 2017, c. 507; 2020, cc. 860, 861.

A. Every adult who is convicted of an offense occurring on or after July 1, 2006, where the offender is more than three years older than the victim, of one of the following qualifying offenses: (i) clause (iii) of subsection A of § 18.2-61, (ii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.1, (iii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.2, or (iv) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, shall be forever prohibited from residing within 500 feet of the premises of any place he knows or has reason to know is a child day center as defined in § 22.1-289.02, or a primary, secondary, or high school. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony. The provisions of this section shall only apply if the qualifying offense was done in the commission of, or as a part of the same course of conduct as, or as part of a common scheme or plan as a violation of (a) subsection A of § 18.2-47 or § 18.2-48; (b) § 18.2-89, 18.2-90, or 18.2-91; (c) § 18.2-51.2; or (d) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof.

B. An adult who is convicted of an offense as specified in subsection A and has established a lawful residence shall not be in violation of this section if a child day center or a primary, secondary, or high school is established within 500 feet of his residence subsequent to his conviction.

C. Every adult who is convicted of an offense occurring on or after July 1, 2008, where the offender is more than three years older than the victim, of one of the following qualifying offenses: (i) clause (iii) of subsection A of § 18.2-61, (ii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.1, (iii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.2, or (iv) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, shall be forever prohibited from residing within 500 feet of the boundary line of any place he knows is a public park when such park (a) is owned and operated by a county, city, or town, (b) shares a boundary line with a primary, secondary, or high school, and (c) is regularly used for school activities. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony. The provisions of this section shall only apply if the qualifying offense was done in the commission of, or as a part of the same course of conduct as, or as part of a common scheme or plan as a violation of (1) subsection A of § 18.2-47 or § 18.2-48; (2) § 18.2-89, 18.2-90, or 18.2-91; (3) § 18.2-51.2; or (4) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof.

D. An adult who is convicted of an offense as specified in subsection C and has established a lawful residence shall not be in violation of this section if a public park that (i) is owned and operated by a county, city, or town, (ii) shares a boundary line with a primary, secondary, or high school, and (iii) is regularly used for school activities, is established within 500 feet of his residence subsequent to his conviction.

E. The prohibitions in this section predicated upon an offense similar to any offense set forth in this section under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, shall apply only to residences established on and after July 1, 2017.

2006, cc. 857, 914; 2008, c. 726; 2017, c. 507; 2020, cc. 860, 861.

A. Every adult who has been convicted of an offense occurring on or after July 1, 2006, where the offender is more than three years older than the victim, of one of the following qualifying offenses: (i) clause (iii) of subsection A of § 18.2-61, (ii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.1, (iii) subdivision A 1 of § 18.2-67.2, or (iv) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof, shall be forever prohibited from working or engaging in any volunteer activity on property he knows or has reason to know is a public or private elementary or secondary school or child day center property. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony. The provisions of this section shall only apply if the qualifying offense was done in the commission of, or as a part of the same course of conduct of, or as part of a common scheme or plan as a violation of (a) subsection A of § 18.2-47 or 18.2-48; (b) § 18.2-89, 18.2-90, or 18.2-91; (c) § 18.2-51.2; or (d) any similar offense under the laws of any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or the United States or any political subdivision thereof.

B. An employer of a person who violates this section, or any person who procures volunteer activity by a person who violates this section, and the school or child day center where the violation of this section occurred, are immune from civil liability unless they had actual knowledge that such person had been convicted of an offense listed in subsection A.

2006, cc. 853, 857, 914; 2017, c. 507.

A. Every adult who is convicted of a Tier III offense, as defined in § 9.1-902, shall be prohibited from entering or being present (i) during school hours, and during school-related or school-sponsored activities upon any property he knows or has reason to know is a public or private elementary or secondary school or child day center property; (ii) on any school bus as defined in § 46.2-100; or (iii) upon any property, public or private, during hours when such property is solely being used by a public or private elementary or secondary school for a school-related or school-sponsored activity.

B. The provisions of clauses (i) and (iii) of subsection A shall not apply to such adult if (i) he is a lawfully registered and qualified voter, and is coming upon such property solely for purposes of casting his vote; (ii) he is a student enrolled at the school; or (iii) he has obtained a court order pursuant to subsection C allowing him to enter and be present upon such property, has obtained the permission of the school board or of the owner of the private school or child day center or their designee for entry within all or part of the scope of the lifted ban, and is in compliance with such school board's, school's or center's terms and conditions and those of the court order.

C. Every adult who is prohibited from entering upon school or child day center property pursuant to subsection A may after notice to the attorney for the Commonwealth and either (i) the proprietor of the child day center, (ii) the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the chairman of the school board of the school division in which the school is located, or (iii) the chief administrator of the school if such school is not a public school, petition the circuit court in the county or city where the school or child day center is located for permission to enter such property. The court shall direct that the petitioner shall cause notice of the time and place of the hearing on his petition to be published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper meeting the requirements of § 8.01-324. The newspaper notice shall contain a provision stating that written comments regarding the petition may be submitted to the clerk of court at least five days prior to the hearing. For good cause shown, the court may issue an order permitting the petitioner to enter and be present on such property, subject to whatever restrictions of area, reasons for being present, or time limits the court deems appropriate.

D. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

2007, cc. 284, 370; 2008, c. 781; 2010, c. 402; 2011, cc. 648, 796, 855; 2015, c. 688; 2020, c. 829.

Any person 18 years of age or older who, with lascivious intent, kisses a child under the age of 13 on the mouth while knowingly and intentionally penetrating the mouth of such child with his tongue is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2008, c. 772.

Any person 18 years of age or older, including the parent of any child, who (i) willfully contributes to, encourages, or causes any act, omission, or condition that renders a child delinquent, in need of services, in need of supervision, or abused or neglected as defined in § 16.1-228 or (ii) engages in consensual sexual intercourse or anal intercourse with or performs cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus upon or by a child 15 or older not his spouse, child, or grandchild is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section shall not be construed as repealing, modifying, or in any way affecting §§ 18.2-18, 18.2-19, 18.2-61, 18.2-63, and 18.2-347.

If the prosecution under this section is based solely on the accused parent having left the child at a hospital or emergency medical services agency, it shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution of a parent under this section that such parent safely delivered the child within the first 30 days of the child's life to (a) a hospital that provides 24-hour emergency services, (b) an attended emergency medical services agency that employs emergency medical services personnel, or (c) a newborn safety device located at and operated by such hospital or emergency medical services agency. In order for the affirmative defense to apply, the child shall be delivered in a manner reasonably calculated to ensure the child's safety.

Code 1950, § 18.1-14; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, cc. 397, 568; 1990, c. 797; 1991, c. 295; 1993, c. 411; 2003, cc. 816, 822; 2006, c. 935; 2008, cc. 174, 206; 2014, c. 794; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2022, cc. 80, 81.

A. Any parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18 who by willful act or willful omission or refusal to provide any necessary care for the child's health causes or permits serious injury to the life or health of such child is guilty of a Class 4 felony. For purposes of this subsection, "serious injury" includes but is not limited to (i) disfigurement, (ii) a fracture, (iii) a severe burn or laceration, (iv) mutilation, (v) maiming, (vi) forced ingestion of dangerous substances, and (vii) life-threatening internal injuries. For purposes of this subsection, "willful act or willful omission" includes operating or engaging in the conduct of a child welfare agency as defined in § 63.2-100 or a child day program or family day system as defined in § 22.1-289.02 without first obtaining a license such person knows is required by Subtitle IV (§ 63.2-1700 et seq.) of Title 63.2 or Article 3 (§ 22.1-289.010 et seq.) of Chapter 14.1 of Title 22.1 or after such license has been revoked or has expired and not been renewed.

B. 1. Any parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18 whose willful act or omission in the care of such child was so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

2. If a prosecution under this subsection is based solely on the accused parent having left the child at a hospital or emergency medical services agency, it shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution of a parent under this subsection that such parent safely delivered the child within the first 30 days of the child's life to (i) a hospital that provides 24-hour emergency services, (ii) an attended emergency medical services agency that employs emergency medical services personnel, or (iii) a newborn safety device located at and operated by such hospital or emergency medical services agency. In order for the affirmative defense to apply, the child shall be delivered in a manner reasonably calculated to ensure the child's safety.

C. 1. Any parent, guardian, or other person who is 18 years of age or older and is responsible for the care of a child under the age of 18 whose willful act or omission causes or enables that child to gain possession of a firearm (i) after having received notice of a preliminary determination pursuant to § 22.1-79.4 that the child poses a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or (ii) when such parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of the child knows or reasonably should know that such child has charges pending for or has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent of a violent juvenile felony as defined in § 16.1-228 is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

2. No person shall be subject to arrest or prosecution for a violation of this subsection (i) related to clause (i) of subdivision 1 after such person has received notice that the threat assessment team that made such preliminary determination has concluded that the child does not indicate a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others or that any case or review opened or conducted by that threat assessment team as a result of such preliminary determination has been closed or (ii) related to clause (ii) of subdivision 1 after such person has received notice that any pending charge for a violent juvenile felony has been dismissed or a nolle prosequi has been entered.

3. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution for a violation of this subsection if the parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the care of a child caused or enabled such child to gain possession of a firearm while in a dwelling because of a reasonable belief that he or such child was in imminent danger of bodily injury.

D. Any parent, guardian, or other person having care, custody, or control of a minor child who in good faith is under treatment solely by spiritual means through prayer in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination shall not, for that reason alone, be considered in violation of this section.

1981, c. 568; 1988, c. 228; 1990, c. 638; 1993, c. 628; 2003, cc. 816, 822; 2006, c. 935; 2015, cc. 502, 503; 2016, c. 705; 2022, cc. 80, 81; 2023, c. 128; 2024, cc. 161, 162.

A. No person shall sell to, distribute to, purchase for, or knowingly permit the purchase by any person younger than 21 years of age, knowing or having reason to believe that such person is younger than 21 years of age, any retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking.

No person shall sell retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking from a vending machine.

B. No person shall sell a retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking to any individual who does not demonstrate, by producing a driver's license or similar photo identification issued by a government agency, that the individual is at least 21 years of age.

Before a retail dealer may sell retail tobacco products, other than cigar and pipe tobacco products as defined in § 58.1-1021.01, to any consumer, the person selling, offering for sale, giving, or furnishing the retail tobacco products shall verify that the consumer is of legal age by examining from any person who appears to be under 30 years of age a government-issued photographic identification that establishes that the person is of legal age or, if required pursuant to subdivision C 4 b of § 58.1-1021.04:1 or subdivision B 2 b of § 59.1-293.12, verifying the identification presented using identification fraud detection software, technology, or a scanner that confirms the authenticity of such identification.

This subsection shall not apply to mail order or Internet sales, provided that the person offering the retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking for sale through mail order or the Internet (i) prior to the sale of the retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking verifies that the purchaser is at least 21 years of age through a commercially available database that is regularly used by businesses or governmental entities for the purpose of age and identity verification and (ii) uses a method of mailing, shipping, or delivery that requires the signature of a person at least 21 years of age before the retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking will be released to the purchaser.

C. A violation of subsection A or B by an individual or by a separate retail establishment is punishable by a civil penalty in the amount of $500 for a first violation and a civil penalty in the amount of $2,500 for a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period. If applicable, upon a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period, the Department of Taxation may suspend or revoke any approved license, permit, or registration issued pursuant to subsection C of § 58.1-1021.04:1.

For any violation of this section by an employee of a retail establishment, (i) such penalty shall be assessed against the establishment and (ii) an additional penalty of $100 shall be assessed against the employee.

Any attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city in which an alleged violation occurred may bring an action to recover the civil penalty, which shall be paid into the state treasury. Any law-enforcement officer may issue a summons for a violation of subsection A or B.

D. 1. Cigarettes and hemp products intended for smoking shall be sold only in sealed packages provided by the manufacturer, with the required health warning. The proprietor of every retail establishment that offers for sale any retail tobacco product or hemp product intended for smoking shall post in a conspicuous manner and place a sign or signs indicating that the sale of retail tobacco products or hemp products intended for smoking to any person under 21 years of age is prohibited by law. Any attorney for the county, city, or town in which an alleged violation of this subsection occurred may enforce this subsection by civil action to recover a civil penalty not to exceed $500. The civil penalty shall be paid into the local treasury. No filing fee or other fee or cost shall be charged to the county, city, or town which instituted the action.

2. For the purpose of compliance with regulations of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published at 61 Federal Register 1492, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may promulgate regulations which allow the Department to undertake the activities necessary to comply with such regulations.

3. Any attorney for the county, city, or town in which an alleged violation of this subsection occurred may enforce this subsection by civil action to recover a civil penalty not to exceed $500. The civil penalty shall be paid into the local treasury. No filing fee or other fee or cost shall be charged to the county, city, or town which instituted the action.

E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a private cause of action.

F. Agents of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority designated pursuant to § 4.1-105 may issue a summons for any violation of this section. Additionally, any retailer selling retail tobacco products shall be subject to the enforcement and compliance provisions of Chapter 23.2 (§ 59.1-293.10 et seq.) of Title 59.1.

G. As used in this section:

"Electronic smoking device" means any device that may be used to deliver any aerosolized or vaporized substance to the person inhaling from the device, including an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, vape pen, or e-hookah. "Electronic smoking device" includes any component, part, or accessory of the device, whether or not sold separately, and also includes any substance intended to be aerosolized or vaporized during the use of the device, whether or not the substance contains nicotine. "Electronic smoking device" does not include any (i) battery or battery charger when sold separately or (ii) device used for heated tobacco products. "Electronic smoking device" does not include drugs or devices, as such terms are defined in 21 U.S.C. § 321, or combination products, as such term is used in 21 U.S.C. § 353, if such drugs, devices, or combination products are authorized for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"Hemp product" and "hemp product intended for smoking" mean the same as those terms are defined in § 3.2-4112.

"Retail tobacco product" means (i) any product containing, made of, or derived from tobacco or that contains nicotine that is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, dissolved, inhaled, absorbed, or ingested by other means, including a cigarette, a heated tobacco product, a cigar, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, or snus; (ii) any electronic smoking device and any substances that may be aerosolized or vaporized by such device, whether or not the substance contains nicotine; and (iii) any component, part, or accessory of a product described in clause (i) or (ii), whether or not such component, part, or accessory contains tobacco or nicotine, including filters, rolling papers, blunt or hemp wraps, and pipes. "Retail tobacco product" includes any nicotine vapor product as that term is defined in § 58.1-1021.01. "Retail tobacco product" does not include drugs or devices, as such terms are defined in 21 U.S.C. § 321, or combination products, as such term is used in 21 U.S.C. § 353, if such drugs, devices, or combination products are authorized for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"Wrappings" includes materials made or sold for covering or rolling tobacco or other materials for smoking in a manner similar to a cigarette or cigar.

1986, c. 406; 1991, c. 558; 1993, c. 631; 1994, c. 305; 1995, c. 675; 1996, cc. 509, 517; 1997, cc. 812, 882; 1998, c. 363; 1999, c. 1020; 2000, c. 883; 2003, cc. 114, 615; 2014, cc. 357, 394; 2015, cc. 38, 730, 739, 756; 2019, cc. 90, 102; 2020, cc. 406, 524; 2023, cc. 744, 794; 2024, cc. 796, 821.

No person shall tattoo or perform body piercing for hire or consideration on a person less than eighteen years of age, knowing or having reason to believe such person is less than eighteen years of age except (i) in the presence of the person's parent or guardian, or (ii) when done by or under the supervision of a medical doctor, registered nurse or other medical services personnel licensed pursuant to Title 54.1 in the performance of their duties.

In addition, no person shall tattoo or perform body piercing on any client unless he complies with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for "Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions" and provides the client with the following disclosure:

1. Tattooing and body piercing are invasive procedures in which the skin is penetrated by a foreign object.

2. If proper sterilization and antiseptic procedures are not followed by tattoo artists and body piercers, there is a risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections, including, but not limited to, human immunodeficiency viruses and hepatitis B or C viruses.

3. Tattooing and body piercing may cause allergic reactions in persons sensitive to dyes or the metals used in ornamentation.

4. Tattooing and body piercing may involve discomfort or pain for which appropriate anesthesia cannot be legally made available by the person performing the tattoo or body piercing unless such person holds the appropriate license from a Virginia health regulatory board.

A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

For the purposes of this section:

"Body-piercing" means the act of penetrating the skin to make a hole, mark, or scar, generally permanent in nature. "Body piercing" does not include the use of a mechanized, presterilized ear-piercing system that penetrates the outer perimeter or lobe of the ear or both.

"Tattoo" means to place any design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or any other mark upon or under the skin of any person with ink or any other substance resulting in the permanent coloration of the skin, including permanent make-up or permanent jewelry, by the aid of needles or any other instrument designed to touch or puncture the skin.

1997, c. 586; 2000, c. 842; 2001, c. 270; 2006, c. 692.

A. "Novelty lighter" means a mechanical or electrical device containing a combustible fuel typically used for lighting cigarettes, cigars, or pipes that is (i) designed to resemble a cartoon character, toy, gun, watch, musical instrument, vehicle, animal, food, or beverage, or (ii) a fanciful article that plays musical notes, has flashing lights, or has other entertaining features that are appealing to or intended for use by juveniles. A novelty lighter may operate on any fuel, including butane, isobutene, or liquid fuel.

B. "Novelty lighter" does not include (i) a lighter without fuel and that is incapable of being fueled, (ii) a lighter lacking a device necessary to produce combustion or a flame, (iii) a mechanical or electrical device primarily used to ignite fuel for fireplaces or for charcoal or gas grills, (iv) a lighter manufactured prior to 1980, or (v) a standard disposable lighter that is printed or decorated with logos, labels, decals, or artwork, or heat shrinkable sleeves.

C. Novelty lighters that are available for purchase at a retail establishment shall be located in a place that is not open to the general public.

D. Any individual who sells a novelty lighter to a person he knows or has reason to know is a juvenile is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $100.

E. This section may be enforced by the State Fire Marshal's Office, local fire marshals appointed pursuant to § 27-34.2 or 27-34.2:1, or law-enforcement officers.

2009, c. 668.

The word "obscene" where it appears in this article shall mean that which, considered as a whole, has as its dominant theme or purpose an appeal to the prurient interest in sex, that is, a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, excretory functions or products thereof or sadomasochistic abuse, and which goes substantially beyond customary limits of candor in description or representation of such matters and which, taken as a whole, does not have serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

Code 1950, § 18.1-227; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Obscene items shall include:

(1) Any obscene book;

(2) Any obscene leaflet, pamphlet, magazine, booklet, picture, painting, bumper sticker, drawing, photograph, film, negative, slide, motion picture, videotape recording;

(3) Any obscene figure, object, article, instrument, novelty device, or recording or transcription used or intended to be used in disseminating any obscene song, ballad, words, or sounds; or

(4) Any obscene writing, picture or similar visual representation, or sound recording, stored in an electronic or other medium retrievable in a perceivable form.

Code 1950, § 18.1-229; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1981, c. 293; 1989, c. 546; 2000, c. 1009.

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to:

(1) Prepare any obscene item for the purposes of sale or distribution; or

(2) Print, copy, manufacture, produce, or reproduce any obscene item for purposes of sale or distribution; or

(3) Publish, sell, rent, lend, transport in intrastate commerce, or distribute or exhibit any obscene item, or offer to do any of these things; or

(4) Have in his possession with intent to sell, rent, lend, transport, or distribute any obscene item. Possession in public or in a public place of any obscene item as defined in this article shall be deemed prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.

For the purposes of this section, "distribute" shall mean delivery in person, by mail, messenger or by any other means by which obscene items as defined in this article may pass from one person, firm or corporation to another.

Code 1950, § 18.1-228; 1960, c. 233; 1962, c. 289; 1970, c. 204; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

A. For purposes of this article and Article 4 (§ 18.2-362 et seq.) of this chapter, "child pornography" means sexually explicit visual material that (i) utilizes or has as a subject an identifiable minor or (ii) depicts a minor in a state of nudity or engaged in sexual conduct, as those terms are defined in § 18.2-390, where such depiction is obscene as defined in § 18.2-372. An identifiable minor is a person who was a minor at the time the visual depiction was created, adapted, or modified; or whose image as a minor was used in creating, adapting or modifying the visual depiction; and who is recognizable as an actual person by the person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic, such as a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature; and shall not be construed to require proof of the actual identity of the identifiable minor. For the purposes of clause (ii), the minor depicted does not have to actually exist.

For the purposes of this article and Article 4 (§ 18.2-362 et seq.) of this chapter, the term "sexually explicit visual material" means a picture, photograph, drawing, sculpture, motion picture film, digital image, including such material stored in a computer's temporary Internet cache when three or more images or streaming videos are present, or similar visual representation which depicts sexual bestiality, a lewd exhibition of nudity, as nudity is defined in § 18.2-390, or sexual excitement, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse, as also defined in § 18.2-390, or a book, magazine or pamphlet which contains such a visual representation. An undeveloped photograph or similar visual material may be sexually explicit material notwithstanding that processing or other acts may be required to make its sexually explicit content apparent.

B. A person shall be guilty of production of child pornography who:

1. Accosts, entices or solicits a person less than 18 years of age with intent to induce or force such person to perform in or be a subject of child pornography; or

2. Produces or makes or attempts or prepares to produce or make child pornography; or

3. Who knowingly takes part in or participates in the filming, photographing, or other production of child pornography by any means; or

4. Knowingly finances or attempts or prepares to finance child pornography.

5. [Repealed.]

B1. [Repealed.]

C1. Any person who violates this section, when the subject of the child pornography is a child less than 15 years of age, shall be punished by not less than five years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility. However, if the person is at least seven years older than the subject of the child pornography the person shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section where the person is at least seven years older than the subject shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 15 years nor more than 40 years, 15 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.

C2. Any person who violates this section, when the subject of the child pornography is a person at least 15 but less than 18 years of age, shall be punished by not less than one year nor more than 20 years in a state correctional facility. However, if the person is at least seven years older than the subject of the child pornography the person shall be punished by term of imprisonment of not less than three years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility, three years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this section when he is at least seven years older than the subject shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years nor more than 30 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.

C3. The mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment prescribed for violations of this section shall be served consecutively with any other sentence.

D. For the purposes of this section it may be inferred by text, title or appearance that a person who is depicted as or presents the appearance of being less than 18 years of age in sexually explicit visual material is less than 18 years of age.

E. Venue for a prosecution under this section may lie in the jurisdiction where the unlawful act occurs, where the alleged offender resides, or where any sexually explicit visual material associated with a violation of this section is produced, reproduced, found, stored, or possessed.

1979, c. 348; 1983, c. 524; 1986, c. 585; 1992, c. 234; 1995, c. 839; 2007, cc. 418, 759, 823; 2013, cc. 761, 774; 2015, c. 709; 2020, c. 489; 2024, c. 262.

A. Any person who knowingly possesses child pornography is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of subsection A is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

C. Any person who knowingly (i) reproduces by any means, including by computer, sells, gives away, distributes, electronically transmits, displays, purchases, or possesses with intent to sell, give away, distribute, transmit, or display child pornography or (ii) commands, entreats, or otherwise attempts to persuade another person to send, submit, transfer or provide to him any child pornography in order to gain entry into a group, association, or assembly of persons engaged in trading or sharing child pornography shall be punished by not less than five years nor more than 20 years in a state correctional facility. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation under this subsection shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 20 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. The mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment prescribed for violations of this section shall be served consecutively with any other sentence.

D. Any person who intentionally operates an Internet website for the purpose of facilitating the payment for access to child pornography is guilty of a Class 4 felony.

E. All child pornography shall be subject to lawful seizure and forfeiture pursuant to § 19.2-386.31.

F. For purposes of this section it may be inferred by text, title or appearance that a person who is depicted as or presents the appearance of being less than 18 years of age in sexually explicit visual material is less than 18 years of age.

G. Venue for a prosecution under this section may lie in the jurisdiction where the unlawful act occurs, where the alleged offender resides, or where any child pornography is produced, reproduced, found, stored, received, or possessed in violation of this section.

H. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any such material that is possessed for a bona fide medical, scientific, governmental, law-enforcement, or judicial purpose by a physician, psychologist, scientist, attorney, employee of the Department of Social Services or a local department of social services, employee of a law-enforcement agency, judge, or clerk and such person possesses such material in the course of conducting his professional duties as such.

1992, c. 745; 1993, c. 853; 1994, c. 511; 1999, c. 659; 2003, cc. 935, 938; 2004, c. 995; 2007, cc. 759, 823; 2009, c. 379; 2011, cc. 399, 416; 2012, c. 369; 2013, cc. 761, 774; 2014, c. 291; 2015, c. 428; 2017, c. 96; 2020, c. 489.

Repealed by Acts 2007, cc. 759 and 823, cl. 2.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 995.

A. As used in subsections C, D, and E, "use a communications system" means making personal contact or direct contact through any agent or agency, any print medium, the United States mail, any common carrier or communication common carrier, any electronic communications system, the Internet, or any telecommunications, wire, computer network, or radio communications system.

B. It is unlawful for any person to use a communications system, including but not limited to computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means for the purposes of procuring or promoting the use of a minor for any activity in violation of § 18.2-370 or 18.2-374.1. A violation of this subsection is a Class 6 felony.

C. It is unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to use a communications system, including but not limited to computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent, any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 15 years of age to knowingly and intentionally:

1. Expose his sexual or genital parts to any child to whom he is not legally married or propose that any such child expose his sexual or genital parts to such person;

2. Propose that any such child feel or fondle his own sexual or genital parts or the sexual or genital parts of such person or propose that such person feel or fondle the sexual or genital parts of any such child;

3. Propose to such child the performance of an act of sexual intercourse, anal intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, or anilingus or any act constituting an offense under § 18.2-361; or

4. Entice, allure, persuade, or invite any such child to enter any vehicle, room, house, or other place, for any purposes set forth in the preceding subdivisions.

Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 5 felony. However, if the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age, the person shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than 30 years in a state correctional facility, five years of which shall be mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection when the person is at least seven years older than the child he knows or has reason to believe is less than 15 years of age shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years nor more than 40 years, 10 years of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.

D. Any person who uses a communications system, including but not limited to computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting, with lascivious intent, any child he knows or has reason to believe is at least 15 years of age but younger than 18 years of age to knowingly and intentionally commit any of the activities listed in subsection C if the person is at least seven years older than the child is guilty of a Class 5 felony. Any person who commits a second or subsequent violation of this subsection shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than 20 years, one year of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment.

E. Any person 18 years of age or older who uses a communications system, including but not limited to computers or computer networks or bulletin boards, or any other electronic means, for the purposes of soliciting any person he knows or has reason to believe is a child younger than 18 years of age for (i) any activity in violation of § 18.2-355 or 18.2-361, (ii) any activity in violation of § 18.2-374.1, or (iii) a violation of § 18.2-374.1:1 is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

1992, c. 699; 1999, c. 659; 2003, cc. 935, 938; 2004, cc. 414, 444, 459, 864; 2007, cc. 759, 823; 2013, cc. 423, 470; 2014, c. 794.

A. Any person 18 years of age or older who displays child pornography or a grooming video or materials to a child under 13 years of age with the intent to entice, solicit, or encourage the child to engage in the fondling of the sexual or genital parts of another or the fondling of his sexual or genital parts by another, sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, or object sexual penetration is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

B. "Grooming video or materials" means a cartoon, animation, image, or series of images depicting a child engaged in the fondling of the sexual or genital parts of another or the fondling of his sexual or genital parts by another, masturbation, sexual intercourse, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus, anal intercourse, or object sexual penetration.

2012, c. 624.

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to:

(1) Produce, promote, prepare, present, manage, direct, carry on or participate in, any obscene exhibitions or performances, including the exhibition or performance of any obscene motion picture, play, drama, show, entertainment, exposition, tableau or scene; provided, that no employee of any person or legal entity operating a theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place which presents such obscene exhibition or performance shall be subject to prosecution under this section if the employee is not the manager of the theatre or an officer of such entity, and has no financial interest in such theatre other than receiving salary and wages; or

(2) Own, lease or manage any theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place and lease, let, lend or permit such theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place to be used for the purpose of presenting such obscene exhibition or performance or to fail to post prominently therein the name and address of a person resident in the locality who is the manager of such theatre, garden, building, structure, room or place.

Code 1950, § 18.1-230; 1960, c. 233; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 191; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to prepare, print, publish, or circulate, or cause to be prepared, printed, published or circulated, any notice or advertisement of any obscene item proscribed in § 18.2-373, or of any obscene performance or exhibition proscribed in § 18.2-375, stating or indicating where such obscene item, exhibition, or performance may be purchased, obtained, seen or heard.

Code 1950, § 18.1-231; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Any person who uses a computer in connection with a violation of §§ 18.2-374, 18.2-375, or § 18.2-376 is guilty of a separate and distinct Class 1 misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent such offense within 10 years of a prior such offense is guilty of a Class 6 felony, the penalties to be imposed in addition to any other punishment otherwise prescribed for a violation of any of those sections.

2003, cc. 987, 1016.

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to expose, place, display, post up, exhibit, paint, print, or mark, or cause to be exposed, placed, displayed, posted, exhibited, painted, printed or marked, in or on any building, structure, billboard, wall or fence, or on any street, or in or upon any public place, any placard, poster, banner, bill, writing, or picture which is obscene, or which advertises or promotes any obscene item proscribed in § 18.2-373 or any obscene exhibition or performance proscribed in § 18.2-375, or knowingly to permit the same to be displayed on property belonging to or controlled by him.

Code 1950, § 18.1-232; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, association or corporation, as a condition to any sale, allocation, consignment or delivery for resale of any paper, magazine, book, periodical or publication to require that the purchaser or consignee receive for resale any other article, book, or other publication which is obscene; nor shall any person, firm, association or corporation deny or threaten to deny any franchise or impose or threaten to impose any penalty, financial or otherwise, by reason of the failure or refusal of any person to accept such articles, books, or publications, or by reason of the return thereof.

Code 1950, § 18.1-233; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to hire, employ, use or permit any minor to do or assist in doing any act or thing constituting an offense under this article.

Code 1950, § 18.1-234; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Any person, firm, association or corporation convicted for the first time of an offense under §§ 18.2-374, 18.2-375, 18.2-376, 18.2-377, 18.2-378 or § 18.2-379, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-235.1; 1968, c. 662; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 412; 1985, c. 279.

Any person, firm, association or corporation convicted of a second or other subsequent offense under § 18.2-374, 18.2-375, 18.2-376, 18.2-377, 18.2-378, or 18.2-379 is guilty of a Class 6 felony. However, if the person, firm, association or corporation convicted of such subsequent offense is the owner of the business establishment where each of the offenses occurred, a fine of not more than $10,000 shall be imposed in addition to the penalties otherwise prescribed by this section.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.1; 1960, c. 233; 1968, c. 662; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1983, c. 412; 2015, c. 428.

Every person who knowingly:

(1) Photographs himself or any other person, for purposes of preparing an obscene film, photograph, negative, slide or motion picture for purposes of sale or distribution; or

(2) Models, poses, acts, or otherwise assists in the preparation of any obscene film, photograph, negative, slide or motion picture for purposes of sale or distribution;

shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-235; 1960, c. 233; 1970, c. 204; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to apply to:

(1) The purchase, distribution, exhibition, or loan of any book, magazine, or other printed or manuscript material by any library, school, or institution of higher education, supported by public appropriation;

(2) The purchase, distribution, exhibition, or loan of any work of art by any museum of fine arts, school, or institution of higher education, supported by public appropriation;

(3) The exhibition or performance of any play, drama, tableau, or motion picture by any theatre, museum of fine arts, school, or institution of higher education, supported by public appropriation.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.2; 1960, c. 233; 1966, c. 516; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

A. Whenever he has reasonable cause to believe that any person is engaged in the sale or commercial distribution of any obscene book, any citizen or the attorney for the Commonwealth of any county or city, or city attorney, in which the sale or commercial distribution of such book occurs may institute a proceeding in the circuit court in said city or county for adjudication of the obscenity of the book.

B. The proceeding shall be instituted by filing with the court a petition:

1. Directed against the book by name or description;

2. Alleging the obscene nature of the book; and

3. Listing the names and addresses, if known, of the author, publisher, and all other persons interested in its sale or commercial distribution.

C. Upon the filing of a petition pursuant to this article, the court in term or in vacation shall forthwith examine the book alleged to be obscene. If the court find no probable cause to believe the book obscene, the judge thereof shall dismiss the petition; but if the court find probable cause to believe the book obscene, the judge thereof shall issue an order to show cause why the book should not be adjudicated obscene.

D. The order to show cause shall be:

1. Directed against the book by name or description;

2. Published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the county or city in which the proceeding is filed;

3. If their names and addresses are known, served by registered mail upon the author, publisher, and all other persons interested in the sale or commercial distribution of the book; and

4. Returnable 21 days after its service by registered mail or the commencement of its publication, whichever is later.

E. When an order to show cause is issued pursuant to this article, and upon four days' notice to be given to the persons and in the manner prescribed by the court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order against the sale or distribution of the book alleged to be obscene.

F. On or before the return date specified in the order to show cause, the author, publisher, and any person interested in the sale or commercial distribution of the book may appear and file an answer. The court may by order permit any other person to appear and file an answer amicus curiae.

G. If no one appears and files an answer on or before the return date specified in the order to show cause, the court, upon being satisfied that the book is obscene, shall order the clerk of court to enter judgment that the book is obscene, but the court in its discretion may except from its judgment a restricted category of persons to whom the book is not obscene.

H. If an appearance is entered and an answer filed, the court shall order the proceeding set on the calendar for a prompt hearing. The court shall conduct the hearing in accordance with the rules of civil procedure applicable to the trial of cases by the court without a jury. At the hearing, the court shall receive evidence, including the testimony of experts, if such evidence be offered, pertaining to:

1. The artistic, literary, medical, scientific, cultural and educational values, if any, of the book considered as a whole;

2. The degree of public acceptance of the book, or books of similar character, within the county or city in which the proceeding is brought;

3. The intent of the author and publisher of the book;

4. The reputation of the author and publisher;

5. The advertising, promotion, and other circumstances relating to the sale of the book;

6. The nature of classes of persons, including scholars, scientists, and physicians, for whom the book may not have prurient appeal, and who may be subject to exception pursuant to subsection G.

I. In making a decision on the obscenity of the book, the court shall consider, among other things, the evidence offered pursuant to subsection H, if any, and shall make a written determination upon every such consideration relied upon in the proceeding in his findings of fact and conclusions of law or in a memorandum accompanying them.

J. If he finds the book not obscene, the court shall order the clerk of court to enter judgment accordingly. If he finds the book obscene, the court shall order the clerk of court to enter judgment that the book is obscene, but the court, in its discretion, may except from its judgment a restricted category of persons to whom the book is not obscene.

K. While a temporary restraining order made pursuant to subsection E is in effect, or after the entry of a judgment pursuant to subsection G, or after the entry of judgment pursuant to subsection J, any person who publishes, sells, rents, lends, transports in intrastate commerce, or commercially distributes or exhibits the book, or has the book in his possession with intent to publish, sell, rent, lend, transport in intrastate commerce, or commercially distribute or exhibit the book, is presumed to have knowledge that the book is obscene under §§ 18.2-372 through 18.2-378 of this article.

L. Any party to the proceeding, including the petitioner, may appeal from the judgment of the court to the Court of Appeals, as otherwise provided by law.

M. It is expressly provided that the petition and proceeding authorized under this article, relating to books alleged to be obscene, shall be intended only to establish scienter in cases where the establishment of such scienter is thought to be useful or desirable by the petitioner; and the provisions of § 18.2-384 shall in nowise be construed to be a necessary prerequisite to the filing of criminal charges under this article.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.3; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 489.

The provisions of § 18.2-384 shall apply mutatis mutandis in the case of motion picture film.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.4; 1966, c. 516; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

It shall be unlawful for any person to exhibit any trailer or preview of any motion picture which has a motion picture industry rating which would not permit persons in the audience viewing the feature motion picture to see the complete motion picture from which the trailer or preview is taken. Persons violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 18.1-246.1; 1970, c. 504; 1975, cc. 14, 15.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly and intentionally create any videographic or still image by any means whatsoever of any nonconsenting person if (i) that person is totally nude, clad in undergarments, or in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breast in a restroom, dressing room, locker room, hotel room, motel room, tanning bed, tanning booth, bedroom or other location; or (ii) the videographic or still image is created by placing the lens or image-gathering component of the recording device in a position directly beneath or between a person's legs for the purpose of capturing an image of the person's intimate parts or undergarments covering those intimate parts when the intimate parts or undergarments would not otherwise be visible to the general public; and when the circumstances set forth in clause (i) or (ii) are otherwise such that the person being recorded would have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

B. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever by (i) law-enforcement officers pursuant to a criminal investigation which is otherwise lawful or (ii) correctional officials and local or regional jail officials for security purposes or for investigations of alleged misconduct involving a person committed to the Department of Corrections or to a local or regional jail, or to any sound recording of an oral conversation made as a result of any videotaping or filming pursuant to Chapter 6 (§ 19.2-61 et seq.) of Title 19.2.

C. A violation of subsection A shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

D. A violation of subsection A involving a nonconsenting person under the age of 18 shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony.

E. Where it is alleged in the warrant, information, or indictment on which the person is convicted and found by the court or jury trying the case that the person has previously been convicted within the 10-year period immediately preceding the offense charged of two or more of the offenses specified in this section, each such offense occurring on a different date, and when such offenses were not part of a common act, transaction, or scheme, and such person has been at liberty as defined in § 53.1-151 between each conviction, he shall be guilty of a Class 6 felony.

1994, c. 640; 2004, c. 844; 2005, c. 375; 2008, c. 732; 2014, c. 399.

A. Any person who, with the intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate, maliciously disseminates or sells any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever that depicts another person (i) who is totally nude; (ii) who is in a state of undress so as to expose the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast; or (iii) whose genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or female breast are not exposed but such videographic or still image is obscene as defined in § 18.2-372 where such person knows or has reason to know that he is not licensed or authorized to disseminate or sell such videographic or still image is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For purposes of this subsection, "another person" includes a person whose image was used in creating, adapting, or modifying a videographic or still image with the intent to depict an actual person and who is recognizable as an actual person by the person's face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristic.

B. If a person uses services of an Internet service provider, an electronic mail service provider, or any other information service, system, or access software provider that provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a computer server in committing acts prohibited under this section, such provider shall not be held responsible for violating this section for content provided by another person.

C. Venue for a prosecution under this section may lie in the jurisdiction where the unlawful act occurs or where any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever is produced, reproduced, found, stored, received, or possessed in violation of this section.

D. The provisions of this section shall not preclude prosecution under any other statute.

2014, c. 399; 2019, cc. 490, 515; 2024, c. 697.

Every person who intentionally makes an obscene display or exposure of his person, or the private parts thereof, in any public place, or in any place where others are present, or procures another to so expose himself, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. No person shall be deemed to be in violation of this section for breastfeeding a child in any public place or any place where others are present.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236; 1960, c. 233; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1994, c. 398.

Any person who, while in any public place where others are present, intending that he be seen by others, intentionally and obscenely as defined in § 18.2-372, engages in actual or explicitly simulated acts of masturbation, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2005, c. 422.

If any person is intoxicated in public, whether such intoxication results from alcohol, narcotic drug, or other intoxicant or drug of whatever nature, he is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. In any area in which there is located a court-approved detoxification center, a law-enforcement officer may authorize the transportation, by police or otherwise, of public inebriates to such detoxification center in lieu of arrest; however, no person shall be involuntarily detained in such center.

Code 1950, § 18.1-237; 1960, c. 358; 1964, c. 434; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1979, c. 654; 1982, c. 666; 1983, c. 187; 1990, c. 965; 2020, c. 160.

Repealed by Acts 2004, c. 462.

As used in this article:

(1) "Juvenile" means a person less than 18 years of age.

(2) "Nudity" means a state of undress so as to expose the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a full opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered or uncovered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.

(3) "Sexual conduct" means actual or explicitly simulated acts of masturbation, sexual intercourse, or physical contact in an act of apparent sexual stimulation or gratification with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or, if such be female, breast.

(4) "Sexual excitement" means the condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.

(5) "Sadomasochistic abuse" means actual or explicitly simulated flagellation or torture by or upon a person who is nude or clad in undergarments, a mask or bizarre costume, or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained on the part of one so clothed.

(6) "Harmful to juveniles" means that quality of any description or representation, in whatever form, of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse, when it (a) predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful or morbid interest of juveniles, (b) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable material for juveniles, and (c) is, when taken as a whole, lacking in serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value for juveniles.

(7) "Knowingly" means having general knowledge of, or reason to know, or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry of both (a) the character and content of any material described herein which is reasonably susceptible of examination by the defendant, and (b) the age of the juvenile, provided however, that an honest mistake shall constitute an excuse from liability hereunder if the defendant made a reasonable bona fide attempt to ascertain the true age of such juvenile.

(8) "Video or computer game" means an object or device that stores recorded data or instructions, receives data or instructions generated by a person who uses it, and, by processing the data or instructions, creates an interactive game capable of being played, viewed, or experienced on or through a computer, television gaming system, console, or other technology.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.6; 1970, c. 560; 1975, cc. 14, 15, 492; 1976, c. 504; 2006, c. 463; 2023, c. 811.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, rent or loan to a juvenile, knowing or having reason to know that such person is a juvenile, or to knowingly display for commercial purpose in a manner whereby juveniles may examine and peruse:

1. Any picture, photography, drawing, sculpture, motion picture in any format or medium, video or computer game, electronic file or message containing an image, or similar visual representation or image of a person or portion of the human body which depicts sexually explicit nudity, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to juveniles, or

2. Any book, pamphlet, magazine, printed matter however reproduced, electronic file or message containing words, or sound recording which contains any matter enumerated in subdivision 1 of this subsection, or explicit and detailed verbal descriptions or narrative accounts of sexual excitement, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and which, taken as a whole, is harmful to juveniles.

However, if a person uses services of an Internet service provider or an electronic mail service provider in committing acts prohibited under this subsection, such Internet service provider or electronic mail service provider shall not be held responsible for violating this subsection.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to sell to a juvenile an admission ticket or pass, or knowingly to admit a juvenile to premises whereon there is exhibited a motion picture, show or other presentation which, in whole or in part, depicts sexually explicit nudity, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to juveniles or to exhibit any such motion picture at any such premises which are not designed to prevent viewing from any public way of such motion picture by juveniles not admitted to any such premises.

C. It shall be unlawful for any juvenile falsely to represent to any person mentioned in subsection A or subsection B hereof, or to his agent, that such juvenile is 18 years of age or older, with the intent to procure any material set forth in subsection A, or with the intent to procure such juvenile's admission to any motion picture, show or other presentation, as set forth in subsection B.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person knowingly to make a false representation to any person mentioned in subsection A or subsection B hereof or to his agent, that he is the parent or guardian of any juvenile, or that any juvenile is 18 years of age, with the intent to procure any material set forth in subsection A, or with the intent to procure such juvenile's admission to any motion picture, show or other presentation, as set forth in subsection B.

E. No person shall sell, rent, or loan any item described in subdivision A 1 or A 2 to any individual who does not demonstrate his age in accordance with the provisions of subsection B of § 18.2-371.2.

F. A violation of subsection A, B, C, or D is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A person or separate retail establishment who violates subsection E shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $100 for a first violation, a civil penalty not to exceed $200 for a second violation, and a civil penalty not to exceed $500 for a third or subsequent violation.

Code 1950, § 18.1-236.7; 1970, c. 560; 1972, c. 421; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1976, c. 504; 1985, c. 506; 1987, c. 356; 1999, c. 936; 2000, c. 1009; 2001, c. 451; 2006, c. 463.

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to apply to:

1. The purchase, distribution, exhibition, or loan of any work of art, book, magazine, or other printed or manuscript material by any accredited museum, library, school, or institution of higher education.

2. The exhibition or performance of any play, drama, tableau, or motion picture by any theatre, museum, school, or institution of higher education, either supported by public appropriation or which is an accredited institution supported by private funds.

1977, c. 480.

Repealed by Acts 1984, c. 492.

The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of subsection A of § 3.2-6570 pertaining to cruelty to animals, except as provided for second or subsequent violations in that section.

2. Violation of § 3.2-6508 pertaining to transporting animals under certain conditions.

3. Making a false claim or receiving money on a false claim under § 3.2-6553 pertaining to compensation for livestock and poultry killed by dogs.

4. Violation of § 3.2-6518 pertaining to boarding establishments and groomers as defined in § 3.2-6500.

5. Violation of § 3.2-6504 pertaining to the abandonment of animals.

6. Violation of subdivision B 3 of § 3.2-6587 pertaining to an animal confinement agreement or plan set forth in § 3.2-6562.1.

1984, c. 492; 1992, c. 177; 1993, c. 174; 1996, c. 249; 1999, c. 620; 2018, c. 416; 2020, c. 1183.

The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 3 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of § 3.2-6511 pertaining to the failure of a shopkeeper or pet dealer to provide adequate care to animals.

2. Violation of § 3.2-6509 pertaining to the misrepresentation of an animal's condition by the shopkeeper or pet dealer.

3. Violation of § 3.2-6510 pertaining to the sale of baby fowl.

4. Violation of clause (iv) of subsection A of § 3.2-6570 pertaining to soring horses.

5. Violation of § 3.2-6519 pertaining to notice of consumer remedies required to be supplied by boarding establishments.

1984, c. 492; 1992, c. 177; 1993, c. 174; 1999, c. 620; 2003, c. 787; 2008, cc. 543, 707; 2018, c. 416; 2019, cc. 536, 537.

The following unlawful acts and offenses against animals shall constitute and be punished as a Class 4 misdemeanor:

1. Violation of § 3.2-6566 pertaining to interference of agents charged with preventing cruelty to animals.

2. Violation of § 3.2-6573 pertaining to shooting pigeons.

3. Violation of § 3.2-6554 pertaining to disposing of the body of a dead companion animal.

4. Unless otherwise punishable under subsection B of § 3.2-6587, violation of ordinances passed pursuant to §§ 3.2-6522 and 3.2-6525 pertaining to rabid dogs and preventing the spread of rabies and the running at large of vicious dogs.

5. Violation of an ordinance passed pursuant to § 3.2-6539 requiring dogs to be on a leash.

6. Failure by any person to secure and exhibit the permits required by § 29.1-422 pertaining to field trails, night trails and foxhounds.

7. Diseased dogs. — For the owner of any dog with a contagious or infectious disease, other than rabies, to permit such dog to stray from his premises if such disease is known to the owner.

8. License application. — For any person to make a false statement in order to secure a dog or cat license to which he is not entitled.

9. License tax. — For any dog or cat owner to fail to pay any license tax required by subsection A or C of § 3.2-6530 within one month after the date when it is due. In addition, the court may order confiscation and the proper disposition of the dog or cat.

10. Concealing a dog or cat. — For any person to conceal or harbor any dog or cat on which any required license tax has not been paid.

11. Removing collar and tag. — For any person, except the owner or custodian, to remove a legally acquired license tag from a dog or cat without the permission of the owner or custodian.

12. Violation of § 3.2-6503 pertaining to care of animals by owner.

1984, c. 492; 1993, cc. 174, 817; 2017, cc. 559, 567; 2020, c. 1183.

Any person who intentionally releases an animal, as defined in § 3.2-6500, lawfully confined for scientific, research, commercial, agricultural or educational purposes without the consent of the owner or custodian of the animal and with the intent to impede or obstruct any such lawful purpose shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.

1992, c. 307.