Virginia Law

A. There is created a Department of the Treasury ("the Department"), which shall be under the direct control and supervision of the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall be appointed by the Governor to serve at his pleasure or until a successor is appointed and qualified.

B. The State Treasurer shall, under the direction and control of the Governor, exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred or imposed by law upon him and shall perform such other duties as may be required by the Governor.

Code 1950, § 2-149; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-177; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 125; 1976, c. 728; 1984, c. 720; 2000, cc. 25, 275; 2001, c. 844.

A. The State Treasurer shall appoint the administrative assistants, deputies and clerks allowed by law.

B. The State Treasurer shall appoint administrative assistants, who shall have authority to act for and perform the duties of the State Treasurer under his direction, supervision and control, and in the absence of the State Treasurer to perform all the duties of the office. Of such absence, the others shall be informed. When the absence of the State Treasurer is to be for more than five days at a time, notice thereof shall be given to the Governor.

C. In the event the administrative assistant is incapacitated from performing his duties during the absence of the State Treasurer, the Governor shall designate some other administrative assistant n the office to act during the absence of the State Treasurer, and in the event of the removal, resignation or death of the State Treasurer, the administrative assistant shall perform all the duties of the office until the vacancy is filled in the manner prescribed by law.

D. Such officers and their sureties shall be liable for any default or breach of duty of their administrative assistants respectively during their absence.

1950, §§ 2-145, 2-146, 2-147, 2-148; 1966, c. 677, §§ 2.1-173, 2.1-174, 2.1-175, 2.1-176; 2001, c. 844.

Every state department, division, officer, board, commission, institution or other agency owned or controlled by the Commonwealth, whether at the seat of government or not, collecting or receiving public funds, or moneys from any source, belonging to or for the use of the Commonwealth, or for the use of any state agency, shall hereafter pay the same promptly into the state treasury. All fees of office and commissions accruing to the State Treasurer shall be paid into the state treasury.

Any state department, division, officer, board, commission, institution or other agency at the seat of government shall deposit such moneys to the credit of the State Treasurer upon communicating with him and receiving instructions from him as to what state depository may be used for the purpose. In every such case the depositor shall retain a deposit receipt or a deposit certificate form certified by the bank receiving the deposit for every such deposit to the State Treasurer and send to the Comptroller a copy of the deposit receipt, certificate, or other documentation supporting the deposit, as prescribed by the Comptroller.

Any state department, division, officer, board, commission, institution or other agency not at the seat of government, other than county and city treasurers and clerks of courts, depositing such moneys to its or his credit in local banks shall deposit such moneys to the credit of the State Treasurer in a state depository duly designated in accordance with this chapter, and in every such case the depositor shall retain a deposit receipt or a deposit certificate form certified by the bank receiving the deposit for every deposit to the State Treasurer and send to the Comptroller a copy of the deposit receipt, certificate, or other documentation supporting the deposit, as prescribed by the Comptroller. Moneys deposited into such state depositories shall be transferred to a concentration bank as prescribed by the State Treasurer.

Moneys paid into the state treasury that are not now payable into the general fund of the state treasury shall be placed to the credit of the respective accounts that are required by law to be kept on the books of the Comptroller or to the credit of new accounts to be opened on the books of the Comptroller with such agencies so paying such moneys into the state treasury, respectively.

This chapter shall not apply to the endowment funds or gifts to institutions owned or controlled by the Commonwealth, or to the income from such endowment funds or gifts, or to private funds belonging to the students or inmates of state institutions. The cash as well as the notes of student loan funds shall be held by the respective institutions.

Appropriations made by the government of the United States to or for the benefit of any state institution or agency, however, shall be paid into the state treasury and used for the purposes for which such appropriations were made.

Code 1950, §§ 2-150, 14-16; 1964, c. 386, § 14.1-15; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-180; 1988, c. 260; 1992, c. 326; 1998, c. 872; 2001, c. 844.

The State Treasurer may adopt regulations or other directives establishing procedures for depositing moneys in depository banks and for reporting the deposits. The regulations may address, by way of explanation and not limitation: (i) the form of the required reports; (ii) the frequency of reports and deposits; (iii) the disposition of checks; and (iv) the establishment of banking relationships. All agencies and entities depositing moneys to the credit of the Treasurer of Virginia, including judicial and legislative service agencies, clerks of court, local treasurers or other officials performing similar duties, and political subdivisions, shall comply with the State Treasurer's regulations or other directives.

1982, c. 109, § 2.1-180.1; 2001, c. 844.

Any public officer, or any firm or corporation, or any other person having to pay money into the treasury may make payment by delivering to the State Treasurer a check, draft or electronic transfer of funds, drawn or endorsed, payable to the State Treasurer, or his order, or may make payment by delivering to the State Treasurer the proper amount of lawful money. Should any check or draft not be paid on presentation, the amount thereof, with all costs, shall be charged to the person on whose account it was received, and his liability and that of his sureties, except the additional liability for costs, shall be as if he had never offered any such check, draft, or certificate of deposit.

Code 1950, § 2-152; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-182; 2001, c. 844.

A. The State Treasurer shall keep a record of every such check, draft, or electronic transfer of funds, and of all such moneys received by him, and upon receipt shall cause the same to be placed to the credit of the Commonwealth with some state depository. If any check or draft is not paid on presentation, the State Treasurer shall immediately notify the Comptroller, who shall proceed to collect the amount from the person from whom the same was received by the Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall daily transmit to the Comptroller a detailed record of all receipts.

B. The State Treasurer shall not collect any money on a check or draft; but the same shall, in every case, be properly endorsed as required and deposited with some state depository for the credit of the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, §§ 2-153, 2-154; 1966, c. 677, §§ 2.1-183, 2.1-184; 2001, c. 844.

The Governor and State Treasurer, acting jointly may whenever in their opinion there are funds in the state treasury in excess of the amount required to meet the current needs and demands of the Commonwealth, invest the excess funds in securities that are legal investments under the laws of the Commonwealth for public funds. The funds shall be invested in such of said securities as, in their judgment, will be readily convertible into money. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-1821 or any other provision relating to the withdrawal of state moneys in a state depository, withdrawals and transfers of state moneys to be so invested may be made by state depositories pursuant to oral including telephonic or electronic instructions of the State Treasurer or his duly authorized deputies. Written confirmations of the withdrawals and transfers shall be provided by the state depository no later than the close of business on the day following the withdrawal and transfer. Payment of state moneys pursuant to this procedure shall be valid against the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 2-154.1; 1956, c. 184; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-185; 1981, c. 36; 2001, c. 844.

The State Treasurer shall be charged with the custody of all investments and invested funds of the Commonwealth or in possession of the Commonwealth in a fiduciary capacity, and shall keep the accounts of such investments. The State Treasurer shall also be charged with the custody of all bonds and certificates of the state debts, whether unissued or canceled, and with the receipt and delivery of state bonds and certificates for transfer, registration or exchange.

Code 1950, § 2-155; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-186; 2001, c. 844.

The Treasurer may sell, transfer, and convey any notes, bonds, obligations or certificates of stock held in the general fund of the state treasury. The proceeds from any such sale or disposition shall immediately be paid into the general fund. This section shall apply to any present or future holdings.

Code 1950, p. 632, § 2-155.1; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-187; 1970, c. 687; 1989, c. 28; 1991, cc. 349, 366; 2001, c. 844.

The State Treasurer shall keep a list of all warrants drawn upon the state treasury, numbered consecutively.

No information contained in the list of warrants shall be released for any purpose except as a means of establishing the status of a claim previously reported as having been paid when a person legally entitled to the funds presents evidence that a previously submitted claim has not been paid.

Code 1950, § 2-156; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-188; 1993, c. 155; 2001, c. 844.

The State Treasurer shall keep accounts on the books of his office with the different depositories, on which accounts balances shall be struck monthly, showing the amount in bank to the credit of the State Treasurer at the end of each month.

Code 1950, § 2-157; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-189; 2001, c. 844.

The State Treasurer shall report and remit, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 55.1-2517 and 55.1-2524, all checks drawn by him on state depositories that have not been presented for payment within one year from the date of issuance.

Code 1950, § 2-158; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-190; 1983, c. 190; 2001, c. 844.

A. A reproduction of any check or draft or an enlargement of such reproduction drawn by the State Treasurer, when satisfactorily identified, shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding whether the original is in existence. The introduction of a reproduced check or draft or of an enlargement thereof shall not preclude admission of the original. Any such check or draft, reproduction or enlargement purporting to be sealed, sealed and signed, or signed alone by the State Treasurer or on his behalf by his designee, may be considered satisfactorily identified and admitted as evidence, without any proof of the seal or signature, or of the official character of the person whose name is signed to it.

B. The State Treasurer or his designee, when served with any summons, subpoena, subpoena duces tecum or order, directing him to produce any check or draft kept by or in the possession of any agency or institution of the Commonwealth, may comply by certifying a reproduction or enlargement in accordance with subsection A and mailing the reproduction or enlargement in a sealed envelope to the clerk of court. Upon good cause shown, any court may direct the Treasurer or his designee to appear personally, notwithstanding any other provision of this section.

1979, c. 173, § 2.1-190.1; 1994, c. 16; 2001, c. 844.

Moneys to be paid into the state treasury shall be deposited in the banks and savings institutions designated as state depositories by the State Treasurer.

Code 1950, § 2-177; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-209; 1974, c. 517; 1979, c. 215; 1996, c. 77; 2001, c. 844.

The State Treasurer may arrange for and make state deposits in such amounts and for such time as in his judgment the condition of the state treasury permits; however, no state deposit shall be made for a period in excess of five years. The money deposited in a bank or savings institution in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other federal insurance agency shall be fully collateralized by eligible collateral as defined in § 2.2-4401.

Code 1950, § 2-178; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-210; 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 139, 245; 1974, c. 517; 1978, c. 52; 1979, c. 215; 1984, c. 374; 1990, c. 3; 1996, c. 77; 2001, c. 844.

No state funds shall be deposited in any depository unless it is a "qualified public depository" as defined in § 2.2-4401. For purposes of this article, "state funds" means public funds or moneys from any source, belonging to or for the use of the Commonwealth, or for the use of any state department, division, officer, board, commission, institution, or other agency or authority owned or controlled by the Commonwealth. All state funds shall be secured pursuant to the Virginia Security for Public Deposits Act (§ 2.2-4400 et seq.).

Code 1950, § 2-179; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-211; 1996, cc. 364, 390; 2001, c. 844.

All transfers of public moneys from one depository to another for any purpose shall be made by electronic funds transfer at the direction of the State Treasurer or his duly authorized deputies who shall order the transferor bank to make payment to the transferee bank for deposit to the credit of the State Treasurer.

Code 1950, § 2-188; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-219; 1974, c. 232; 2001, c. 844.

The Commonwealth shall not be liable for any loss resulting from lack of diligence on the part of any depository in forwarding, or in failing to collect, any check, draft, or electronic transfer of funds as is referred to in § 2.2-1804, or for the loss of any check, draft, or electronic transfer of funds in transmission through the mails or otherwise.

Code 1950, § 2-189; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-220; 2001, c. 844.

The Commonwealth shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all bonds or other securities deposited with the Commissioner of Highways or the Commonwealth Transportation Board as surety on account of funds deposited in banks by division engineers of the Department of Transportation. If such bonds or securities or any of them are lost, destroyed or misappropriated, the Commonwealth shall make good such loss to the bank making the deposit of its bonds or other securities.

Upon the closing of accounts of district engineers with banks, its bonds and other securities then on deposit shall be returned to the bank.

Code 1950, § 2-192; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-223; 2001, c. 844.

No money shall be paid out of the state treasury except in accordance with appropriations made by law.

No appropriation to any department, institution or other agency of the state government, except the General Assembly and the judiciary, shall become available for expenditure until the agency submits an annual estimate of the amounts required for each activity to the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget and Governor for approval by the Governor.

Code 1950, § 2-200; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-224; 1992, c. 582; 2001, c. 844.

Reserved.

All state moneys in a state depository shall stand on the books of such depository to the credit of the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall have authority to draw any of the money by his check, by electronic funds transfer, or by any means deemed appropriate and sound by the State Treasurer and approved by the Governor, drawn upon a warrant issued by the Comptroller. If any money to his credit shall be knowingly paid otherwise than upon his check, electronic funds transfer or by alternative means specifically approved by the State Treasurer and the Governor, drawn upon such warrant, the payment shall not be valid against the Commonwealth.

Code 1950, § 2-201; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-226; 1974, c. 231; 1984, c. 374; 2001, c. 844.

The Comptroller shall not issue a disbursement warrant unless and until he has audited, through the use of statistical sampling or other acceptable auditing techniques the bill, invoice, account, payroll or other evidence of the claim, demand or charge and satisfied himself as to the regularity, legality and correctness of the expenditure or disbursement, and that the claim, demand or charge has not been previously paid. If he is so satisfied, he shall approve the same; otherwise, he shall withhold his approval. In order that such regularity and legality may appear, the Comptroller may, by general rule or special order, require the certification or other evidence as the circumstances may demand.

Code 1950, § 2-202; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-227; 1972, c. 205; 2001, c. 844.

The Department of Accounts shall procure the services of one or more private contractors, in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.), to conduct systematic recovery audits of state agency contracts. Such recovery audit contracts shall be performance-based and shall contain a provision that authorizes the contractor to be paid a percentage of any payment error that is recovered by such contractor. Individual recovery audits shall consist of the review of contracts to identify payment errors made by state agencies to vendors and other entities resulting from (i) duplicate payments, (ii) invoice errors, (iii) failure to apply applicable discounts, rebates, or other allowances, or (iv) any other errors resulting in inaccurate payments. The Department of Accounts shall report on the status and effectiveness of recovery audits, including any savings realized, to the Chairs of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations by January 1 of each year.

2004, c. 644; 2005, c. 109.

Lump-sum transfers of appropriations to state departments, divisions, offices, boards, commissions, institutions and other agencies owned or controlled by the Commonwealth, whether at the seat of government or not, shall be prohibited except for the payment to or distribution among the political subdivisions of the Commonwealth of any appropriations made to them by law.

Code 1950, § 2-203; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-228; 2001, c. 844.

A reasonable petty cash, payroll or other imprest fund may be allowed each state department, institution, board, commission or other agency. The amount of such fund shall be fixed by the Comptroller in each case, but these funds shall be reimbursed only upon vouchers audited by the Comptroller.

Code 1950, § 2-204; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-229; 1972, c. 240; 2001, c. 844.

After the allowance of any claim that is payable out of the state treasury, under any of the provisions of this title, a warrant shall be issued for the sum to be paid. A register of all warrants so issued shall be kept by the Comptroller, which register and a duplicate register shall, from time to time, be signed by the Comptroller or by such deputy he may designate for that purpose. The Comptroller shall not be required to sign the warrants.

All checks drawn upon warrants shown by the register and duplicate register, signed by the Comptroller or his deputy, shall be signed by the State Treasurer, or by such deputy as he may designate for that purpose. The signature may be made by means of a mechanical or electrical device selected by the State Treasurer. The device shall be safely kept so that no one will have access to it except the State Treasurer and his deputies authorized to sign warrants.

However, when deemed appropriate, the State Treasurer may utilize various electronic payment systems in lieu of issuing checks drawn upon warrants.

Code 1950, § 2-206; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-231; 1984, c. 374; 2001, c. 844.

Upon satisfactory proof presented to the Comptroller or to the State Treasurer that any warrant drawn by either the Comptroller or the State Treasurer, or by a predecessor, upon the state treasury has been lost or destroyed before having been paid, the Comptroller or State Treasurer who issued, or from whose office was issued, the original warrant shall issue a replacement of the original warrant. The Comptroller or the State Treasurer may require a bond to be executed, with such security as is approved by him, payable to the Commonwealth, in the amount of the warrant and conditioned to save harmless the Commonwealth from any loss occasioned by issuing the replacement warrant. Every replacement warrant shall show upon its face that it is a replacement.

In the discretion of the State Treasurer, state warrants in payment and redemption of previously lost or otherwise unpaid warrants may be issued directly to the person entitled to the money as the owner, heir, legatee, or as fiduciary of the estate of the deceased owner, heir, or legatee, and in such cases shall not be issued to a named attorney-in-fact, agent, assignee, or any other person regardless of a written instruction to the contrary. In such circumstances, the State Treasurer may refuse to recognize and is not bound by any terms of a power of attorney or assignment that may be presented as having been executed by a person as the purported owner, heir, legatee or fiduciary of the estate of a deceased owner of such warrants.

Code 1950, § 2-207; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-232; 1982, c. 409; 1993, c. 155; 2001, c. 844.

No bond shall be required where an original warrant was issued to (i) any eleemosynary or educational institution of the Commonwealth for money appropriated to the institution, (ii) the treasurer of any county or city in the Commonwealth for money apportioned to it out of the school fund and to be disbursed by the treasurer in payment of school warrants, or to be issued to any district school board of any county for money to be disbursed by the board in payment and settlement of any claims lawfully contracted in the operation of the public schools in the district, or in the construction of graded school buildings, or (iii) the treasurer of any county or city in the Commonwealth for money apportioned to it from the gas tax, and such warrant has been lost or destroyed without having been paid. The Comptroller or the State Treasurer who issued the original warrant, or from whose office it was issued, or if issued by his predecessor, shall issue a replacement warrant. The replacement warrant shall show on its face that it is a replacement and shall be issued within thirty days from the date of issuing the original warrant, upon satisfactory proof of the loss or destruction of the original warrant.

Code 1950, § 2-208; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-233; 2001, c. 844.

There is established a fund to be known as the Revenue Stabilization Fund (the "Fund") for the stabilization of the expected revenues of the Commonwealth. The Fund shall be available to offset, in part, anticipated shortfalls in revenues when appropriations based on previous forecasts exceed expected revenues in subsequent forecasts.

1992, c. 316, § 2.1-191.1; 2001, c. 844.

A. On or before December 1 of each year, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall report to the General Assembly the certified tax revenues collected in the most recently ended fiscal year. The Auditor shall, at the same time, provide his report on (i) the limitation on the total amount in the Fund; (ii) the amount that could be paid into the Fund; and (iii) the amount necessary for deposit for the next fiscal year into the Fund in order to satisfy the mandatory deposit requirement of Article X, Section 8 of the Constitution of Virginia. The Governor shall include any such amount in his budget bill submitted to the General Assembly pursuant to § 2.2-1509. A schedule of deposits may be provided for in the Appropriation Act.

B. If the report of the Auditor of Public Accounts, pursuant to subsection A, indicates that the annual percentage increase in the certified tax revenues collected in the most recently ended fiscal year is eight percent or greater than the certified tax revenues collected for the immediately preceding fiscal year and that such annual percentage increase in the certified tax revenues for the most recently ended fiscal year is also equal to or greater than 1.5 times the average annual percentage increase in the certified tax revenues collected in the six fiscal years immediately preceding the most recently ended fiscal year, the Governor shall include in his budget recommendations, submitted to the General Assembly in the subsequent session pursuant to § 2.2-1509, an additional amount for deposit to the Fund in excess of any mandatory deposit to the Fund required by Article X, Section 8 of the Constitution of Virginia. Such additional amount shall be equal to at least 25 percent of the product of the certified tax revenues collected in the most recently ended fiscal year multiplied by the difference between the annual percentage increase in the certified tax revenues collected for the most recently ended fiscal year and the average annual percentage increase in the certified tax revenues collected in the six fiscal years immediately preceding the most recently ended fiscal year. Any such additional deposits to the Fund shall be included in the Governor's budget recommendations submitted to the General Assembly in the subsequent session pursuant to § 2.2-1509 only if the estimate of general fund revenues prepared in accordance with § 2.2-1503 for the fiscal year in which the deposit is to be made is at least five percent greater than the actual general fund revenues for the immediately preceding fiscal year.

C. The State Comptroller shall draw such warrants as appropriated and the State Treasurer shall deposit such warrants into the Fund. No amounts shall be withdrawn from the Fund except pursuant to appropriations made by the General Assembly in accordance with § 2.2-1830. However, if any amounts accrue, such as through interest or dividends, to the credit of the Fund in excess of the limitation calculated by the Auditor of Public Accounts as provided in subsection E, any excess shall be paid into the general fund either from the Fund or from the Revenue Reserve Fund created pursuant to § 2.2-1831.2.

D. For the purposes of the Comptroller's preliminary and final annual reports as required by § 2.2-813, all balances remaining in the Fund on June 30 of each fiscal year shall be considered to be a portion of the fund balance of the general fund of the state treasury.

E. At no time shall the combined amount in the Fund and the Revenue Reserve Fund exceed 15 percent of the Commonwealth's average annual tax revenues derived from taxes on income and retail sales as certified by the Auditor of Public Accounts for the three fiscal years immediately preceding.

1992, c. 316, § 2.1-191.2; 1993, c. 26; 2001, c. 844; 2003, cc. 755, 759; 2011, c. 725; 2019, c. 347.

In the event that a revised general fund forecast presented to the General Assembly reflects a decline when compared to total general fund revenues appropriated, and the decrease is more than two percent of certified tax revenues collected in the most recently ended fiscal year, the General Assembly may appropriate an amount for transfer from the Fund to the general fund to stabilize the revenues of the Commonwealth. However, in no event shall the transfer exceed more than one-half of the forecasted shortfall in revenues.

1992, c. 316, § 2.1-191.3; 2001, c. 844.

Any revised general fund revenue forecast presented to the General Assembly for purposes of this article shall consist of the same revenue sources or components as those on which the total general fund revenues appropriated are based.

1992, c. 316, § 2.1-191.4; 2001, c. 844.

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

"Budget Bill" means the Budget Bill submitted pursuant to § 2.2-1509, including any amendments to a general appropriation act pursuant to such section.

"Fund" means the Revenue Reserve Fund.

2018, c. 827.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Revenue Reserve Fund, referred to in this article as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to offset, in whole or in part, certain anticipated shortfalls in revenues when appropriations based on previous forecasts exceed expected revenues in subsequent forecasts as provided in § 2.2-1831.4.

2018, c. 827.

A. On or before November 1 of each year, the Auditor of Public Accounts shall report to the General Assembly the total general fund revenues collected in the most recently ended fiscal year. The Auditor of Public Accounts shall, at the same time, provide his report on the amount that could be paid into the Fund and the amount by which the amount in the Fund is less than the maximum amount permitted.

B. Whenever there is a fiscal year in which general fund revenues do not result in a mandatory deposit to the Revenue Stabilization Fund required by Article X, Section 8 of the Constitution of Virginia, the Comptroller shall, at the end of the fiscal year, commit within his annual report pursuant to § 2.2-813 the amount of the general fund revenue in excess of the official forecast for that prior fiscal year, less any deposit to the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund pursuant to subsection A of § 10.1-2128, for deposit into the Fund. Such amount committed for deposit into the Fund shall not exceed one percent of the total general fund revenues for the prior fiscal year.

C. The Governor shall include in "The Budget Bill" pursuant to § 2.2-1509 recommended appropriations from the general fund or recommended amendments to general fund appropriations in the general appropriation act in effect at that time an amount for deposit into the Fund at least equal to the amounts committed by the Comptroller and confirmed by the Auditor of Public Accounts for such purposes pursuant to the provisions of subsection B. A schedule of deposits may be provided in the appropriation act.

D. The State Comptroller shall draw such warrants as appropriated, and the State Treasurer shall deposit such warrants into the Fund. No withdrawal shall be made from the Fund except in accordance with § 2.2-1831.4.

E. For the purposes of the Comptroller's preliminary and final annual reports as required by § 2.2-813, all balances remaining in the Fund on June 30 of each fiscal year shall be considered to be a portion of the fund balance of the general fund of the state treasury. However, if any amounts accrue, such as through interest or dividends, to the credit of the Fund in excess of the limitation calculated by the Auditor of Public Accounts as provided in subsection F, any excess shall be paid into the general fund either from the Fund or from the Revenue Stabilization Fund created pursuant to § 2.2-1828.

F. At no time shall the combined amount in the Fund and the Revenue Stabilization Fund created pursuant to § 2.2-1828 exceed 15 percent of the Commonwealth's average annual tax revenues derived from taxes on income and retail sales as certified by the Auditor of Public Accounts for the three fiscal years immediately preceding.

2018, c. 827; 2019, c. 347.

In the event that a revised general fund forecast presented to the General Assembly reflects a decline when compared with total general fund revenues appropriated, and the decrease is two percent or less of general fund resources collected in the most recently ended fiscal year, the General Assembly may appropriate an amount for transfer from the Fund, not to exceed 50 percent of the amount in the Fund, to the general fund to stabilize the revenues of the Commonwealth.

When the General Assembly is not in session, after review of the May general fund revenue collections and certification to the General Assembly that actions to curtail spending will not be sufficient to avoid a cash deficit, the Governor may withdraw amounts appropriated to the Fund to avoid such cash deficit.

2018, c. 827.

Any revised general fund revenue forecast presented to the General Assembly for purposes of this article shall consist of the same revenue sources or components as those on which the total general fund revenues appropriated are based.

2018, c. 827.

The Division of Risk Management (the "Division"), formerly within the Department of General Services, is hereby transferred to the Department (the "Department") of the Treasury and shall exercise the powers and duties described in this article.

1980, c. 488, § 2.1-526.1; 1988, c. 848; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.5; 2001, c. 844.

The Division shall establish and maintain a file of state-owned buildings and contents, hereinafter inclusively referred to as buildings or properties, and the actual cash value or replacement cost value if insured or replacement cost basis thereof, and the amount of fire and extended coverage, vandalism and malicious mischief, optional perils or all risk insurance coverage thereon. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall keep the Division informed as to the status of all properties under their control.

1980, c. 488, § 2.1-526.2; 1982, c. 318; 1988, c. 848; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.6; 2001, c. 844.

A. The Division may inspect or administer a program of self-inspection for all state-owned properties and confer with the proper officials or employees of the several agencies of the Commonwealth for the purpose of determining (i) insurance coverages that are necessary with respect to properties under their control and (ii) the manner whereby savings and costs of such insurance may be made. It may seek the assistance of insurance companies and their representatives, and the State Fire Marshal, in devising means by which hazards may be reduced or eliminated. The Division shall have final responsibility with respect to coverage, noncoverage, provisions of policies, quantity and type of fire and extended coverage, vandalism and malicious mischief, and optional perils or all risk insurance coverage. The Governor may exempt any agency, institution of higher education, or part thereof from any part of the risk management and insurance program.

B. The Division may change or discontinue fire and extended coverage, vandalism and malicious mischief, optional perils or all risk insurance coverage carried pursuant to bond indentures and other contractual requirements, provided the change or discontinuance meets with the written approval of the trustee of the bond indenture and those signatory to the contracts.

C. As its programs are implemented, the Division shall assume the sole responsibility, with the approval of the Governor, for purchasing insurance, self-insuring or combining insurance and self-insurance (i) on all properties of the Commonwealth or (ii) for protection of liabilities or other casualties.

1980, c. 488, § 2.1-526.3; 1982, c. 318; 1988, c. 848; 1996, cc. 475, 510; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.7; 2001, c. 844.

A. The State Insurance Reserve Trust Fund (the "Fund") is established and shall consist of the payments required by subsection B. The Fund shall be under the management and control of the Division, and any claims for losses payable out of the Fund shall be at the direction of the Division. The Fund shall be invested as provided in § 2.2-1806 and interest shall be added to the fund as earned.

B. Each agency, department, division, or institution of state government having control over any state structure and contents thereof, or that participates in any program of insurance operated by the Division, shall pay each year into the Fund or any trust fund established pursuant to the provisions of this article amounts necessary to maintain the trusts at levels of funding deemed adequate by the Division. The Division shall set the premium and administrative costs to be paid to it for providing an insurance plan established pursuant to this section. The premiums and administrative costs set by the Division shall be payable in the amounts, at the time and in the manner that the Division in its sole discretion requires. Premiums and administrative costs need not be uniform among participants, but shall be set to best ensure the financial stability of the plan. Whenever any building or structure is under the control of two or more agencies, departments, divisions or institutions of the Commonwealth, the payment required shall be prorated upon the basis of percentage of the area controlled.

C. In the event of loss or damage exceeding $1000 to property on which there is no insurance recovery or limited insurance recovery as a consequence of any action by the Division resulting in noncoverage, reduced insurance, elimination of insured perils or otherwise, the Division shall determine the amount, if any, payable out of the Fund, and such amount, when approved by the Governor, shall be final. The amount payable shall be used for the purpose of restoring the damaged structure or rebuilding it, as the circumstances may require, but in no event shall the amount payable on account of such loss exceed the actual cash value or the replacement cost value of the property in accordance with the basis of insurance, nor shall the amount payable when added to the insurance recovered exceed the actual cash value or the replacement cost value of the property, as recorded in the property and insurance records of the Division.

D. In addition to the amounts payable under subsection C, the costs of operating the Division that are properly allocated to its functions concerning the Fund and other administrative and contractual costs of the Division not otherwise provided for shall be paid out of the Fund, for which purposes such funds are appropriated.

1980, c. 488, § 2.1-526.5; 1982, c. 318; 1988, c. 848; 1996, cc. 475, 510; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.8; 2001, c. 844.

A. Subject to the approval of the Governor, the Division shall establish a risk management plan that may be self-insurance or a combination of self-insurance and purchased insurance to provide coverage on (i) state-owned buildings and (ii) state-owned contents of buildings owned by the Commonwealth or of buildings not owned by the Commonwealth that are occupied in whole or in part by an agency of the Commonwealth.

B. Any insurance plan established pursuant to this section may provide, but not be limited to, physical damage coverage against the perils of (i) fire and lightning; (ii) extended coverage for windstorm, hail, smoke, explosion, other than that caused by steam pressure vessels, riot, riot attending a strike, civil commotion, aircraft and vehicles not owned by the Commonwealth; (iii) vandalism and malicious mischief; (iv) optional perils; and (v) all risk insurance.

C. Any insurance plan established pursuant to this section shall provide for the establishment of a trust fund or contribution to the State Insurance Reserve Trust Fund for the payment of claims covered under such a plan, which are not recoverable from purchased insurance. The funds shall be invested as provided in § 2.2-1806 and interest shall be added to the fund as earned. The trust fund shall also provide for payment of administrative costs, contractual costs and other expenses related to the administration of the plan.

D. The insurance plan for state-owned buildings and state-owned contents of buildings shall be submitted to the Governor for approval prior to implementation.

1980, c. 488, § 2.1-526.7; 1982, c. 318; 1988, c. 848; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.10; 2001, c. 844.

A. Subject to the approval of the Governor, the Division shall establish a risk management plan, which may be purchased insurance, self-insurance or a combination of self-insurance and purchased insurance to provide:

1. Protection against liability imposed by law for damages resulting from any claim:

a. Made against any state department, agency, institution, board, commission, officer, agent, or employee for acts or omissions of any nature while acting in an authorized governmental or proprietary capacity and in the course and scope of employment or authorization;

b. Made against participants, other than professional counsel, in student disciplinary proceedings at public institutions of higher education for nonmalicious acts or omissions of any nature in the course and scope of participation in the proceedings; or

c. Resulting from an authorized indemnification agreement entered into by a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth in accordance with this subsection.

A public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth may execute an indemnification agreement if the Governor (i) considers in advance of execution (a) the institution's analysis of the relevant public benefit and risk of liability, (b) the Division's charge to be assessed against the institution for providing insurance or self-insurance coverage for the claims resulting from the indemnification agreement, and (c) the Office of the Attorney General's comments and (ii) determines that execution is necessary to further the public's best interests.

The indemnification agreement shall limit the institution's total liability to a stated dollar amount and shall notify the contractor that the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth are not pledged or committed to payment of the institution's obligation under the agreement. However, no such institution shall be authorized to enter into an indemnification agreement in accordance with this subsection to indemnify any person or entity against damages arising from a sponsored project conducted by such institution. For the purposes of this section, a "sponsored project" is a research, instruction, or service project conducted at a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth pursuant to a grant, cooperative agreement, or other contract;

2. Protection against tort liability and incidental medical payments arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of buildings, grounds or properties owned or leased by the Commonwealth or used by state employees or other authorized persons in the course of their employment;

3. For the payment of attorney fees and expenses incurred in defending such persons and entities concerning any claim that (i) arises from their governmental employment or authorization, that (ii) arises from their participation in such student disciplinary proceedings, or (iii) is described in any such indemnification agreement, where the Division is informed by the Attorney General's office that it will not provide a defense due to a conflict or other appropriate reason; and

4. For the payment of attorney fees and expenses awarded to any individual or entity against the Commonwealth, or any department, agency, institution, board, commission, officer, agent, or employee of the Commonwealth for acts or omissions of any nature while acting in an authorized governmental or proprietary capacity, or in reliance upon any constitutional provision, or law of the Commonwealth. It is the obligation of the Division to provide for such indemnification regardless of whether there is a request for or an award of damages associated with the award of such fees and expenses.

a. As a condition of coverage for the payment of attorney fees and expenses, the department, agency, institution, board, commission, officer, agent, or employee of the Commonwealth shall (i) promptly notify the Division of the commencement of any claim, suit, action or other proceeding prior to its settlement, (ii) provide the Division with full nonprivileged information on the matter as requested, and (iii) permit the Division to participate in the investigation of such claim, suit, action or other proceeding. Failure to promptly notify the Division or to reasonably cooperate may, at the Division's discretion, result in no payment or a reduced payment being made.

b. The Division shall set the premium and administrative costs to be paid to it for providing payment of attorney fees and expenses awarded pursuant to this section. The premiums and administrative costs set by the Division shall be payable in the amounts, at the time and in the manner that the Division in its sole discretion requires. Premiums and administrative costs shall be set to best ensure the financial stability of the plan.

B. Any risk management plan established pursuant to this section shall provide for the establishment of a trust fund or contribution to the State Insurance Reserve Trust Fund for the payment of claims covered under the plan. The funds shall be invested as provided in § 2.2-1806 and interest shall be added to the fund as earned. The trust fund shall also provide for payment of administrative costs, contractual costs, and other expenses related to the administration of such plan.

C. The risk management plan for public liability shall be submitted to the Governor for approval prior to implementation.

D. The risk management plan established pursuant to this section shall provide protection against professional liability imposed by law as provided in § 24.2-121, resulting from any claim made against a local electoral board, any of its members, any general registrar, or any employee of or paid deputy to a registrar for acts or omissions of any nature while acting in an authorized governmental or proprietary capacity and in the course and scope of employment or authorization, regardless of whether or not the civil action requests monetary damages, subject to the limitations of the risk management plan.

E. The risk management plan established pursuant to this section shall provide protection against any claim made against any soil and water conservation district, director, officer, agent or employee thereof, (i) arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of buildings, grounds or properties owned, leased or maintained by any such district or used by district employees or other authorized persons in the course of their employment or (ii) arising out of acts or omissions of any nature while acting in an authorized governmental or proprietary capacity and in the course and scope of employment or authorization.

F. The risk management plan established pursuant to this section shall provide protection against professional liability imposed by law for damages resulting from any claim made against a local school board selection commission or local school board selection commission members for acts or omissions of any nature while acting in an authorized governmental or proprietary capacity and in the course and scope of authorization, subject to the limitations of the risk management plan.

G. The risk management plan established pursuant to this section shall provide coverage for any matter that involves or could involve an action or proceeding against a judge, the nature of which is designed to determine whether discipline or other sanction of the judge for malfeasance or misfeasance is appropriate or to otherwise determine the fitness of the judge to hold office or to continue his employment. No coverage or indemnification shall be made pursuant to this subsection when the Supreme Court of Virginia finds that the judge should be censured or removed from office pursuant to § 10 of Article VI of the Constitution of Virginia or statutes enacted pursuant thereto.

H. The risk management plan established pursuant to this section shall provide protection against claims made against chaplains by persons incarcerated in a state correctional facility, a juvenile correctional center, or a facility operated pursuant to the Corrections Private Management Act (§ 53.1-261 et seq.) arising out of services provided by the chaplains to such incarcerated persons, regardless of whether such services were provided on a volunteer basis or for compensation. For the purposes of this subsection, chaplains shall include only those persons, who, at the time any claim may arise, were acting pursuant to, and in compliance with, an agreement between the chaplain or an organization to which the chaplain belongs, and the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or an operator of a facility operated pursuant to the Corrections Private Management Act.

1980, c. 488, § 2.1-526.8; 1982, c. 318; 1986, cc. 554, 558; 1988, cc. 763, 780, 848; 1990, c. 484; 1995, c. 794; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.11; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 765; 2003, c. 828; 2005, cc. 492, 548; 2011, c. 359; 2012, c. 366; 2022, c. 140.

A. Subject to the approval of the Governor, the Division shall establish a risk management plan, which may be purchased insurance, self-insurance or a combination of self-insurance and purchased insurance to provide (i) protection for the Commonwealth, its officers and employees and other authorized persons against tort liability and incidental medical payments arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of motor vehicles owned or leased by the Commonwealth or used by state employees or other authorized persons in the course of their employment; and (ii) for payment of attorneys' fees and expenses incurred in defending such persons and entities concerning any claim that arises from their governmental employment or authorization where the Division is informed by the Attorney General's office that it will not provide a defense due to a conflict or other appropriate reason.

B. The risk management plan shall provide for the establishment of a trust fund or a contribution to the State Insurance Reserve Trust Fund for the payment of claims covered under the plan arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of motor vehicles owned or leased by the Commonwealth or used by state employees or other authorized persons in the course of their employment. The funds shall be invested as provided in § 2.2-1806 and interest shall be added to the fund as earned. The plan shall also provide for payment of the expenses related to the administration of a motor vehicle insurance program for the Commonwealth. The risk management plan shall be submitted to the Governor for approval prior to implementation.

C. Any risk management plan for state motor vehicles established pursuant to this section shall provide (i) protection against the uninsured motorist at limits not less than those provided in § 46.2-100, (ii) incidental medical payments of not less than $5,000 per person to state employees and other authorized persons, and (iii) recovery of damages for loss of use of a motor vehicle, as provided in § 8.01-66.

1980, c. 488, § 2.1-526.6; 1982, c. 318; 1988, c. 848; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.9; 2001, c. 844.

A. The Division shall establish one or more risk management plans specifying the terms and conditions for coverage, subject to the approval of the Governor, and which plans may be purchased insurance, self-insurance or a combination of self-insurance and purchased insurance to provide protection against liability imposed by law for damages and against incidental medical payments resulting from any claim made against any county, city or town; authority, board, or commission; sanitation, soil and water, planning or other district; public service corporation owned, operated or controlled by a locality or local government authority; constitutional officer; state court-appointed attorney; any attorney for any claim arising out of the provision of pro bono legal services for custody and visitation to an eligible indigent person under a program approved by the Supreme Court of Virginia or the Virginia State Bar; any receiver for an attorney's practice appointed under § 54.1-3900.01 or 54.1-3936; any attorney authorized by the Virginia State Bar for any claim arising out of the provision of pro bono legal services in a Virginia State Bar approved program; affiliate or foundation of a state department, agency or institution; any clinic that is organized in whole or primarily for the delivery of health care services without charge; volunteer drivers for any nonprofit organization providing transportation for persons who are elderly, disabled, or indigent to medical treatment and services, provided the volunteer driver has successfully completed training approved by the Division; any local chapter or program of the Meals on Wheels Association of America or any area agency on aging, providing meal and nutritional services to persons who are elderly, homebound, or disabled, and volunteer drivers for such entities who have successfully completed training approved by the Division; any individual serving as a guardian or limited guardian as defined in § 64.2-2000 for any individual receiving services from a community services board or behavioral health authority or from a state facility operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; for nontransportation-related state construction contracts less than $500,000, where the bid bond requirements are waived, prospective contractors shall be prequalified for each individual project in accordance with § 2.2-4317; or the officers, agents or employees of any of the foregoing for acts or omissions of any nature while in an authorized governmental or proprietary capacity and in the course and scope of employment or authorization.

For the purposes of this section, "delivery of health care services without charge" shall be deemed to include the delivery of dental, medical or other health services when a reasonable minimum fee is charged to cover administrative costs.

For purposes of this section, a sheriff or deputy sheriff shall be considered to be acting in the scope of employment or authorization when performing any law-enforcement-related services authorized by the sheriff, and coverage for such service by the Division shall not be subject to any prior notification to or authorization by the Division.

B. In any case in which the coverage provided by one or more risk management plans established pursuant to this section applies, no sheriff or deputy shall be liable for any verdict or civil judgment in his individual capacity in excess of the approved maximum coverage amount as established by the Division and set forth in the respective coverage plans, which shall be at least $1.5 million for sheriffs and deputies. If a jury returns an award in excess of $1.5 million, the judge shall reduce the award and enter judgment against the sheriff or deputy for such damages in the amount of $1.5 million, provided that this shall not affect the ability of a court to order a remittitur. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the ability of a plaintiff to pursue the full amount of any judgment against a sheriff or deputy from any available insurance coverage. To the extent that any such award exceeds the coverage available under such risk management plans, the sheriff and any deputy shall be considered immune defendants under subsection F of § 38.2-2206. Automobile insurance carried by a sheriff or deputy in his personal capacity shall not be available to satisfy any verdict or civil judgment under the circumstances in which coverage is provided by one or more risk management plans.

C. Participation in the risk management plan shall be voluntary and shall be approved by the participant's respective governing body or by the State Compensation Board in the case of constitutional officers; by the office of the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court in the case of state court-appointed attorneys, including attorneys appointed to serve as receivers under § 54.1-3900.01 or 54.1-3936, or attorneys under Virginia Supreme Court approved programs; by the Virginia State Bar in the case of attorneys providing pro bono services under Virginia State Bar approved programs; by the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for any individual serving as a guardian or limited guardian for any individual receiving services from a state facility operated by the Department or by the executive director of a community services board or behavioral health authority for any individual serving as a guardian or limited guardian for any individual receiving services from the board or authority; and by the Division. Upon such approval, the Division shall assume sole responsibility for plan management, compliance, or removal. The Virginia Supreme Court shall pay the cost for coverage of eligible persons performing services in approved programs of the Virginia Supreme Court. The Virginia State Bar shall pay the cost for coverage of eligible attorneys providing pro bono services in Virginia State Bar approved programs. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall be responsible for paying the cost of coverage for eligible persons performing services as a guardian or limited guardian for any individual receiving services from a state facility operated by the Department. The applicable community services board or behavioral health authority shall be responsible for paying the cost of coverage for eligible persons performing services as a guardian or limited guardian for individuals receiving services from the board or authority.

D. The Division shall provide for the legal defense of participating entities and shall reserve the right to settle or defend claims presented under the plan. All prejudgment settlements shall be approved in advance by the Division.

E. The risk management plan established pursuant to this section shall provide for the establishment of a trust fund for the payment of claims covered under such plan. The funds shall be invested in the manner provided in § 2.2-1806 and interest shall be added to the fund as earned.

The trust fund shall also provide for payment of legal defense costs, actuarial costs, administrative costs, contractual costs and all other expenses related to the administration of such plan.

F. The Division shall, in its sole discretion, set the premium and administrative cost to be paid to it for providing a risk management plan established pursuant to this section. The premiums and administrative costs set by the Division shall be payable in the amounts at the time and in the manner that the Division in its sole discretion shall require. The premiums and administrative costs need not be uniform among participants, but shall be set so as to best ensure the financial stability of the plan.

G. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, a sheriff's department of any city or county, or a regional jail shall not be precluded from securing excess liability insurance coverage beyond the coverage provided by the Division pursuant to this section.

1986, c. 82, § 2.1-526.8:1; 1988, c. 848; 1995, c. 30; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.12; 2001, c. 844; 2003, cc. 23, 49; 2004, cc. 121, 529; 2005, cc. 184, 212; 2006, c. 713; 2007, c. 773; 2009, cc. 265, 568, 813, 840; 2011, c. 789; 2012, cc. 476, 507; 2013, c. 555; 2014, cc. 35, 708.

Not in effect.

A. Subject to the approval of the Governor, the Division shall establish a program of blanket surety bonding to provide surety for the faithful performance of duty for all state employees required by statute to be bonded, and for other agency employees handling funds or having access to funds whose function, in the opinion of the agency head and the Division, should be bonded.

B. Local employees, including superintendents and jail officers of regional jail facilities as described in § 53.1-110, local constitutional officers, and those employees of the Supreme Court for whom the Commonwealth pays all or part of the costs of surety bonds shall be required to participate in the blanket surety bond program adopted by the Division through the Comptroller and the Compensation Board. The Division shall exclude clerks of the circuit court with respect to the moneys they hold pursuant to § 8.01-582 insofar as coverage is provided under § 2.2-1841 for their faithful performance concerning those moneys. Before implementing the program, the Division shall determine that the program will be of less cost to the Commonwealth than the aggregate of individual bonds costs.

C. The blanket surety bonding plan for state employees shall be submitted to the Governor for approval prior to implementation.

D. Employees or officers of a public service authority created under the Virginia Water and Waste Authorities Act (§ 15.2-5100 et seq.) may participate in the blanket surety bond program adopted by the Division through the Comptroller and the Compensation Board whenever any federal or state agency lends or guarantees funds to a public service authority created under the Virginia Water and Waste Authorities Act where the funds are utilized in the construction or capitalization of projects authorized under the Act, and there is a condition of the loan or guarantee that those employees or officers of the authority who have access to the funds be bonded. Participation by such employees or officers shall be approved by the governing body of the county or city that created the authority or is a member of the authority, with approval of the Division.

1982, c. 318, § 2.1-526.9; 1984, c. 324; 1988, cc. 841, 848; 1993, c. 939; 1995, c. 5; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.13; 2001, c. 844.

The Division shall establish a program of blanket surety bonding to provide surety for the faithful discharge of duty with respect to moneys held pursuant to §§ 8.01-582 and 8.01-600 by all general receivers and clerks. General receivers and clerks shall participate in the program. The Division's cost of obtaining and administering the blanket surety bond shall be paid from those moneys covered by the bond.

1988, c. 841, § 2.1-526.9:1; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.14; 2001, c. 844.

Although the provisions of this article are subject to those of Article 18.1 (§ 8.01-195.1 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, nothing in this article shall be deemed an additional expressed or implied waiver of the Commonwealth's sovereign immunity.

1982, c. 318, § 2.1-526.11; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.15; 2001, c. 844.

The Division may develop and implement risk management and loss prevention programs related to risk management plans established pursuant to the provisions of this article. The Division may confer with the proper officials or employees of all agencies and institutions of the Commonwealth and of participating entities and persons pursuant to § 2.2-1839, for the purpose of determining risk management and loss prevention programs that shall be carried on with respect to properties and governmental operations under their control and may determine the manner in which the programs may be developed, implemented and enforced. The Division may seek the assistance of risk management consulting companies, insurance companies, loss prevention engineering companies, and their representatives, the State Fire Marshal, and the Division of Engineering and Buildings in devising means by which causes of loss may be reduced or eliminated. The Division shall have the final responsibility with respect to implementation or nonimplementation of a plan by an agency or institution of the Commonwealth and by a participating entity or person pursuant to § 2.2-1839. Information contained in investigative reports of any state or local police department, sheriff's office, fire department or fire marshal relevant to risk management plans established pursuant to the provisions of this article shall be made available to the Division upon request. The relevant information requested shall be furnished within a reasonable time, not to exceed thirty days.

1988, c. 848, § 2.1-526.11:1; 1996, cc. 475, 510; 2000, cc. 618, 632, § 2.1-191.16; 2001, c. 844.