Virginia Law

Article 17. Virginia-Asian Advisory Board.

The Virginia-Asian Advisory Board (the Board) is hereby established as an advisory board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100 in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Board shall be to advise the Governor on ways to improve economic and cultural links between the Commonwealth and Asian nations, with a focus on the areas of commerce and trade, art and education, and general government, and on issues affecting the Asian-American communities in the Commonwealth.

2001, c. 566, § 9-400; 2004, cc. 971, 1005.

The Board shall consist of 26 members to be appointed by the Governor as follows: 21 citizen members who shall represent business, education, the arts, and government, at least 15 of whom shall be of Asian descent; and the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, the Commonwealth, Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, or their designees, to serve as ex officio members of the Board.

Following the initial staggering of terms, citizen members shall serve for terms of four years. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled for the unexpired term. No nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. The Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, the Commonwealth, Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, or their designees, shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office.

The members of the Board shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually.

Members shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses in accordance with § 2.2-2823.

2001, c. 566, § 9-401; 2012, c. 502; 2017, c. 395; 2020, c. 57.

The Board shall:

1. Undertake studies and gather information and data in order to accomplish its purposes as set forth in § 2.2-2448, and to formulate and present its recommendations to the Governor.

2. Apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public, quasi-public or private sources, including any matching funds as may be designated in the Appropriation Act, to enable it to better carry out its purposes.

3. Report annually its findings and recommendations to the Governor. The Board may make interim reports to the Governor as it deems advisable.

4. Account annually on its fiscal activities, including any matching funds received or expended by the Board.

2001, c. 566, § 9-402.

The Office of the Governor shall serve as staff to the Board. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall assist the Board upon request.

2001, c. 566, § 9-403.