Virginia Law

Part D. State Authorities, Boards, Commissions, Councils, Foundations and Other Collegial Bodies..

Chapter 21. General Provisions.

A. Effective July 1, 1986, every collegial body established by law or executive order within the executive branch of state government shall be classified according to its level of authority as follows:

"Advisory" -- A board, commission or council shall be classified as advisory when its purpose is to provide advice and comment to an executive branch agency or office. An advisory board, commission or council serves as a formal liaison between the agency or office and the public to ensure that the agency or office understands public concerns and that the activities of the agency or office are communicated to the public. An advisory board, commission or council does not serve a regulatory or rule-making purpose. It may participate in the development of public policy by providing comment and advice.

"Policy" -- A board, commission or council shall be classified as policy if it is specifically charged by statute to promulgate public policies or regulations. It may also be charged with adjudicating violations of those policies or regulations. Specific functions of the board, commission or council may include, but are not limited to, rate setting, distributing federal funds, and adjudicating regulatory or statutory violations, but each power shall be enumerated by law. Policy boards, commissions or councils are not responsible for supervising agencies or employing personnel. They may review and comment on agency budget requests.

"Supervisory" -- A board, commission, or council shall be classified as supervisory if it is responsible for agency operations including approval of requests for appropriations. A supervisory board, commission, or council appoints the agency director and ensures that the agency director complies with all board and statutory directives. The agency director is subordinate to the board. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Education shall be considered a supervisory board.

B. Each executive branch board, commission or council shall be assigned only one of the above classifications. The classification for boards and councils that are created by law shall be designated by the enabling legislation. The classification for commissions that are created by executive order shall be designated by the executive order.

1985, c. 419, § 9-6.25; 2001, c. 844.

Members of the General Assembly shall be ineligible to serve on boards, commissions, and councils within the executive branch of state government who are responsible for administering programs established by the General Assembly. Such prohibition shall not extend to boards, commissions, and councils engaged solely in policy studies or commemorative activities. If any law directs the appointment of any member of the General Assembly to a board, commission, or council in the executive branch of state government that is responsible for administering programs established by the General Assembly, such portion of such law shall be void, and the Governor shall appoint another person from the Commonwealth at large to fill such a position.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of the Board for Branch Pilots, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 54.1-901; to members of the Board of Trustees of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23.1-3126; to members of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23.1-3121; to members of the Board of Directors of the New College Institute, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23.1-3112; to members of the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 22.1-305.2; to members of the Virginia Interagency Coordinating Council, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-5204; to members of the Board of Veterans Services, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2452; to members appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority pursuant to § 23.1-3117; to members of the Board of Trustees of the Online Virginia Network Authority, who shall be appointed as provided in § 23.1-3136; to members of the Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2423; to members of the Information Technology Advisory Council, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2699.5; to members of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 22.1-346.2; to members of the Virginia Addiction Recovery Council, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2696; to members of the Criminal Justice Services Board, who shall be appointed as provided in § 9.1-108; to members of the State Executive Council for Children's Services, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2648; to members of the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2471; to members of the Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 51.1-1201; to members of the Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-222.3; to members of the Forensic Science Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 9.1-1109; to members of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2735; to members of the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2485; to members of the Henrietta Lacks Commission, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2538; or to members of the Commission to Study Slavery and Subsequent De Jure and De Facto Racial and Economic Discrimination Against African Americans, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2552.

1977, c. 629, § 9-6.23; 1978, c. 834; 1988, cc. 839, 888; 1989, c. 198; 1991, c. 627; 1992, cc. 407, 771; 1993, cc. 248, 726, 751, 752, 757; 1994, cc. 486, 843, 858, 951; 1994, 2nd Sp. Sess., c. 7; 1995, cc. 361, 814, 815; 1996, c. 932; 1997, cc. 360, 361, 813, 817; 1998, cc. 622, 724; 1999, cc. 412, 421, 433, 512, 840, 855; 2001, cc. 577, 844; 2003, cc. 94, 451, 657, 670, 854, 900; 2004, c. 37; 2005, cc. 774, 786, 799, 868, 881, 930; 2006, cc. 707, 808, 842, 860, 901; 2007, c. 915; 2008, cc. 654, 659; 2009, cc. 210, 859; 2010, c. 787; 2011, cc. 521, 548, 780, 858; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2013, cc. 372, 805; 2014, cc. 115, 490, 585, 622, 815; 2015, cc. 366, 369; 2016, cc. 778, 779; 2017, cc. 331, 686; 2018, cc. 477, 705; 2019, c. 771; 2020, c. 1043; 2022, cc. 260, 261; 2023, c. 466.

Positions on boards and commissions designated for "citizen members," "consumer members," and "representatives of the public" are intended to ensure that the composition of a particular board or commission reflects citizen as well as professional interests. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Governor shall, when making an appointment to an executive branch board or commission specifically designated for a "citizen member," "consumer member," or "representative of the public," appoint a person who (i) is not by training or experience a practitioner in the subject area of concern to the board or commission, (ii) is not the spouse, parent, child or sibling of such a practitioner, and (iii) has no direct or indirect financial interest, except as a consumer, in the subject area of concern to the board or commission.

1984, c. 579, § 9-6.24; 2001, c. 844.

Upon request, all agencies and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth shall assist any authority, board, commission, council or other collegial body established in this title in carrying out the respective duties for which each was created.

1968, c. 567, § 9-84.05; 1973, c. 431, § 9-84.9; 1978, c. 103, § 2.1-335.3; 1991, cc. 44, 594, § 9-145.20; 1992, c. 609, § 9-145.34; 1993, c. 162, § 9-145.49; 1995, cc. 638, 815, §§ 2.1-548.42, 9-344; 1996, cc. 97, 589, 599, §§ 2.1-548.52, 9-153; 1999, c. 976, § 9-304.5; 2001, c. 844.

Compensation and expenses to members of state boards, commissions, councils and other similar bodies shall be paid in accordance with Chapter 28 (§ 2.2-2800 et seq.) of this title.

1980, c. 728, § 2.1-20.3; 1981, c. 181; 1998, c. 790; 2001, c. 844.

Whenever any board of visitors to any of the institutions of the Commonwealth deem it necessary or expedient to investigate the management of their institution or the conduct of any of its officers or employees, such board, or a committee of its members selected by the board, shall have such power and authority to send for persons and papers or to order the attendance of witnesses and compel their attendance as is now conferred upon a committee appointed by the General Assembly or either branch thereof by § 30-10. The oath to be taken by any witness examined by such board or committee may be administered by the president or the presiding officer of the board, chairman of its committee, or the clerk or secretary of the board or committee. All expenses incurred in summoning or in the attendance of such witness shall be paid out of the funds of the institution whose boards made or ordered the investigation.

Code 1919, § 1096, § 9-13; 2001, c. 844.

A. The board of directors of the several state hospitals and the governing boards of educational institutions in the Commonwealth shall receive their actual, itemized expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties in attending the meetings of the boards or committees.

B. No officer of any public institution of higher education, school, hospital, or other institution or board maintained in part or in whole by the Commonwealth shall spend or appropriate any money for the purpose of sending any member of the board or officials of such institution or other person to appear before the General Assembly, or any committee thereof, for the purpose of advocating in any way any appropriation for any institution supported in whole or in part by the Commonwealth. However, when any committee of the General Assembly desires information in regard to the needs of any state institution it may by proper resolution so determine, and request that any institution or board thereof send one or more competent persons to give the information desired, and the expense thereof may be paid out of the funds appropriated by the Commonwealth for the support of that institution.

Code 1919, §§ 1097, 1098, §§ 9-14, 9-15; 1998, c. 790; 2001, c. 844.

Chapter 22. Authorities.

Article 1. General Provisions.

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

"Authority" means the respective political subdivisions of the Commonwealth created in this subpart.

"Board" means the respective boards of directors for the authorities created in this subpart.

"Bonds" means any bonds, refunding bonds, notes, debentures, interim certificates, or any bond, grant, revenue anticipation notes or any other evidences of indebtedness or obligation of an authority, whether in temporary or definitive form and whether the interest thereon is exempt from federal income taxation.

"Commonwealth" or "state" means the Commonwealth of Virginia or any of its agencies or departments.

"Federal agency" means the United States; the President of the United States; and any department, corporation, agency, or instrumentality heretofore or hereafter created, designated, or established by the United States.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.27; 1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.55; 2001, c. 844; 2005, c. 839.

Article 2. Commercial Space Flight Authority.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority Act."

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

"Authority" means the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority.

"Board" means the board of directors of the Authority.

"Project" means the construction, improvement, furnishing, maintenance, acquisition or operation of any facility or the provision for or funding of any activity that will further the purposes described in § 2.2-2202.

1995, c. 758, §§ 9-266.1, 9-266.2; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 779, 817.

The General Assembly has determined that there exists in the Commonwealth a need to promote industrial and economic development and scientific and technological research and development through the development and promotion of the commercial and government aerospace industry.

In order to facilitate and coordinate the advancement of these needs, there is hereby created the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, with the powers and duties set forth in this article, as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Authority is constituted as a public instrumentality exercising public functions, and the exercise by the Authority of the powers and duties conferred by this article shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essential government function of the Commonwealth and a public purpose.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.3; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 779, 817; 2017, c. 633.

The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of nine members, two of whom shall be the Secretary of Transportation and the Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation or their respective designees. The remaining seven members shall be appointed by the Governor and shall have experience in at least one of the following fields: (i) the aerospace industry, (ii) the financial industry, (iii) the marketing industry, (iv) scientific and technological research and development; or (v) higher education. Members of the Board appointed by the Governor shall be appointed for terms of four years. All members shall serve until their successors are appointed. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. No member appointed by the Governor shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms; however, a member appointed to fill a vacancy may serve two additional consecutive terms. Members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and shall be confirmed by the General Assembly. Members of the Board shall receive reimbursement for their expenses and shall be compensated at the rate provided in § 2.2-2813 for each day spent on Board business.

The Board shall annually elect one of its members as chairman and another as vice-chairman and may also elect from its membership, or appoint from the Authority's staff, a secretary and a treasurer and prescribe their powers and duties. The chairman or, in his absence, the vice-chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board. In the absence of both the chairman and vice-chairman, the Board shall appoint a chairman pro tempore, who shall preside at such meetings. Five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the Authority's business, and no vacancy in the membership shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the Authority.

The Board may employ an Executive Director of the Authority, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, to direct the day-to-day operations and activities of the Authority and carry out the powers and duties conferred upon him by the Board, including powers and duties involving the exercise of discretion. The Executive Director shall also serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him and such powers and duties as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law. The Executive Director's compensation from the Commonwealth shall be fixed by the Board in accordance with law. Such compensation shall be established at a level that will enable the Authority to attract and retain a capable Executive Director. The Executive Director shall employ or retain such other agents or employees subordinate to the Executive Director as may be necessary to carry out the powers and duties of the Authority.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.4; 1999, cc. 412, 421, 433; 2001, c. 844; 2009, c. 82; 2012, cc. 779, 817; 2017, c. 633.

Repealed by Acts 2017, c. 633, cl. 2.

Every four years the Executive Director shall present to the Board for its consideration and adoption a strategic plan for the Authority for at least the next six years. Such plan shall include the following:

1. An analysis of the current operating performance of the Authority and trends in the aerospace industry;

2. An analysis of the Authority's economic benefit and expected future performance over the term of the plan;

3. An analysis and identification of opportunities to expand the Authority's market share in sectors of the aerospace industry in which the Authority is active;

4. An analysis and identification of opportunities to expand the Authority's operations into other sectors of the aerospace industry and other adjacent industries;

5. An implementation strategy based on the analyses required by subdivisions one through four;

6. A capital plan to support the implementation strategy; and

7. The establishment of performance indicators to be used for the Authority covering the term of the plan.

2012, cc. 779, 817; 2017, c. 633.

A. Employees of the Authority shall be employed on such terms and conditions as established by the Board. The Board shall develop and adopt personnel rules, policies, and procedures to give its employees grievance rights, ensure that employment decisions shall be based upon the merit and fitness of applicants, and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

B. Any employee of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority who is a member of any plan providing health insurance coverage pursuant to Chapter 28 (§ 2.2-2800 et seq.) shall continue to be a member of such health insurance plan under the same terms and conditions. Notwithstanding subsection A of § 2.2-2818, the costs of providing health insurance coverage to such employees who elect to continue to be members of the state employees' health insurance plan shall be paid by the Authority. Alternatively, an employee may elect to become a member of any health insurance plan established by the Authority. The Authority is authorized to (i) establish a health insurance plan for the benefit of its employees and (ii) enter into agreements with the Department of Human Resource Management providing for the coverage of its employees under the state employees' health insurance plan, provided that such agreements require the Authority to pay the costs of providing health insurance coverage under such plan.

C. Any retired employee of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority shall be eligible to receive the health insurance credit set forth in § 51.1-1400, provided the retired employee meets the eligibility criteria set forth in that section.

D. The Authority is hereby authorized to establish one or more retirement plans for the benefit of its employees (the Authority retirement plan). For purposes of such plans, the provisions of § 51.1-126.4 shall apply, mutatis mutandis. Any Authority employee who is a member of the Virginia Retirement System or other retirement plan as authorized by Article 4 (§ 51.1-125 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 51.1 (the statutory optional retirement plan) at the time the Authority retirement plan becomes effective shall continue to be a member of the Virginia Retirement System or the statutory optional retirement plan under the same terms and conditions, unless such employee elects to become a member of the Authority retirement plan. For purposes of this subsection, the "Virginia Retirement System" shall include any hybrid retirement program established under Title 51.1.

The following rules shall apply:

1. The Authority shall collect and pay all employee and employer contributions to the Virginia Retirement System or the statutory optional retirement plan for retirement and group life insurance in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 51.1-124.1 et seq.) of Title 51.1 for any employee who elects to remain a member of the Virginia Retirement System or a statutory optional retirement plan.

2. Employees who elect to become members of the Authority retirement plan shall be given full credit for their creditable service as defined in § 51.1-124.3 and vesting and benefit accrual under the Authority retirement plan. For any such employee, employment with the Authority shall be treated as employment with any nonparticipating employer for purposes of the Virginia Retirement System or any statutory optional retirement plan.

3. For employees who elect to become members of the Authority retirement plan, the Virginia Retirement System or the statutory optional retirement plan, as applicable, shall transfer to the Authority retirement plan assets equal to the actuarially determined present value of the accrued basic benefits for such employees as of the transfer date. For purposes hereof, "basic benefits" means the benefits accrued under the Virginia Retirement System or under the statutory optional retirement plan based on creditable service and average final compensation as defined in § 51.1-124.3. The actuarial present value shall be determined by using the same actuarial factors and assumptions used in determining the funding needs of the Virginia Retirement System or the statutory optional retirement plan so that the transfer of assets to the Authority retirement plan will have no effect on the funded status and financial stability of the Virginia Retirement System or the statutory optional retirement plan. The Authority shall reimburse the Virginia Retirement System for the cost of actuarial services necessary to determine the present value of the accrued basic benefit of employees who transfer to an Authority retirement plan.

4. The Authority may provide that employees of the Authority who are eligible to participate in any deferred compensation plan sponsored by the Authority shall be enrolled automatically in such plan, unless such employee elects, in a manner prescribed by the Board of the Authority, not to participate. The amount of the deferral under the automatic enrollment and the group of employees to which the automatic enrollment shall apply shall be set by the Board, provided, however, that such employees are provided the opportunity to increase or decrease the amount of the deferral in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

E. The Authority is hereby authorized to establish a plan providing short-term disability and long-term disability benefits for its employees.

2012, cc. 779, 817; 2020, c. 1137.

A. The Authority is hereby authorized to establish and maintain a trust or equivalent arrangement for the purpose of accumulating and investing assets to fund postemployment benefits other than pensions, as defined herein. Such trust or equivalent arrangement shall be irrevocable. The assets of such trust or similar arrangement (i) shall be dedicated to providing benefits to retirees and their beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the plan or programs providing postemployment benefits other than pensions and (ii) shall be exempt from taxation and execution, attachment, garnishment, or any other process against the Authority or a retiree or beneficiary. The funds of the trust or similar arrangement shall be deemed separate and independent trust funds, shall be segregated from all other funds of the Authority, and shall be invested and administered solely in the interests of the active or former employees (and their dependents or beneficiaries) entitled to postemployment benefits other than pensions.

B. The Authority may make appropriations to any such trust or equivalent arrangement, and the Authority may require active and former employees covered by a postemployment benefit program to contribute to the trust or equivalent arrangement through payments or deductions from their wages, salaries, or pensions.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to inhibit the Authority's right to revise or discontinue its plans or programs providing such postemployment benefits other than pensions for its active and former officers and employees as it may deem necessary. If all plans or programs providing such postemployment benefits other than pensions for which the trust or equivalent arrangement is established are repealed or terminated by the Authority, then there shall be no continuing responsibility of the Authority to continue to make appropriations to such trust or equivalent arrangement, and the assets of such trust or equivalent arrangement shall be used to provide any benefits continuing to be due to active or former employees (and their dependents or beneficiaries) under such plans or programs. If there are no active or former employees (or dependents or beneficiaries) due a benefit under any plan or program providing such postemployment benefits other than pensions for which the trust or equivalent arrangement was established, then any remaining assets may revert to the Authority.

D. Postemployment benefits other than pensions shall be defined by the Authority pursuant to applicable accounting standards and law. Such benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, hearing, life, or accident insurance (not provided through a pension plan), long-term care benefits, and long-term disability benefits (not covered under a pension plan) provided to individuals who have terminated their service and to the dependents of such individuals, and may be provided by purchasing insurance, by a program of self-insurance, or by a combination of both. However, postemployment benefits other than pensions shall not include defined benefit pension plans for retirees and eligible dependents of retirees, termination benefits, or other pension benefits. Such postemployment benefits other than pensions may be provided to the officers and employees or to their dependents, estates, or designated beneficiaries. Any benefits arising from any postemployment benefits other than pension programs shall be clearly defined and strictly construed.

E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the moneys and other property comprising the trust or equivalent arrangement established hereunder shall be invested, reinvested, and managed by the Authority or the trust company or bank having powers of a trust company within or without the Commonwealth that is selected by the Board to act as a trustee for the trust or equivalent arrangement with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of like character and with the same aims. Such investments shall be diversified so as to minimize the risk of large losses unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so. Such investments shall not be limited by Chapter 45 (§ 2.2-4500 et seq.).

2012, cc. 779, 817.

The Authority is granted all powers necessary or convenient for the carrying out of its statutory purposes, including, but not limited to, the power to:

1. Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, complain and defend in all courts;

2. Adopt, use, and alter at will a common seal;

3. Acquire any project and property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, by purchase, gift or devise and to sell, lease (whether as lessor or lessee), transfer, convey or dispose of any project or property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible or any interest therein, at any time acquired or held by the Authority on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board;

4. Adopt a strategic plan pursuant to § 2.2-2203.2 and plan, develop, undertake, carry out, construct, equip, improve, rehabilitate, repair, furnish, maintain and operate projects pursuant to such plan;

5. Adopt an annual budget for the Authority's capital improvements and operations;

6. Adopt, alter, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which its business shall be transacted and the manner in which the power of the Authority shall be exercised and its duties performed. Such bylaws, rules, and regulations may provide for such committees and their functions as the Authority may deem necessary and expedient. Such bylaws, rules, and regulations shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.);

7. Fix, alter, charge, and collect rates, rentals, fees, and other charges for the use of projects of, the sale of products of, or services rendered by the Authority at rates to be determined by it for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority; the planning, development, construction, improvement, rehabilitation, repair, furnishing, maintenance, and operation of its projects and properties; the payment of the costs accomplishing its purposes set forth in § 2.2-2202; the payment of the principal of and interest on its obligations; and the creation of reserves for such purposes, for other purposes of the Authority and to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing and operating any project and fulfilling the terms and provisions of any agreements made with the purchasers or holders of any such obligations and any other purposes as set forth in this article;

8. Borrow money, make and issue bonds including bonds as the Authority may determine to issue for the purpose of accomplishing the purposes set forth in § 2.2-2202 or for refunding bonds previously issued by the Authority, whether such outstanding bonds have matured or are then subject to redemption, or any combination of such purposes; secure the payment of all bonds, or any part thereof, by pledge, assignment or deed of trust of all or any of its revenues, rentals, and receipts or of any project or property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any rights and interest therein; make such agreements with the purchasers or holders of such bonds or with others in connection with any such bonds, whether issued or to be issued, as the Authority shall deem advisable; and in general to provide for the security for said bonds and the rights of holders thereof. However, the total principal amount of bonds, including refunding bonds, outstanding at any time shall not exceed $50 million, excluding from such limit any revenue bonds. The Authority shall not issue any bonds, other than revenue bonds, that are not specifically authorized by a bill or resolution passed by a majority vote of those elected to each house of the General Assembly;

9. Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, the furtherance of its purposes, and the execution of its powers under this article, including interstate compacts that have been authorized by the General Assembly and where necessary consented to by the United States Congress and agreements with any person or federal agency;

10. Employ, in its discretion, consultants, attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers and such other employees and agents as may be necessary, and to fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the Authority;

11. Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association or person grants, donations of money, real or personal property for the benefit of the Authority, and to receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state, and any municipality, county or other political subdivision thereof and from any other source, aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used and applied for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made;

12. Render advice and assistance, and to provide services, to institutions of higher education and to other persons providing services or facilities for scientific and technological research or graduate education, provided that credit toward a degree, certificate or diploma shall be granted only if such education is provided in conjunction with an institution of higher education authorized to operate in Virginia;

13. Develop, undertake and provide programs, alone or in conjunction with any person or federal agency, for scientific and technological research, technology management, continuing education and in-service training; however, credit towards a degree, certificate or diploma shall be granted only if such education is provided in conjunction with an institution of higher education authorized to operate in Virginia; foster the utilization of scientific and technological research, information discoveries and data and obtain patents, copyrights and trademarks thereon; coordinate the scientific and technological research efforts of public institutions and private industry and collect and maintain data on the development and utilization of scientific and technological research capabilities;

14. Pledge or otherwise encumber all or any of the revenues or receipts of the Authority as security for all or any of the obligations of the Authority; and

15. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted to it by law.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.5; 1996, c. 111; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 779, 817; 2017, c. 633.

The bonds of each issue shall be dated, shall bear interest at such rates as are fixed by the Authority, or as may be determined in such manner as the Authority may provide, including the determination by agents designated by the Authority under guidelines established by the Authority, shall mature at such time not exceeding forty years from their date as may be determined by the Authority, and may be made redeemable before maturity, at the option of the Authority, at such price and under such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the Authority prior to the issuance of the bonds. The Authority shall determine the form of bonds and their manner of execution, and shall fix the denomination of the bonds and the place of payment of principal and interest, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without the Commonwealth. The bonds shall be signed by the chairman or vice-chairman of the Authority or, if so authorized by the Authority, shall bear his facsimile signature, and the official seal of the Authority, or, if so authorized by the Authority, a facsimile thereof shall be impressed or imprinted thereon and attested by the secretary or any assistant secretary of the Authority, or, if so authorized by the Authority, with the facsimile signature of such secretary or assistant secretary. Any coupons attached to bonds issued by the Authority shall bear the signature of the chairman or vice-chairman of the Authority or a facsimile thereof. In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or coupons ceases to be an officer before the delivery of the bonds, his signature or facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if he had remained in office until such delivery and any bonds may bear the facsimile signature of, or may be signed by, such persons as at the actual time of the execution of such bonds shall be the proper officers to sign such bonds although at the date of such bonds such persons may not have been such officers. The bonds may be issued in coupon or in registered form, or both, as the Authority may determine, and provision may be made for the registration of any coupon bonds as to principal alone and also as to both principal and interest, for the reconversion into coupon bonds of any bonds registered as to both principal and interest, and for the interchange of registered and coupon bonds. Bonds issued in registered form may be issued under a system of book-entry for recording the ownership and transfer of ownership of rights to receive payment of principal of, and premium on, if any, and interest on such bonds. The Authority may contract for the services of one or more banks, trust companies, financial institutions or other entities or persons, within or without the Commonwealth for the authentication, registration, transfer, exchange and payment of the bonds, or may provide such services itself. The Authority may sell such bonds in such manner, either at public or private sale, and for such price as it may determine will best effect the purposes of this article.

The proceeds of the bonds of each issue shall be used solely for the purposes, and in furtherance of the powers, of the Authority as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in a trust agreement authorized by § 2.2-2206 securing the bonds.

In addition to the above powers, the Authority may issue interim receipts or temporary bonds as provided in § 15.2-2616 and execute and deliver new bonds in place of bonds mutilated, lost or destroyed, as provided in § 15.2-2621.

No obligation of the Authority shall be deemed to constitute a debt, or pledge of the faith and credit, of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof, but shall be payable solely from the revenues and other funds of the Authority pledged thereto. All such obligations shall contain on the face thereof a statement to the effect that the Commonwealth, any political subdivision thereof and the Authority shall not be obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon except from revenues and other funds of the Authority pledged thereto, and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof is pledged to the payment of the principal of or the interest on such obligations.

All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of the act shall be payable solely from funds provided under the provisions of this act, and no liability shall be incurred by the Authority beyond the extent to which moneys have been provided under the provisions of this article.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.6; 2001, c. 844.

In the discretion of the Authority, any bonds issued under the provisions of this article may be secured by a trust indenture or agreement by and between the Authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the Commonwealth. The trust indenture or agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds may (i) pledge or assign the revenues to be received and provide for the mortgage of any project or property or any part thereof and (ii) contain provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants providing for the repossession and sale by the Authority or any trustees under any trust indenture or agreement of any project, or part thereof, upon any default under the lease or sale of such project, setting forth the duties of the Authority in relation to the acquisition of property and the planning, development, acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, establishment, improvement, extension, enlargement, maintenance, repair, operation and insurance of the project in connection with which the bonds shall have been authorized; the amounts of rates, rents, fees and other charges to be charged; the collection of such rates, rents, fees and other charges; the custody, safeguarding and application of all moneys; and conditions or limitations with respect to the issuance of additional bonds. It shall be lawful for any national bank with its main office in the Commonwealth or any other state or any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth or another state that may act as depository of the proceeds of bonds or of revenues to furnish the indemnifying bonds or to pledge the securities required by the Authority. Any trust indenture or agreement or resolution may set forth the rights of action by bondholders. In addition to the foregoing, any such trust indenture or agreement or resolution may contain such other provisions as the Authority may deem reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders including, without limitation, provisions for the assignment to a corporate trustee or escrow agent of any rights of the Authority in any project owned by, or leases or sales of any projects made by, the Authority. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of the trust indenture or agreement or resolution or other agreements relating to any project, including those to which the Authority may not be a party, may be treated as a part of the cost of the operation of the project or projects.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.7; 2001, c. 844.

All moneys received pursuant to the authority of this article, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this article. The resolution authorizing the bonds of any issue or the trust indenture or agreement or resolution securing such bonds shall provide that any officer with whom, or any bank or trust company with which, such moneys shall be deposited shall act as a trustee of such moneys and shall hold and apply the same for the purposes hereof, subject to the regulations as this article and the trust indenture or agreement or resolution may provide.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.8; 2001, c. 844.

Any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this article or any of the coupons appertaining thereto, and the trustee under any trust indenture or agreement or resolution, except to the extent the rights given may be restricted by the trust indenture or agreement or resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, may either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus or other proceeding, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the Commonwealth or granted hereunder or under the trust indenture or agreement or resolution, and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this article or by the trust indenture or agreement or resolution to be performed by the Authority or by any officer thereof, including the fixing, charging, and collecting of rates, rentals, fees, and other charges.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.9; 2001, c. 844.

Bonds issued by the Authority under the provisions of this article are made securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions, all insurance companies, trust companies, banking associations, investment companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. Such bonds shall be securities that may properly and legally be deposited with and received by any state or municipal officer or any agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations of the Commonwealth is now or may hereafter be authorized by law.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.10; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may provide for the issuance of refunding bonds of the Authority for the purpose of refunding any bonds then outstanding that have been issued under the provisions of this article, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of bonds. The issuance of the bonds, the maturities and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the rights, duties and obligations of the Authority in respect of the same shall be governed by the provisions of this article insofar as they may be applicable.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.11; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may accept, receive, receipt for, disburse, and expend federal and state moneys and other moneys, public or private, made available by grant or loan or both or otherwise, to accomplish, in whole or in part, any of the purposes of this article. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law; and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.12; 2001, c. 844.

All moneys of the Authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the Authority. Such moneys shall be deposited in the first instance by the treasurer in one or more banks or trust companies, in one or more special accounts. All banks and trust companies are authorized to give such security for such deposits, if required by the Authority. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on the warrant or other order of such persons as the Authority may authorize to execute such warrants or orders.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.16; 2001, c. 844.

The accounts and records of the Authority showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived, shall be in a form prescribed by governmental generally accepted accounting standards. Such accounts shall correspond as nearly as possible to the accounts and records for such matters maintained by enterprises.

The accounts of the Authority shall be audited annually by a certified public accounting firm selected by the Auditor of Public Accounts with the assistance of the Authority through a process of competitive negotiation. The cost of such audit and review shall be borne by the Authority.

The Authority shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year. Such report shall contain the audited annual financial statements of the Authority for the year ending the preceding June 30.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.17; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 650; 2012, cc. 779, 817.

The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, and as the operation and maintenance of the projects by the Authority and the undertaking of activities in the furtherance of the purposes of the Authority constitutes the performance of the essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article or upon the income therefrom, including sales and use taxes on the tangible personal property used in the operations of the Authority. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of the facility businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.

Any bonds or refunding bonds issued under the provisions of this article and any transfer of such bonds shall at all times be free from state and local taxation. The interest on the bonds and any refunding bonds or bond anticipation notes shall at all times be exempt from taxation by the Commonwealth and by any of its political subdivisions.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.18; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority shall have the power to perform any act or carry out any function not inconsistent with state law, whether or not included in the provisions of this article, which may be, or may tend to be, useful in carrying out the provisions of this article. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any of its powers provided that the Board adopt procedures to ensure fairness and competitiveness in the procurement of goods and services and the administration of its capital outlay plan. The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any of its powers. The Authority shall be exempt from the provisions of §§ 2.2-1124, 2.2-1131.1, 2.2-1136, 2.2-1149, 2.2-1153, 2.2-1154, and 2.2-1156, provided that (i) the Authority adopts and the Board approves regulations governing the acquisition, lease, or sale of surplus and real property consistent with the provisions of the above-referenced sections and (ii) any acquisition, lease, or sale of real property valued in excess of $20 million shall be approved by the Governor.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.15; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 779, 817.

Any government may make appropriations for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance or operation of any project acquired, constructed, improved, maintained or operated by the Authority.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.13; 2001, c. 844.

Any city or county within the Commonwealth in order to provide for the construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair or management of any project, or in order to accomplish any of the purposes of this article may, with or without consideration or for a nominal consideration, lease, sell, convey or otherwise transfer to the Authority any real, personal or mixed property located within such city or county.

1995, c. 758, § 9-266.14; 2001, c. 844.

Article 3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Authority.

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1164 and 1169, cl. 2.

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1164 and 1169, cls. 2 and 8, effective January 1, 2021.

Repealed by Acts 2020, cc. 1164 and 1169, cl. 2.

Repealed by Acts 2017, cc. 796 and 816, cl. 2, effective January 1, 2018.

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 1169, cl. 2.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 816 and 874, cl. 5, effective April 6, 2011.

Article 4. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Virginia Economic Development Partnership Act."

B. The General Assembly has determined that there exists in the Commonwealth a need to encourage, stimulate and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth through economic development.

C. To achieve the objective of subsection B, there is created a political subdivision of the Commonwealth to be known as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority. The Authority's exercise of powers and duties conferred by this article shall be deemed the performance of an essential governmental function and matters of public necessity for which public moneys may be spent and private property acquired.

1995, c. 638, §§ 2.1-548.26, 2.1-548.28; 2001, c. 844.

Repealed by Acts 2017, cc. 804 and 824, cl. 2, effective April 5, 2017.

A. The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors (the Board) consisting of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, the Chairman of the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board, the Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, and the Staff Directors of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, serving as ex officio, voting members, and 11 voting members to be appointed as follows:

1. Seven nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor; and

2. Four nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Joint Rules Committee.

B. 1. Each of the nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor and the Joint Rules Committee shall possess expertise in at least one of the following areas: marketing; international commerce; finance or grant administration; state, regional, or local economic development; measuring the effectiveness of incentive programs; law; information technology; transportation; workforce development; manufacturing; biotechnology; cybersecurity; defense; energy; or any other industry identified in the comprehensive economic development policy developed pursuant to § 2.2-205.

2. Each of the nine regions defined by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board pursuant to subdivision A 1 of § 2.2-2486 shall be represented by at least one member of the Board. In determining such geographical representation, ex officio members of the Board may be considered to represent the region in which they serve in their official capacity.

C. After the initial staggering of terms, members shall serve terms of four years, except that ex officio members of the Board shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two terms; however, after the expiration of the term of a member appointed to serve three years or less, two additional terms may be served if appointed thereto. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may be appointed to serve two additional terms. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

D. Members of the Board shall receive such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Authority.

E. The Board shall be deemed a supervisory board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100.

F. The Board shall elect a chairman from the nonlegislative citizen members of the Board, and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall serve as vice-chairman. The Board shall also elect a secretary and a treasurer, who need not be members of the Board, and may also elect other subordinate officers, who need not be members of the Board. The Chairman and the Vice-chairman, with approval by the Board, shall create an executive committee of the Board. The Board may also form advisory committees, which may include representatives who are not members of the Board, to undertake more extensive study and discussion of the issues before the Board.

G. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the Authority's business, and no vacancy in the membership shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise the rights and perform all duties of the Authority. The meetings of the Board shall be held at least quarterly or at the call of the chairman.

H. The Board shall appoint the chief executive officer of the Authority, who shall not be a member of the Board, whose title shall be President and Chief Executive Officer and may be referred to as the President or as the Chief Executive Officer and who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and carry out such powers and duties conferred upon him by the Board.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829.

The Chief Executive Officer shall employ or retain such agents or employees subordinate to the Chief Executive Officer as may be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Authority conferred upon the Chief Executive Officer, subject to the Board's approval. Employees of the Authority shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and participation in all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law. The Chief Executive Officer shall also exercise such of the powers and duties relating to the direction of the Commonwealth's economic development efforts conferred upon the Authority as may be delegated to him by the Board, including powers and duties involving the exercise of discretion. The Chief Executive Officer shall also exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him or as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.32; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 1998, c. 359; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 869.

A. The Board shall appoint an internal auditor, who shall not be a member of the Board and who shall report directly to the Board. The internal auditor shall have the following duties:

1. Perform periodic audits, as deemed advisable by the internal auditor, on any operations, accounts, and transactions of the Authority, including the Division of Incentives, and report its findings to the Board; and

2. Develop and implement an annual work plan that identifies anticipated auditing activities for the fiscal year. Prior to implementation, the work plan shall be presented by the auditor to the Board for approval by the executive committee of the Board at the last meeting of the executive committee in the fiscal year immediately preceding the year in which the annual work plan would become effective.

B. After review by the Board, a copy of the audit reports required by subsection A shall be submitted to the special subcommittee for economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

2017, cc. 804, 824.

The Authority is granted all powers necessary or convenient for the carrying out of its statutory purposes, including, but not limited to, the power to:

1. Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, complain and defend in all courts;

2. Adopt, use, and alter at will a common seal;

3. Acquire, purchase, hold, use, lease or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the Authority, and to lease as lessee, any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board and to lease as lessor to any person, any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority, whether wholly or partially completed, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board and to sell, transfer or convey any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired or held by the Authority on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board, provided that the terms of any conveyance or lease of real property shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Governor;

4. Fix, alter, charge and collect rates, rentals, fees, and other charges for the use of property of, the sale of products of, or services rendered by the Authority at rates to be determined by it for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority;

5. Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, the furtherance of its purposes, and the execution of its powers under this article, including agreements with any person or federal agency;

6. Employ, at its discretion, consultants, researchers, attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and agents as may be necessary, and to fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the Authority. The Authority may hire employees within and without the Commonwealth and the United States without regard to whether such employees are citizens of the Commonwealth. Legal services for the Authority shall be provided by the Attorney General in accordance with Chapter 5 (§ 2.2-500 et seq.);

7. Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association or person, grants or other aid to be expended in accomplishing the objectives of the Authority, and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state, and any municipality, county or other political subdivision thereof or from any other source, aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law; and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth;

8. Render advice and assistance and to provide services to state agencies, local and regional economic development entities, private firms, and other persons providing services or facilities for economic development in Virginia;

9. Develop, undertake, and provide programs, alone or in conjunction with any person, for economic research, industrial development research, and all other research that might lead to improvements in economic development in Virginia;

10. Adopt, alter, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which its business shall be transacted and the manner in which the powers of the Authority shall be exercised and its duties performed;

11. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted to it by law, and perform any act or carry out any function not inconsistent with state law that may be useful in carrying out the provisions of this article; and

12. Administer any program established under the Virginia Jobs Investment Program described in § 2.2-2240.3.

1995, c. 638, §§ 2.1-548.33, 2.1-548.34, 2.1-548.35; 2001, c. 844; 2014, cc. 41, 464; 2016, c. 32.

A. The Board and the Chief Executive Officer shall develop and update biennially, prior to the start of each of the Commonwealth's biennial budget periods, a strategic plan for specific economic development activities for the Commonwealth as a whole. The strategic plan shall be responsive to the comprehensive economic development policy developed pursuant to § 2.2-205. The strategic plan of the Authority shall, at a minimum, include:

1. The identification of specific goals and objectives for the Authority and the development of quantifiable metrics and performance measures for attaining each such goal and objective;

2. A systematic assessment of how the Authority can best add value in carrying out each of its statutory powers and duties; and

3. Such other information deemed appropriate by the Board to ensure that the Authority fully executes its powers and duties.

B. The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on its strategic plan, any modifications to the strategic plan, and its progress toward meeting the goals and objectives as stated in the strategic plan. The report shall be submitted to the Governor, the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget, the special subcommittee on economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

C. The Board shall include in its strategic planning process the participation of key economic development partners, including state, regional, and local economic development agencies and organizations, rural stakeholders, and international trade organizations.

D. In addition, the Board and the Chief Executive Officer shall develop and update annually prior to the start of the fiscal year:

1. A marketing plan for the Commonwealth as a whole. The marketing plan of the Authority shall, at a minimum, include:

a. Identification of the Authority's specific and measurable marketing goals and the timetable to achieve such goals;

b. Identification of specific marketing activities, including efforts intended to secure economic development opportunities in proximity to high unemployment areas;

c. The resources and staff allocated to such marketing activities; and

d. The development of quantifiable metrics and performance measures for attaining each such goal.

The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on its marketing plan, any modifications to the marketing plan, and its progress toward meeting the goals and objectives as stated in the marketing plan. The report shall be submitted to the Governor, the special subcommittee on economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations; and

2. An operational plan for carrying out the powers and duties of the Authority. The operational plan of the Authority shall, at a minimum, include:

a. A process to evaluate the Authority's effectiveness in exercising the powers and duties conferred by this article, including the Authority's ability to work with other state, regional, and local economic development organizations and international trade organizations; and

b. A strategy for coordinating with state agencies that administer economic development incentive programs and relevant executive branch committees, councils, authorities, and commissions to maximize the effectiveness of state economic development programs and activities.

The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on its operational plan, any modifications to the operational plan, and its progress toward meeting the goals and objectives as stated in the operational plan. Such report shall contain the audited financial statements of the Authority for the year ending the previous June 30 and shall be submitted to the Governor, the special subcommittee on economic development of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2020, c. 591.

The Attorney General or his designee assigned as counsel to the Board shall provide instruction to the Board on its responsibilities and obligations as a supervisory board within 30 days after the initial appointment of members of the Board. Thereafter, such counsel shall provide such instruction biennially.

2017, cc. 804, 824.

A. Within the Authority shall be created a Division of Incentives that shall be responsible for reviewing, vetting, tracking, and coordinating economic development incentives administered by or through the Authority and for aligning those incentives with economic development incentives offered by other entities in the Commonwealth.

B. No project that includes an offer of economic development incentives by the Commonwealth, including grants or loans from the Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund, shall be approved by the Governor until (i) the Division of Incentives has undertaken appropriate due diligence regarding the proposed project and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade has certified that the proposed incentives to be offered are appropriate based on the investment and job creation anticipated to be generated by the project and (ii) when required by § 30-310, the MEI Project Approval Commission has reviewed the proposed incentives.

C. Any contract or memorandum of understanding for the award of economic development incentives by the Commonwealth shall set forth the investment and job creation requirements for the payment of the incentive and shall include a stipulation that the business beneficiary of the incentives shall be liable for the repayment of all or a portion of the incentives to the Commonwealth if the business beneficiary fails to make the required investments or create the required number of jobs. For purposes of this section, an incentive awarded by the Commonwealth shall include an incentive awarded from a fund operated by the Commonwealth, including the Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund. If it is determined that a business beneficiary is liable for the repayment of all or a portion of an economic development incentive awarded by the Commonwealth, the Board may refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General pursuant to § 2.2-518. Prior to the referral to the Office of the Attorney General, the Board shall direct any political subdivision that is a party to the relevant contract or memorandum of understanding to assign its rights to the Commonwealth arising under such contract or memorandum of understanding in which the business beneficiary is liable to repay all or a portion of an economic development incentive awarded by the Commonwealth. In any such matter referred to the Office of the Attorney General, a business beneficiary liable to repay all or a portion of an economic development incentive awarded by the Commonwealth shall also be liable to pay interest, administrative charges, attorney fees, and other applicable fees.

D. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, approval of the Board shall be required to grant an extension for an approved project to meet the investment and job creation requirements set forth in the contract or memorandum of understanding. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, approval of both the Board and the MEI Project Approval Commission shall be required to grant any additional extensions.

E. The Division of Incentives shall provide semiannual updates to the Board of the status and progress of investment and job creation requirements for all projects for which economic development incentives have been awarded, until such time as the investment and job creation requirements are met or the incentives are repaid to the Commonwealth. Updates shall be provided more frequently upon the request of the Board, or if deemed necessary by the Division of Incentives.

F. The Board shall establish a subcommittee, consisting of ex officio members of the Board authorized pursuant to §§ 2.2-2040 and 60.2-114 and federal law to receive and review employment information received from the Virginia Employment Commission and the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, in order to assist the Division of Incentives with the verification of employment and wage claims of those businesses that have received incentive awards. Such information shall be confidential and shall not be (i) redisclosed to other members of the Board or to the public in accordance with the provisions of subsection B of § 2.2-2040 and subdivision C 2 of § 60.2-114 or (ii) subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

G. For purposes of this section, the award of economic development incentives by the Commonwealth shall include an award of funds from the Commonwealth's Development Opportunity Fund, regardless of whether the contract or memorandum of understanding for the disbursement of funds is with the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof and the business beneficiary.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829; 2020, c. 591; 2023, cc. 624, 625.

A. It shall be the duty of the Authority to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Authority is charged with the following duties and responsibilities to:

1. See that there are prepared and carried out effective economic development marketing and promotional programs;

2. Make available, in conjunction and cooperation with localities, chambers of commerce, industrial authorities, and other public and private groups, to prospective new businesses basic information and pertinent factors of interest and concern to such businesses;

3. Formulate, promulgate, and advance programs throughout the Commonwealth for encouraging the location of new businesses in the Commonwealth and the retention and growth of existing businesses;

4. Encourage and solicit private sector involvement, support, and funding for economic development in the Commonwealth;

5. Encourage the coordination of the economic development efforts of public institutions, regions, communities, and private industry and collect and maintain data on the development and utilization of economic development capabilities;

6. Establish such offices within and without the Commonwealth that are necessary to the expansion and development of industries and trade;

7. Encourage the export of products and services from the Commonwealth to international markets;

8. Advise, upon request, the State Board for Community Colleges in designating technical training programs in Virginia's comprehensive community colleges for the Community College Incentive Scholarship Program pursuant to former § 23-220.4;

9. Offer a program for the issuance of export documentation for companies located in Virginia exporting goods and services if no federal agency or other regulatory body or issuing entity will provide export documentation in a form deemed necessary for international commerce; and

10. Establish an Office of Education and Labor Market Alignment (the Office) to coordinate data analysis on workforce and higher education alignment and translate data to partners. The Office shall provide a unified, consistent and impartial source of information or analysis for policy development and implementation related to education, the labor market, and workforce development. The Office shall partner with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, institutions of higher education, the Virginia Department of Education, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board, the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, and other relevant entities to offer resources and expertise related to education, workforce development, and labor market alignment. The Office shall communicate relevant information in a clear and concise manner to enable policy and decision makers to navigate the complex connections between education, workforce development, and labor market alignment.

B. The Authority may develop a site and building assessment program to identify and assess the Commonwealth's industrial sites of at least 100 acres. In developing such a program, the Authority shall establish assessment guidelines and procedures for identification of industrial sites, resource requirements, and development oversight. The Authority shall invite participation by regional and industry stakeholders to assess potential sites, identify product shortfalls, and make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly for marketing such sites, in alignment with the goals outlined in the Governor's economic development plan.

C. The Authority may encourage the import of products and services from international markets to the Commonwealth.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.29; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 1997, cc. 437, 448; 1999, c. 542; 2001, cc. 483, 557, 844; 2004, cc. 650, 872; 2009, cc. 374, 569; 2015, c. 342; 2016, c. 315; 2017, cc. 13, 19; 2020, c. 591; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 502; 2023, cc. 624, 625.

Repealed by Acts 2020, c. 591, cl. 2.

It shall also be the duty of the Authority to:

1. Assist in the development of the comprehensive economic development strategy for the Commonwealth, starting the first year of each new gubernatorial administration, consistent with the provisions of Article 3 (§ 2.2-204 et seq.) of Chapter 2;

2. Report annually to the Governor on the status of the implementation of the comprehensive economic development strategy and recommend legislative and executive actions related to the implementation of the comprehensive economic development strategy; and

3. Conduct such studies and research, in collaboration with state agencies, baccalaureate institutions of higher education, local and regional industrial authorities and organizations, and other persons within and without the Commonwealth, as the Board deems necessary, to assist in the development of the comprehensive economic strategy and the development of recommendations and advice on the improvement of economic development and related programs and strategies across the Commonwealth.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.30; 2001, c. 844.

A. The Board shall establish an Advisory Committee on Business Development and Marketing (the Committee) consisting of 10 nonlegislative citizen members representing local or regional economic development entities from each of the regions designated by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board in accordance with § 2.2-2486 as follows:

1. Four nonlegislative citizen members, at least one of whom shall be from Northern Virginia, one of whom shall be from Hampton Roads, and one of whom shall be from Richmond, to be appointed by the Governor and approved by the General Assembly;

2. Five nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Joint Rules Committee; and

3. One nonlegislative citizen member of the Board appointed by the Chairman of the Board.

B. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed. Members appointed to the Committee shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Administrative and staff support for the Committee shall be provided by the Authority upon approval of the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

C. The Committee shall advise the Board on all matters relating to business development and marketing and shall make recommendations upon request of the Board.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829.

A. The Board shall establish an Advisory Committee on International Trade (the Committee) consisting of the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, serving as an ex officio member with voting privileges and whose term is coincident with his term of office, and nine nonlegislative citizen members as follows:

1. One member who is a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Virginia Port Authority and two nonlegislative citizen members possessing experience or expertise in international trade or trade promotion appointed by the Governor and approved by the General Assembly;

2. Five nonlegislative citizen members possessing experience or expertise in international trade or trade promotion appointed by the Joint Rules Committee; and

3. One nonlegislative citizen member of the Board appointed by the Chairman of the Board.

The Virginia Manufacturing Association shall submit to the Governor and the Joint Rules Committee a list of 12 recommendations for appointments to the Committee. One of the Governor's appointments pursuant to subdivision 1 shall be made from such list, and two of the Joint Rules Committee's appointments pursuant to subdivision 2 shall be made from such list.

B. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed. Members appointed to the Committee shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Administrative and staff support for the Committee shall be provided by the Authority upon approval of the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

C. The Committee shall advise the Board on all matters relating to international trade and trade promotion and shall make recommendations upon request of the Board.

2017, cc. 804, 824; 2018, c. 829.

The Board may establish nonprofit, nonstock corporations under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as public instrumentalities exercising public and essential governmental functions, to assist the Board and the Authority in (i) promoting Virginia's economic development and tourism promotion efforts in the national and international corporate community; (ii) raising money in the corporate and nonprofit community to pay for advertising and promotion of the Commonwealth; (iii) raising nonstate dollars to complement state and local economic development activities; or (iv) conducting or undertaking other activities useful in carrying out the provisions of this article.

The board of directors of any such corporation shall be composed of the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and eight members appointed by the Board of the Authority. However, any such corporation established to promote the tourism industry in the Commonwealth shall be composed of the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, six members appointed by the Board of the Authority, and six members who represent the tourism industry appointed by the Governor. The terms of the members of any corporation established to promote the tourism industry in the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor shall be four years.

The Board shall require any such corporation to report to it at least annually on its activities.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.43; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 869.

A. The General Assembly may appropriate grants to the Authority for use by a nonprofit, public benefit research institute that (i) conducts research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses, foundations, and other organizations and (ii) commercializes technology.

B. The Authority is hereby authorized to create a nonprofit, nonstock corporation to receive such grants and to oversee the administration of the payment of the grants. As a condition to the payment of any grants to the Authority under this section, the General Assembly may require that such nonprofit, nonstock corporation be created.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-2240, the Board of Directors of the nonprofit, nonstock corporation shall consist of nine voting members as follows: (i) the president of the University of Virginia, or his designee, (ii) the president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, or his designee, (iii) the president of James Madison University, or his designee, (iv) the president (or the designee of such president) of Virginia Commonwealth University, Christopher Newport University, the University of Mary Washington, Radford University, Virginia State University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, George Mason University, or Longwood University, as appointed by the Governor, with appointments to this position rotated equally among such baccalaureate public institutions of higher education, (v) one citizen member who shall have substantial experience in research and development in the fields of pharmaceuticals, engineering, energy, or similar sciences, appointed by the Governor, (vi) a representative of a nonprofit, public benefit research institute that has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Commonwealth, (vii) the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, or his designee, (viii) the Secretary of Administration, or his designee, and (ix) a representative of a local government that has concluded a Memorandum of Agreement with such research institute. Citizen members appointed by the Governor shall serve for four-year terms, but no citizen member shall serve for more than two full successive terms. A vacancy for a citizen member shall be filled by the Governor for the unexpired term.

D. The Board is authorized to make grant payments only to those nonprofit, public benefit research institutes described in subsection A that have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commonwealth. The MOA shall, at a minimum, (i) require the research institute to perform research, development, and commercialization activities that improve society and facilitate economic growth; (ii) require research to be conducted collaboratively with Virginia public and private institutions and that such collaborative research benefit the capabilities, facilities, and staff of all organizations involved; (iii) require the research institute to develop protocols for the commercialization efforts of the institute, including protocols addressing intellectual property rights; (iv) require the Board to evaluate fulfillment of key milestones for the research institute, which shall include but not be limited to milestones relating to job creation, research institute reinvestment goals, research proposals submissions, and royalties, and to annually evaluate the Commonwealth's investment in the research institute by reporting on the institute's progress in meeting such milestones; and (v) establish relationships and expectations between the research institutes and public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth, including opportunities for principal investigators to serve as adjunct faculty and the creation of internships for students and postdoctoral appointees.

E. The maximum amount of grants awarded by the Board shall not exceed a total of $22 million per recipient through June 30, 2013.

F. The Board of any nonprofit, nonstock corporation created under this section shall be established in the executive branch of state government. The records of the corporation, its Board members, and employees that are deemed confidential or proprietary shall be exempt from disclosure pursuant to subdivision 3 of § 2.2-3705.6 of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

2007, c. 693; 2020, c. 738.

Repealed by Acts 2022, c. 83, cl. 2.

A. As used in this section:

"Eligible site" means a site suitable to be marketed for industrial or commercial economic development purposes, as determined by the Authority. For a site development grant, an "eligible site" shall meet, or be determined by the Authority to be expected to meet, each of the following criteria: (i) the site is at least 100 contiguous acres, or it is a brownfield, as defined in § 10.1-1230; (ii) the site has parcels zoned for industrial or commercial uses; and (iii) the site is publicly owned, or if the site is under private ownership, there is an option agreement or other documentation of a commitment by the private owner to a competitive sales price, to permit access to the site for site assessment, and to market the site for industrial or commercial economic development purposes. The Authority may determine a site of at least 50 contiguous acres to be an eligible site if such site meets the criteria in clauses (ii) and (iii) and such site (a) is located in Region 1 or 2, (b) is located in a locality or region in which topographic or environmental factors constrain the availability of viable sites for economic development, (c) presents a unique economic development opportunity based on infrastructure, logistics, or other distinguishable features of the site, or (d) creates an economic development opportunity not currently available in the regional inventory of economic development sites. For a site characterization grant, an "eligible site" means any site of at least 25 acres that is suitable for potential industrial or commercial development.

"Fund" means the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund established under subsection B.

"Industrial employment" means total Virginia employment for the most recent calendar year for which data is available, in the manufacturing (NAICS 31-33) or warehousing and storage (NAICS 493110) industries, as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.

"Region" means a region designated by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board under § 2.2-2484.

"Site characterization grant" means a grant to ascertain and designate a site's level of development as outlined in the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund guidelines.

"Site development grant" means a grant to further develop a site for marketing to economic development projects as outlined in the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund guidelines.

B. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys appropriated by the General Assembly for the Fund, and from any other sources, public or private, 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.

C. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to provide site characterization grants and site development grants for eligible sites for the purpose of creating and maintaining a portfolio of project-ready sites to promote economic development in all regions of the Commonwealth. Such grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis in accordance with the procedures of subsection D.

D. 1. The Governor shall award grants from the Fund only to political subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

2. The Authority shall establish guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria for the award and distribution of grants from the Fund. The preparation of the guidelines shall be exempt from the requirements of Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

3. To qualify to receive a grant from the Fund, a grant recipient shall enter into a performance agreement with the Authority that contains, at a minimum, provisions for disbursement of the grant, use of the proceeds, reporting, and repayment obligations in the event that the recipient fails to meet the terms of the performance agreement. Any repayment of grant funds required by such performance agreement shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund.

4. Any grant awarded from the Fund shall require matching funds as described in the guidelines established under subdivision 2.

E. The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on grant awards and expenditures from the Fund. The report shall include total appropriations made or transferred to the Fund, total grants awarded, total expenditures from the Fund, cash balances, and balances available for future commitments. The Authority shall prepare the report required by this subsection in conjunction with the reports required under § 2.2-2237.1.

F. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his authorized representative shall audit the accounts of the Fund in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The cost of such audit services shall be borne by the Fund.

2022, c. 83; 2024, cc. 378, 379.

A. For purposes of this section:

"Eligible site" means a site that meets the qualifications for a site development grant pursuant to § 2.2-2240.2:1, including sites located in Region 1 or 2 that meet the requirements of such section.

"Program" means the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program.

"Project" means an economic development project by a traded-sector company involving significant capital investment and new job creation in the locality in which the project is located.

"Traded-sector company" means a company that directly or indirectly derives more than 50 percent of its revenue from out-of-state sources.

B. There is hereby created the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program to accomplish the objectives described in this section. The Authority shall annually designate up to two eligible sites and four projects for participation in the Program. Sites and projects eligible for the Program shall include only (i) eligible sites or (ii) projects with significant local, regional, or statewide economic impact that the governing body of the locality in which the project is located has either (a) approved following a public meeting or hearing or (b) submitted, by resolution, for consideration to be included in the Program. No more than two eligible sites or projects shall be designated as part of the Program within one locality annually. Where possible, eligible sites or projects designated by the Authority for participation in the Program shall be equitably distributed geographically throughout the Commonwealth.

C. For any eligible site or project designated by the Authority for participation in the Program, the Authority shall complete a review process within 45 days of such designation. Such review process shall (i) reduce permitting conflicts by providing guidance regarding the permits needed from each agency or governmental entity and steps the applicant can take to expedite permit application review and (ii) provide guidance regarding site planning and development, site suitability and limitations, and facility design. For projects requiring multiple agency permits, the Authority may designate one agency as the lead agency to coordinate the overall permit reviews for the project.

D. For any complete application for a permit or request for approval associated with an eligible site or project designated by the Authority as part of the Program and submitted to a local governmental entity or state agency, whether or not independent, such agency or other entity shall render a decision on the application within 180 days. However, after consultation with the Authority, an applicant and the relevant agency or governmental entity may agree, by memorandum of understanding, to authorize a timeline for rendering decisions that exceeds 180 days. If an agency or other entity requires additional information or documentation from an applicant, including information to render the application or request complete, the agency or other entity shall notify the applicant within 60 days of receipt of the permit application or request for approval. Upon receipt of such request for additional information, an applicant shall respond to the agency or other entity with the required information or documentation within 45 days. If the applicant exceeds the 45-day response timeline, then the 180-day timeline governing an agency or other entity for approval decisions shall be extended by the same number of days by which the 45-day response timeline was exceeded. If the applicant does not provide the additionally requested information within 135 days of the request, the applicant will be deemed noncompliant and shall no longer be designated as participating in the Program, and the Authority may designate an alternative site or project to participate in the Program in its place. If an agency or other governmental entity requires an approval or affirmative action from (i) a federal entity or (ii) an agency or other public or private entity over which the agency or other governmental entity does not exercise control, before a decision can be rendered, then the 180-day timeline shall be extended by the number of days during which a decision on such approval or affirmative action is pending.

E. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or eliminate any legally required opportunities for public comment or input related to a requested permit or approval. If any such public comment or input would require the permitting or approval process to extend beyond 180 days, the 180-day timeline shall be extended by the number of days necessary to provide the full public comment or input period required by law.

F. All local government entities and state agencies, whether or not independent, shall cooperate with the Authority in carrying out the provisions of this section.

G. That the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority shall report annually by December 1 to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations on the progress of the Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program (the Program) established pursuant to this act for the duration of the Program.

2024, cc. 471, 501.

A. As used in this section and §§ 2.2-2240.4, 2.2-2240.5, and 2.2-2240.6, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Capital investment" means an investment in real property, personal property, or both, at a manufacturing or basic nonmanufacturing facility within the Commonwealth that is or may be capitalized by the company and that establishes or increases the productivity of the manufacturing facility, results in the utilization of a more advanced technology than is in use immediately prior to such investment, or both.

"Full-time employee" means a natural person employed for indefinite duration in a position requiring a minimum of either (i) 35 hours of the employee's time per week for the entire normal year, which "normal year" shall consist of at least 48 weeks, or (ii) 1,680 hours per year. Seasonal or temporary employees shall not qualify as new full-time employees under the Program.

"Fund" means the Virginia Jobs Investment Program Fund created in this section.

"Program" means the Virginia Jobs Investment Program created in this section.

B. There is hereby created the Virginia Jobs Investment Program to support private sector job creation by encouraging the expansion of existing Virginia businesses and the start-up of new business operations in Virginia. The Program shall support existing businesses and economic development prospects by offering funding to offset recruiting and training and retraining costs incurred by companies that are either creating new jobs or implementing technological upgrades and by providing assistance with workforce-related challenges and organizational development workshops.

C. The Program shall consist of the following component programs:

1. The Virginia New Jobs Program;

2. The Workforce Retraining Program; and

3. The Small Business New Jobs and Retraining Programs.

D. To be eligible for assistance under any of the component programs of the Program, a company shall:

1. Create or sustain employment for the Commonwealth in a basic sector industry or function, which would include businesses or functions that directly or indirectly derive more than 50 percent of their revenues from out-of-state sources, as determined by the Authority;

2. Pay a minimum entry-level wage rate per hour of at least 1.2 times the federal minimum wage or the Virginia minimum wage, as required by the Virginia Minimum Wage Act (§ 40.1-28.8 et seq.), whichever is higher. In areas that have an unemployment rate of one and one-half times the statewide average unemployment rate, the wage rate minimum may be waived by the Authority. Only full-time positions that qualify for benefits shall be eligible for assistance;

3. Meet such additional criteria as may be set forth by the Authority.

E. There is hereby established in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Jobs Investment Program Fund (the Fund). The Fund shall consist of any moneys appropriated thereto by the General Assembly from time to time and designated for the Fund. Any moneys deposited to or remaining in the Fund during or at the end of each fiscal year or biennium, including interest thereon, shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund and be available for allocation under this article in ensuing fiscal years. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for grants to eligible businesses as permitted by the Program. The total amount of funds provided to eligible businesses under the Program for any year, shall not exceed the amount appropriated by the General Assembly to the Fund for such year, plus any carryover from previous years. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the President and Chief Executive Officer or his designee. The Fund shall be administered by the President and Chief Executive Officer.

2014, cc. 41, 464; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 16.

A. The Authority shall develop as a component of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program the Virginia New Jobs Program to support the expansion of existing Virginia companies and new facility locations involving competition with other states or countries.

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance, an expansion of an existing company or a new company location shall (i) create a minimum of 25 net new jobs for full-time employees, (ii) make a capital investment of at least $1 million, and (iii) include Virginia in a current competition for the location of the project with at least one other state or country.

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade may waive these requirements but shall promptly provide written notice of any such waiver to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees, which notice shall include a justification for any waiver of these requirements.

2014, cc. 41, 464.

A. The Authority shall develop as a component of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program the Workforce Retraining Program to provide consulting services and funding to assist companies and businesses with retraining their existing workforces to increase productivity.

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance a company shall demonstrate that (i) it is undergoing integration of new technology into its production process, a change of product line in keeping with marketplace demands, or substantial change to its service delivery process that would require assimilation of new skills and technological capabilities by the firm's existing labor force and (ii) for each such integration of new technology, change of product, or substantial change to its service delivery process, (a) no less than 10 full-time employees are involved and (b) a minimum capital investment of $500,000 will be made within a 12-month period.

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade may waive these requirements but shall promptly provide written notice of any such waiver to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees, which notice shall include a justification for any waiver of these requirements.

2014, cc. 41, 464.

A. The Authority shall develop as a component of the Virginia Jobs Investment Program the Small Business New Jobs and Retraining Programs to support the establishment or expansion of Virginia's small businesses or to improve their efficiency through retraining.

B. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance for new job creation a company shall create a minimum of five net new jobs for full-time employees and make a capital investment of at least $100,000. In addition to the requirements of subsection D of § 2.2-2240.3 regarding company eligibility, to be eligible for assistance for retraining a company shall demonstrate that (i) it is undergoing integration of new technology into its production process, a change of product line in keeping with marketplace demands, or substantial change to its service delivery process that would require assimilation of new skills and technological capabilities by the firm's existing labor force and (ii) for each such integration of new technology, change of product, or substantial change to its service delivery process, (a) no less than five full-time employees are involved and (b) a minimum capital investment of $50,000 will be made within a 12-month period.

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade may waive these requirements but shall promptly provide written notice of any such waiver to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committees, which notice shall include a justification for any waiver of these requirements.

2014, cc. 41, 464.

All moneys of the Authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the Authority. Such moneys shall be deposited in the first instance by the treasurer in one or more banks or trust companies, in one or more special accounts. All banks and trust companies are authorized to give such security for such deposits, if required by the Authority. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on the warrant or other orders of such persons as the Authority may authorize to execute such warrants or orders.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.39; 2001, c. 844.

The accounts and records of the Authority showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be in a form prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives shall annually examine the accounts and books of the Authority.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.40; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 650; 2020, c. 591.

The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their living conditions, and as the undertaking of activities in the furtherance of the purposes of the Authority constitutes the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article or upon the income therefrom, including sales and use taxes on the tangible personal property used in the operations of the Authority. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of any property of the Authority businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.41; 2001, c. 844.

A. The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) and the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) of this title shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under this article.

B. The governing board of the Authority shall adopt policies for the procurement of goods and services. Such policies shall:

1. Seek competition to the maximum practical degree;

2. Require competitive negotiation for professional services, which includes the requirements of §§ 2.2-4302.2 and 2.2-4303.1, unless there is only one source practically available and the Authority has complied with the requirements of subsection C;

3. Prohibit discrimination against a bidder or offeror based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a service disabled veteran, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law relating to discrimination in employment; and

4. Incorporate the prompt payment principles of § 2.2-4350 and the payment clauses of § 2.2-4354. The Authority shall include provisions for the inspection of public records in § 2.2-4342.

C. For purchases of (i) goods or nonprofessional services under $200,000 or (ii) professional services or non-transportation-related construction under $80,000, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2. For purchases of (a) goods or nonprofessional services for $200,000 or more or (b) professional services or non-transportation-related construction of $80,000 or more, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that such purchase contributes to the public purpose and mission of the Authority as described in § 2.2-2234. The Authority shall state in such writing (1) an explanation of such determination, (2) that which is being purchased, (3) the contractor selected for such purchase, (4) the date of the award of such contract, and (5) the relationship of such purchase to the public purpose and mission of the Authority. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

D. In case of emergency, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that an emergency exists and makes the purchase needed with such competition as is practicable under the circumstances. The Authority shall state in such writing (i) that the contract is being awarded on an emergency basis, (ii) that which is being purchased, (iii) the contractor selected, (iv) the date of the award of such contract, and (v) the relationship between the selection of such contract to the circumstances constituting an emergency. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

E. Upon a determination in writing that there is only one source practicably available for that which is to be procured, a contract may be negotiated and awarded to that source without competitive negotiation. The writing shall document the basis for this determination. The Authority shall issue a written notice stating that only one source was determined to be practicably available and identifying that which is being procured, the contractor selected, and the date on which the contract was or will be awarded. This notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website and may be published in a newspaper of general circulation on the day the public body awards or announces its decision to award the contract, whichever occurs first.

F. The Authority shall submit the policies established in accordance with subsection B to the Governor, the Department of General Services, and the Chairs of the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology and the House Committee on General Laws every five years by November 1, beginning November 1, 2024.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.38; 2001, c. 844; 2023, c. 662.

Any government may make appropriations for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance or operation of any property acquired, constructed, improved, maintained or operated by the Authority.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.36; 2001, c. 844.

Any city or county within the Commonwealth in order to provide for the construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair or management of any property, or in order to accomplish any of the purposes of this article may, with or without consideration or for a nominal consideration, lease, sell, convey or otherwise transfer to the Authority any real, personal or mixed property located within such city or county.

1995, c. 638, § 2.1-548.37; 2001, c. 844.

Article 5. Virginia Information Providers Network Authority.

Repealed by Acts 2003, cc. 981 and 1021.

Article 6. Virginia Public Building Authority.

A. This article may be cited as Virginia Public Building Authority Act of 1981.

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

"Construction" or "to construct" means acquisition and construction, all in such manner as may be deemed desirable.

"Cost" means as applied to a project financed under the provisions of this article, the sum total of all costs reasonable and necessary for carrying out all works and undertakings necessary or incident to accomplish a project, including, but not limited to the cost of all necessary developmental, planning and feasibility studies, surveys, plans and specifications, architectural, engineering, financial, legal or other special services, the cost of acquisition of land and any buildings and improvements thereon, including the discharge of any obligations of the vendor of such land, buildings or improvements, site preparation and development including demolition or removal of existing structures, construction, and reconstruction, furnishing of a project, the reasonable cost of financing incurred in the course of the development of a project, carrying charges during construction to the occupancy date, interest on bonds issued to finance a project to a date subsequent to the estimated date of completion of a project, necessary expenses incurred in connection with the initial occupancy of a project, the cost of reimbursing the Central Capital Planning Fund, established under § 2.2-1520, for payments made for pre-planning or detailed planning of all projects that have been approved for construction by the General Assembly, the funding of such funds and accounts as the Authority determines to be reasonable and necessary and the cost of such other items as the Authority determines to be reasonable and necessary.

"Fixtures" and "furnishings" means any fixtures, leasehold improvements, equipment, office furniture and furnishings whatsoever necessary or desirable for the use and occupancy of such project, and the terms "to furnish" and "furnishing" means the acquisition and installation of such fixtures, equipment and furnishings.

"Improvement" or "to improve" means extension, enlargement, improvement, and renovation, all in such manner as may be deemed desirable.

"Major Employment and Investment project" or "MEI project" means a high-impact regional economic development project in which a private entity is expected to make a capital investment in real and tangible personal property exceeding $250 million and create more than 400 new full-time jobs, and is expected to have a substantial direct and indirect economic impact on surrounding communities.

"Personal property" means all items of equipment, fixtures, and furnishings, including items affixed to real property.

"Project" means any structure, facility, personal property or undertaking that the Authority is authorized to finance, refinance, construct, improve, furnish, equip, maintain, acquire, or operate under the provisions of this article.

1981, c. 569, §§ 2.1-234.10, 2.1-234.11; 1992, c. 878; 1994, c. 823; 1996, c. 835; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2000, cc. 67, 279; 2001, c. 844; 2008, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 1, 2; 2009, cc. 246, 311.

There is created a political subdivision of the Commonwealth to be known as the "Virginia Public Building Authority." The Authority is created for the purpose of constructing, improving, furnishing, maintaining, acquiring, financing, refinancing, and operating public buildings for the use of the Commonwealth (heretofore or hereafter constructed), state arsenals, armories, and military reserves, state institutions of every kind and character (heretofore and hereafter constructed), additions and improvements to public institutions of higher education, including land grant colleges and medical colleges, and the purchase of lands for rehabilitation purposes in connection with state institutions and for use of state colleges, and museum facilities for a trust instrumentality of the United States, and the purchase of lands for the development of public buildings that may be authorized by the General Assembly in the future, the acquisition of items of personal property for the use of the Commonwealth, the constructing, improving, maintaining, acquiring, financing, and refinancing of major information technology projects as defined in § 2.2-2006, the financing or refinancing of capital projects that benefit the Commonwealth and any of its agencies, authorities, boards, departments, instrumentalities, institutions, or regional or local authorities, the provision of financing on behalf of any of the Commonwealth's agencies, authorities, boards, departments, instrumentalities, institutions, or regional or local authorities or governments of land, buildings, infrastructure, and improvements for the benefit of an MEI project incentive package endorsed by the MEI Project Approval Commission created pursuant to § 30-309, and the financing or refinancing of reimbursements to localities or governmental entities of all or any portion of the Commonwealth's share of the costs for capital projects made pursuant to other applicable provisions of Virginia law, and the refinancing of (i) obligations issued by other state and local authorities or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth where such obligations are secured by a lease or other payment agreement with the Commonwealth or (ii) the Commonwealth's obligations under such leases or payment agreements, the purpose and intent of this article being to benefit the people of the Commonwealth by, among other things, increasing their commerce and prosperity.

The Authority shall be comprised of the State Treasurer or his designee, the State Comptroller, and five additional members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Unconfirmed appointments shall expire 30 days after the convening of the General Assembly. Members of the Authority shall be entitled to no compensation for their services as members, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825. The term of each member appointed by the Governor shall be five years.

Vacancies in the membership of the Authority shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. The Governor shall designate one member of the Authority as chairman who shall serve a two-year term. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms as chairman. The Department of the Treasury shall serve as staff to the Authority.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.12; 1995, c. 841; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844; 2002, cc. 501, 542; 2003, cc. 981, 1021; 2009, cc. 246, 311; 2011, cc. 691, 714.

The powers of the Authority shall be exercised by a governing body consisting of the members of the Authority acting as a board. The Board shall elect from its membership a vice-chairman, treasurer and secretary. The offices of secretary and treasurer may be combined. The Board may elect such other officers who need not be a member of the Board.

Four members shall constitute a quorum of the Board for the purpose of organizing the Authority, conducting its business, and for all other purposes. All actions shall be taken by vote of a majority of the members of the Board, unless Authority bylaws require a larger number.

The Board shall have full authority to manage the properties and business of the Authority, and to prescribe, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations governing the manner in which the business of the Authority may be conducted, and the powers granted to it may be exercised. The Board may assign to the Treasury Board or the State Treasurer such powers and duties as it deems proper.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.25; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1996, c. 835; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

A. The Authority is granted all powers necessary or convenient for carrying out its purposes, including, but not limited to, the following powers to:

1. Have perpetual existence as a corporation.

2. Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, complain and defend in all courts.

3. Adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

4. Acquire, purchase, hold and use any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the Authority; lease as lessee, with the approval of the Governor, any property, real, personal or mixed, or any interest therein for a term not exceeding 99 years at a nominal rental or at such annual rental as may be determined; with the approval of the Governor, lease as lessor to the Commonwealth and any city, county, town or other political subdivision, or any agency, department, or public body of the Commonwealth, or land grant college, any project at any time constructed by the Authority and any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority, whether wholly or partially completed; with the approval of the Governor, sell, transfer and convey to the Commonwealth, any project at any time constructed by the Authority; and, with the approval of the Governor, sell, transfer and convey any property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority.

5. Acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise, and construct, improve, furnish, maintain, repair, and operate projects.

6. Adopt bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs.

7. Fix, alter, charge, and collect rates, rentals, and other charges for the use of the facilities of, or for the services rendered by, the Authority, or projects thereof, at reasonable rates to be determined by it for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority, the construction, improvement, repair, furnishing, maintenance, and operation of its facilities and properties, the payment of the principal of and interest on its bonds, and to fulfill the terms and provisions of any agreements made with the purchasers or holders of any such bonds.

8. Borrow money; make and issue bonds of the Authority and such bonds as the Authority may determine to issue for the purpose of refunding obligations previously issued by the Authority; secure the payment of all bonds, or any part thereof, by pledge or deed of trust of all or any of its revenues, rentals, and receipts; make such agreements with the purchasers or holders of such bonds or with others in connection with any such bonds, whether issued or to be issued, as the Authority deems advisable; and in general, provide for the security for the bonds and the rights of holders thereof.

The Authority shall submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year containing, at a minimum, the annual financial statements of the Authority for the year ending the preceding June 30.

9. Make contracts of every name and nature, and to execute all instruments necessary or convenient to carry out its business.

10. Borrow money and accept grants from, and enter into contracts, leases or other transactions with, any federal agency.

11. Have the power of eminent domain.

12. Pledge or otherwise encumber all or any of the revenues or receipts of the Authority as security for all or any of the bonds of the Authority.

13. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted to it by law.

14. Acquire, by assignment from the Commonwealth or the Virginia Retirement System, all contracts, including those that are not completed, which involve constructing, improving, furnishing, maintaining, and operating the structures, facilities, or undertakings similar to those designated herein as projects.

15. Enter into contractual agreements with localities or governmental entities undertaking a capital project that benefits the Commonwealth for which the financing or refinancing of reimbursements of all or any portion of the Commonwealth's share of the costs of such project will be made pursuant to other applicable provisions of Virginia law.

16. Provide for the financing or assist in the financing by any of the Commonwealth's agencies, authorities, boards, departments, instrumentalities, institutions, or regional or local authorities or governments of land, buildings, infrastructure, and improvements for the benefit of an MEI project incentive package endorsed by the MEI Project Approval Commission created pursuant to § 30-309.

B. The Authority shall not undertake or finance or refinance any projects or MEI projects that are not specifically included in a bill or resolution passed by a majority of those elected to each house of the General Assembly, authorizing such projects or MEI projects or the reimbursement of all or any portion of the Commonwealth's share of the costs of such projects or MEI projects and, as to any project relating to a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth, not specifically designated by the governing board of that institution as a project to be undertaken by the Authority.

C. Except as otherwise provided by law, when projects are to be constructed, improved, furnished, maintained, repaired or operated for the use of any department of the Commonwealth, no plans or specifications therefor shall be presented for quotations or bids until the plans and specifications have been submitted to and approved by the Department of General Services and any other department of the Commonwealth having any jurisdiction over the projects, so that the project will conform to standards established by such departments.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.13; 1984, c. 734; 1985, c. 146; 1987, cc. 11, 616; 1988, cc. 23, 731, 761, 830; 1990, cc. 815, 876; 1991, c. 656; 1992, c. 878; 1993, Sp. Sess., c. 1; 1994, c. 823; 1995, c. 841; 1996, c. 835; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2000, cc. 67, 279; 2001, c. 844; 2002, cc. 501, 542; 2004, c. 650; 2009, cc. 246, 311.

The Authority may, with the consent of the Governor, provide for the issuance of revenue bonds of the Authority for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost of any one or more projects or portions thereof. The principal of and the interest on such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided in this article for such payment. Any bonds of the Authority issued pursuant to this article shall not constitute a debt of the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof other than the Authority, and shall so state on their face. Neither the members of the Authority nor any person executing the bonds shall be liable personally by reason of the issuance thereof. The bonds of each issue shall be dated, shall bear interest, shall mature at such time not exceeding forty years from their date as determined by the Authority, and may be made redeemable before maturity, at the option of the Authority, at such price and under such terms and conditions as determined by the Authority, prior to the issuance of the bonds. The Authority shall determine the form and the manner of execution of the bonds, including any interest coupons to be attached thereto, and shall fix the denominations of the bonds and the places of payment of principal and interest, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without the Commonwealth. In case any officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on any bonds or coupons shall cease to be such officer before the delivery of the bonds, such signature or such facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes as if he had remained in office until such delivery. The bonds may be issued in coupon or in registered form or both, as the Authority may determine, and provision may be made for the registration of any coupon bonds as to principal alone and also as to both principal and interest, for the reconversion into coupon bonds of any bonds registered as to both principal and interest, and for the interchange of registered and coupon bonds. The Authority may sell such bonds in a manner, either at public or private sale, and for such price as it determines will best effect the purposes of this article.

The proceeds of the bonds of each issue shall be used solely for the payment of the cost of the projects for which such bonds shall have been issued, and shall be disbursed in the manner and under the restrictions, if any, the Authority may provide in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue, by error of estimates or otherwise, is less than the cost, additional bonds may be issued to provide the amount of such deficit, and, unless otherwise provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, shall be deemed to be entitled to payment from the same fund without preference or priority of the bonds first issued. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue shall exceed such cost, the surplus shall be deposited to the credit of the sinking fund for such bonds, or may be applied to the payment of the cost of any additional projects.

Prior to the preparation of definitive bonds, the Authority may, under like restrictions issue interim receipts or temporary bonds, with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds when such bonds shall have been executed and are available for delivery. The Authority may also provide for the replacement of any bonds that shall become mutilated or shall be destroyed or lost. Bonds may be issued under the provisions of this article without obtaining the consent of any department, division, commission, board, bureau or agency of the Commonwealth, and without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things than those proceedings, conditions or things that are specifically required by this article.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.14; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

In the discretion of the Authority any bonds issued under the provisions of this article may be secured by a trust agreement by and between the Authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having the powers of a trust company within or without the Commonwealth. The trust agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of the bonds may pledge or assign the revenues to be received, but shall not convey or mortgage any project or any part thereof. The trust agreement or resolution providing for the issuance of such bonds may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of the Authority in relation to the acquisition of property and the acquisition, construction, establishment, improvement, extension, enlargement, maintenance, repair, operation and insurance of the project in connection with which the bonds have been authorized, the rates and fees to be charged, the custody, safeguarding and application of all moneys, and conditions or limitations with respect to the issuance of additional bonds. It shall be lawful for any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth which may act as depository of the proceeds of bonds or of revenues to furnish the indemnifying bonds or to pledge the securities required by the Authority. Any such trust agreement may set forth the rights of action by bondholders. In addition to the foregoing, any such trust agreement or resolution may contain such other provisions as the Authority deems reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of a trust agreement or resolution may be treated as a part of the cost of the operation of the project.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.15; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may fix, revise, charge, and collect rates, fees, and other charges for the financing or refinancing of, the use of or for the services and facilities furnished by each project and the different parts thereof, and to contract with any agency, commission, political subdivision or other entity desiring the use of any part thereof, and to fix the terms, conditions, rents, and rates of charges for such use or financing or refinancing. Such rates, fees, and other charges shall be fixed and adjusted so that revenues of the Authority, together with any other available funds, will be sufficient at all times to pay (i) the cost of maintaining, repairing and operating such project and (ii) the principal of and the interest on the related bonds as they become due and payable, and to create reserves for such purposes. Such rates, fees, and other charges shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any other commission, board, bureau, or agency of the Commonwealth. The revenues derived from the project in connection with which the bonds have been issued, except such part thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost of maintenance, repair and operation and to provide such reserves therefor as may be provided for in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in the trust agreement securing the bonds, shall be set aside at such regular intervals as may be provided in the resolution or trust agreement in a sinking fund which is pledged to, and charged with, the payment of the principal of and the interest on such bonds as they become due, and the redemption price or the purchase price of bonds retired by call or purchase as therein provided. Such pledge shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made, the revenues or other moneys so pledged and thereafter received by the Authority shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against the Authority, irrespective of whether such parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor any trust agreement by which a pledge is created need be filed or recorded except in the records of the Authority. The use and disposition of moneys to the credit of such sinking fund shall be subject to the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or of the trust agreement. Except as may otherwise be provided in the resolution or trust agreement, such sinking fund shall be a fund for all such bonds without distinction or priority of one over another.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.16; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

All moneys received pursuant to the authority of this article, whether as proceeds from the sale of bonds or as revenues, shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied solely as provided in this article. The resolution authorizing the bonds of any issue or the trust agreement securing the bonds shall provide that any officer with whom, or any bank or trust company with which, such moneys are deposited shall act as a trustee of the moneys and shall hold and apply the same for the purposes hereof, subject to the regulations as this article and the resolution or trust agreement may provide.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.17; 2001, c. 844.

Any holder of bonds issued under the provisions of this article or any of the coupons appertaining thereto, and the trustee under any trust agreement, except to the extent the rights herein given may be restricted by the trust agreement or the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds, may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus or other proceeding, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the Commonwealth or granted hereunder or under the trust agreement or resolution, and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this article or by the trust agreement or resolution to be performed by the Authority or by any officer thereof, including the fixing, charging, and collecting of rates, fees, and other charges.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.18; 2001, c. 844.

Bonds issued by the Authority under the provisions of this article shall be securities in which all public officers and public bodies of the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions, all insurance companies, trust companies, banking associations, investment companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries may properly and legally invest funds, including capital in their control or belonging to them. Such bonds shall be securities that may properly and legally be deposited with and received by any state or municipal officer or any agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or obligations of the Commonwealth is now or may be authorized by law.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.19; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may provide for the issuance of revenue refunding bonds of the Authority for the purpose of refunding any obligations then outstanding which have been issued under the provisions of this article or by other state and local authorities or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth where such obligations are secured by a lease or other payment agreement with the Commonwealth, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of the obligations, and, if deemed advisable by the Authority, for the additional purpose of constructing improvements, extensions, or enlargements of the project in connection with which the obligations to be refunded have been issued. The Authority may provide by resolution for the issuance of its revenue obligations for the combined purpose of (i) refunding any obligations then outstanding that have been issued under the provisions of this article or by other state and local authorities or political subdivisions of the Commonwealth where such obligations are secured by a lease or other payment agreement with the Commonwealth, including the payment of any redemption premium thereon and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of such obligations, and (ii) paying all or any part of the cost of any additional project or any portion thereof. The issuance of the bonds, the maturities and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the rights, duties and obligations of the Authority shall be governed by the provisions of this article insofar as they may be applicable.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.20; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844; 2002, cc. 501, 542.

The Authority may accept, receive, receipt for, disburse, and expend federal and state moneys and other moneys, public or private, including proceeds of the Authority's bonds, made available by grant or loan or both, to accomplish, in whole or in part, any of the purposes of this article. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law; and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.23; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

All moneys of the Authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the Authority. Such moneys shall be deposited in the first instance by the treasurer in one or more banks or trust companies, in one or more special accounts, and each of such special accounts shall be continuously secured by a pledge of direct obligations of the United States or of the Commonwealth, having an aggregate market value, exclusive of accrued interest, at all times at least equal to the balance on deposit in such account. Such securities shall either be deposited with the treasurer or be held by a trustee or agent satisfactory to the Authority. All banks and trust companies are authorized to give such security for such deposits. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on the warrant or other order of the treasurer of the Authority, or of such other persons as the Authority may authorize to execute such warrants or orders.

The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives may examine the accounts and books of the Authority, including its receipts, disbursements, contracts, leases, sinking funds, investments, and any other matters relating to its finances, operation and affairs.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.26; 2001, c. 844.

A. In connection with the operation of a facility owned or controlled by the Authority, the Authority may enter into contracts, leases, and other arrangements with any person (i) granting the privilege of using or improving the facility or any portion or facility thereof or space therein consistent with the purposes of this article; (ii) conferring the privilege of supplying goods, commodities, things, services, or facilities at the facility; (iii) making available services to be furnished by the Authority or its agents at the facility; and (iv) providing for the payment therefor.

In each case the Authority may establish the terms and conditions and fix the charges, rentals, or fee for the privilege or service, which shall be reasonable and uniform for the same class of privilege or service at each facility and shall be established with due regard to the property and improvements used and the expenses of operation to the Authority.

B. Except as may be limited by the terms and conditions of any grant, loan or agreement authorized by § 2.2-2271, the Authority may by contract, lease, or other arrangements, upon a consideration fixed by it, grant to any qualified person, for a term not to exceed thirty years, the privilege of operating, as agent of the Authority or otherwise, any facility owned or controlled by the Authority; provided that no person shall be granted any authority to operate a facility other than as a public facility or to enter into any contracts, leases, or other arrangements in connection with the operation of the facility that the Authority might not have undertaken under subsection A.

C. In connection with a project leased to or financed or refinanced for a trust instrumentality of the United States where payments or contributions by the Commonwealth and any political subdivision, together with amounts pursuant to an agreement with such trust instrumentality to pay rent or other amounts, are sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Authority's bonds issued to finance or refinance such project, the Authority may agree that such trust instrumentality shall assume all responsibility for the acquisition, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of the project and may further agree that when the principal of all such bonds of the Authority and the interest thereon have been paid in full or provision made therefor satisfactory to the Authority, the trust instrumentality may acquire the Authority's interest in such project without payment of additional consideration.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.21; 1990, c. 815; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may adopt, amend, and repeal such reasonable resolutions, rules, regulations, and orders as it deems necessary for the management, government, and use of any facility owned by it or under its control. No rule, regulation, order, or standard prescribed by the Authority shall be inconsistent with, or contrary to, any law of the Commonwealth or act of the Congress of the United States or any regulation adopted or standard established pursuant thereto. The Authority shall keep on file at the principal office of the Authority for public inspection a copy of all its rules and regulations.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.22; 2001, c. 844.

If any project or any portion thereof or any improvement thereof shall be constructed, or furnished pursuant to a contract and the estimated cost thereof exceeds $10,000, such contract with the Authority shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after advertisement for bids. The Authority may make rules and regulations for the submission of bids and the construction, furnishing, or improvement of any project or portion thereof to be owned by the Authority, the Commonwealth or any agency, institution, or department thereof. No contract shall be entered into by the Authority for construction, furnishing, or improvement of any project, or portion thereof, or for the purchase of materials, unless the contractor gives an undertaking with a sufficient surety approved by the Authority, and in an amount fixed by the Authority in accordance with § 2.2-4337, for the faithful performance of the contract. Such contract shall be accompanied by an additional bond for the protection of those who furnish labor and material or rental equipment for such amount and subject to the same terms and conditions as established by the Authority in accordance with § 2.2-4337. All construction contracts shall provide, among other things, that the person or corporation entering into such contract with the Authority will pay for all materials furnished, rental equipment used and services rendered for the performance of the contract, and that any person or corporation furnishing such materials, rental equipment or rendering such services may maintain an action to recover for the same against the obligor in the undertaking as though such person or corporation was named therein, provided the action is brought within one year after the time the cause of action accrued. The additional bond shall be conditioned upon the prompt payment of actual equipment rentals and shall not be conditioned upon or guarantee payment of equipment rentals, all or any part of which, directly or indirectly, apply on the purchase price of such equipment under the terms of a bailment lease or conditional sales contract or by any other arrangement by which title to the equipment will be transferred to the contractor and the rentals form any part of the consideration.

Subject to the foregoing, the Authority may, but without intending by this provision to limit any powers of the Authority, enter into and carry out such contracts, or establish or comply with such rules and regulations concerning labor and materials to rental equipment and other related matters in connection with any project, or portion thereof, as the Authority deems desirable.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.27; 1998, cc. 498, 504; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority is vested with the power of eminent domain and may exercise it for the purposes set forth in this article. If the owner, lessee, or occupier of any property to be condemned or otherwise acquired refuses to remove his property therefrom or give up possession, the Authority may proceed to obtain possession in any manner provided by law.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.28; 2001, c. 844.

The Circuit Court of the City of Richmond shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any suit brought in Virginia against the Authority, and process in any such suit shall be served either on the State Treasurer or the chairman of the Authority.

1993, Sp. Sess., c. 1, § 2.1-234.28:1; 2001, c. 844.

The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, and as the operation and maintenance of projects by the Authority constitutes the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article or upon the income therefrom, and any bonds issued under the provisions of this article, their transfer and the income therefrom (including any profit made on the sale thereof), shall at all times be free from taxation within the Commonwealth. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of a facility businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.

1981, c. 569, § 2.1-234.24; 2001, c. 844.

Article 7. Virginia Small Business Financing Authority.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the "Virginia Small Business Financing Act."

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

"Business enterprise" means any (i) industry for the manufacturing, processing, assembling, storing, warehousing, servicing, distributing, or selling of any products of agriculture, mining, or industry or professional services; (ii) commercial enterprise making sales or providing services to industries described in clause (i); (iii) enterprise for research and development, including scientific laboratories; (iv) not-for-profit entity operating in the Commonwealth; (v) entity acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining, or operating a qualified transportation facility under the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 (§ 33.2-1800 et seq.); (vi) entity acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining, or operating a qualified energy project; (vii) entity acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining, or operating a qualified pollution control project; (viii) entity that modernizes public school buildings or facilities pursuant to Article 3 (§ 22.1-141.1 et seq.) of Chapter 9 of Title 22.1; or (ix) other business as will be in furtherance of the public purposes of this article.

"Cost," as applied to the eligible business, means the cost of construction; the cost of acquisition of all lands, structures, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, and other property rights and interests; the cost of demolishing, removing, rehabilitating, or relocating any buildings or structures on lands acquired, including the cost of acquiring any such lands to which such buildings or structures may be moved, rehabilitated, or relocated; the cost of all labor, materials, machinery and equipment, financing charges, letter of credit or other credit enhancement fees, insurance premiums, interest on all bonds prior to and during construction or acquisition and, if deemed advisable by the Authority, for a period not exceeding one year after completion of such construction or acquisition, cost of engineering, financial and legal services, plans, specifications, studies, surveys, estimates of cost and of revenues, commissions, guaranty fees, other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicality of constructing, financing, or operating a project of an eligible business; administrative expenses, provisions for working capital, reserves for interest and for extensions, enlargements, additions, improvements and replacements, and such other expenses as may be necessary or incidental to the construction or acquisition of a project of an eligible business or the financing of such construction, acquisition, or expansion and the placing of a project of an eligible business in operation. Any obligation or expense incurred by the Commonwealth or any agency thereof, with the approval of the Authority for studies, surveys, borings, preparation of plans and specifications, or other work or materials in connection with the construction or acquisition of a project of an eligible business may be regarded as a part of the cost of a project of an eligible business and may be reimbursed to the Commonwealth or any agency thereof out of the proceeds of the bonds issued therefor.

"Eligible business" means any person engaged in one or more business enterprises in the Commonwealth that satisfies one or more of the following requirements: (i) is a for-profit enterprise that (a) has received $10 million or less in annual gross income under generally accepted accounting principles for each of its last three fiscal years or lesser time period if it has been in existence less than three years, (b) has fewer than 250 employees, (c) has a net worth of $2 million or less, (d) exists for the sole purpose of developing or operating a qualified transportation facility under the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 (§ 33.2-1800 et seq.), (e) exists for the primary purpose of developing or operating a qualified energy project, (f) is required by state or federal law to develop or operate a qualified pollution control project, or (g) meets such other satisfactory requirements as the Board shall determine from time to time if it finds and determines such person is in need of its assistance or (ii) is a not-for-profit entity granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operating in the Commonwealth.

"Federal Act" means the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, 15 U.S.C. § 661 et seq., as amended from time to time.

"Indenture" means any trust agreement, deed of trust, mortgage, or other security agreement under which bonds authorized pursuant to this article shall be issued or secured.

"Internal Revenue Code" means the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

"Lender" means any federal- or state-chartered bank, federal land bank, production credit association, bank for cooperatives, federal- or state-chartered savings institution, building and loan association, small business investment company, or any other financial institution qualified within the Commonwealth to originate and service loans, including insurance companies, credit unions, investment banking or brokerage companies, and mortgage loan companies.

"Loan" means any lease, loan agreement, or sales contract defined as follows:

1. "Lease" means any lease containing an option to purchase the project or projects of the eligible business being financed for a nominal sum upon payment in full, or provision thereof, of all bonds issued in connection with the eligible business and all interest thereon and principal of and premium, if any, thereon and all other expenses in connection therewith.

2. "Loan agreement" means an agreement providing for a loan of proceeds from the sale and issuance of bonds by the Authority or by a lender with which the Authority has contracted to loan such proceeds to one or more contracting parties to be used to pay the cost of one or more projects of an eligible business and providing for the repayment of such loan including all interest thereon, and principal of and premium, if any, thereon and all other expenses in connection therewith, by such contracting party or parties and which may provide for such loans to be secured or evidenced by one or more notes, debentures, bonds, or other secured or unsecured debt obligations of such contracting party or parties, delivered to the Authority or to a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which the bonds were issued.

3. "Sales contract" means a contract providing for the sale of one or more projects of an eligible business to one or more contracting parties and includes a contract providing for payment of the purchase price including all interest thereon, and principal of and premium, if any, thereon and all other expenses in connection therewith, in one or more installments. If the sales contract permits title to a project being sold to an eligible business to pass to such contracting party or parties prior to payment in full of the entire purchase price, it also shall provide for such contracting party or parties to deliver to the Authority or to the trustee under the indenture pursuant to which the bonds were issued, one or more notes, debentures, bonds, or other secured or unsecured debt obligations of such contracting party or parties providing for timely payments of the purchase price thereof.

"Municipality" means any county or incorporated city or town in the Commonwealth.

"Preferred lender" means a bank that is subject to continuing supervision and examination by state or federal chartering, licensing, or similar regulatory authority satisfactory to the Authority and that meets the eligibility requirements established by the Authority.

"Qualified energy project" means a solar-powered or wind-powered electricity generation facility located in the Commonwealth on premises owned or leased by an eligible customer-generator, as defined in § 56-594, the electricity generated from which is sold exclusively to the eligible customer-generator under a power purchase agreement used to provide third party financing of the costs of such a renewable generation facility (third party power purchase agreement) pursuant to a pilot program established under Chapter 382 of the Acts of Assembly of 2013.

"Qualified pollution control project" means environmental pollution control and prevention equipment certified by the business enterprise or eligible business as being needed to comply with the federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.), the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq.).

"Revenues" means any and all fees, rates, rentals, profits, and receipts collected by, payable to, or otherwise derived by, the Authority, and all other moneys and income of whatsoever kind or character collected by, payable to, or otherwise derived by, the Authority in connection with loans to any eligible business in furtherance of the purposes of this article.

"Statewide Development Company" means the corporation chartered under this article for purposes of qualification as a state development company as such term is defined in the Federal Act.

1984, c. 749, §§ 9-197, 9-199; 1996, c. 77; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 339; 2008, c. 744; 2009, c. 565; 2014, c. 732; 2019, cc. 818, 819.

A. The General Assembly finds and determines that (i) there exists in the Commonwealth a need to assist small and other eligible businesses in the Commonwealth in obtaining financing for new business or in the expansion of existing business in order to promote and develop industrial development and to further the long-term economic development of the Commonwealth through the improvement of its tax base and the promotion of employment and (ii) it is necessary to create a governmental body to provide financial assistance to small and other eligible businesses in the Commonwealth by providing loans, guarantees, insurance and other assistance to small and other eligible businesses, thereby encouraging the investment of private capital in small and other eligible businesses in the Commonwealth. The creation of this governmental body to assist in such matters is essential to the industrial development of the Commonwealth. In making these determinations, the General Assembly has considered and affirmatively expresses its policy to assist small and other eligible businesses in Virginia, acknowledging that this determination has and will affect competition.

It is further declared that all of the foregoing are public purposes and that the activities of the Authority will serve a public purpose in that they will promote industry, develop trade and increase employment opportunities for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth, either through the increase of commerce or through the promotion of safety, health, welfare, convenience or prosperity; and that the necessity of enacting the provisions herein set forth is in the public interest and is so declared as a matter of express legislative determination.

B. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority is created, with such powers and duties as are set forth in this article, as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. All powers, rights and duties conferred by this article or other provisions of law upon the Authority shall be exercised by the Board.

1984, c. 749, § 9-201; 2001, c. 844; 2009, c. 565.

Nothing contained in this article shall be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers that the Authority might otherwise have under any other law of the Commonwealth, and this article supersedes all other laws in conflict herewith and is cumulative to such powers. Insofar as the provisions of this article are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, the provisions of this article shall be controlling and the powers conferred by this article shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by any other laws. No proceedings, notice or approval shall be required for the issuance of any bonds or any instrument or the security therefor, except as provided in this article.

The provisions of this article shall be liberally construed to accomplish the purposes of this article.

1984, c. 749, § 9-200; 2001, c. 844.

A. The Board shall consist of the State Treasurer or his designee, the Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, and nine members who are not employees of the Commonwealth or of any political subdivision thereof who shall be appointed by the Governor, who shall have such small business experience as he deems necessary or desirable and at least five of whom shall have experience in small business lending. The appointment of members of the Board by the Governor shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. All members of the Board shall be residents of the Commonwealth and shall have full voting privileges. Appointments shall be for terms of four years, except that appointments to fill vacancies shall be made for the unexpired terms. No member appointed by the Governor shall serve more than two complete terms in succession. The members of the Board shall receive no salaries but shall be paid travel and other expenses incurred to attend meetings or while otherwise engaged in the discharge of their duties, all as may be deemed appropriate by the Board.

B. The Governor shall appoint one member as chairman for a two-year term. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms as chairman. Five members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business of the Authority. The Board shall elect one member from the group of nine members appointed by the Governor as vice-chairman who shall exercise the powers of the chairman in the absence of the chairman. The Board shall elect a secretary and a treasurer, or a secretary-treasurer, who need not be members of the Board and who shall continue to hold such office until their respective successors are elected. The Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity of the Commonwealth shall serve as staff to the Authority.

1984, c. 749, § 9-202; 1987, c. 688; 1991, c. 190; 1996, cc. 589, 599; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 239; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2013, c. 482; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 11.

Board meetings shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever any four members so request. In any event, the Board shall meet as necessary to attend to the business of the Authority.

1984, c. 749, § 9-203; 1990, c. 387; 2001, c. 844.

The Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity shall appoint the Executive Director of the Authority. The Executive Director shall administer, manage and direct the affairs and activities of the Authority in accordance with the policies and under the control and the direction of the Board and the Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. Except as otherwise stated in this article, the Executive Director shall approve all accounts for allowable expenses for the Authority or of any employee or consultant or other person providing services to the Board, and for expenses incidental to the operation of the Authority subject to approval of the Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. The Executive Director shall maintain and be custodian of all books, documents and papers of or filed with the Authority, including but not limited to the minute book or journal of the Authority, and of its official seal. The Executive Director may cause copies to be made of all minutes and other records and documents of the Authority and may in the place and stead of the Secretary of the Authority give certificates under seal of the Authority to the effect that such copies are true copies, and all persons dealing with the Authority may rely on such certificates. The Executive Director also shall perform such other duties as prescribed by the Board in carrying out the purposes of this article.

1984, c. 749, § 9-204; 1990, c. 387; 1996, cc. 589, 599; 2001, c. 844; 2013, c. 482.

The Authority is granted all powers necessary or appropriate to carry out and effectuate its purposes including, but not limited to, the following powers to:

1. Have perpetual existence as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth;

2. Adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules and regulations not inconsistent with this article, to regulate its affairs and to carry into effect the powers and the purposes of the Authority and for the conduct of its business;

3. Sue and be sued in its name including but not limited to bringing actions pursuant to Article 6 (§ 15.2-2650 et seq.) of Chapter 26 of Title 15.2 to determine the validity of any issuance or proposed issuance of its bonds under this article and the legality and validity of all proceedings previously taken or proposed in a resolution of the Authority to be taken for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such bonds and for the payment of the principal thereof and interest thereon;

4. Have an official seal and alter it at will;

5. Maintain an office at such place within the Commonwealth as it may designate;

6. Make and execute contracts and all other instruments necessary and convenient for the performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers under this article upon such terms and conditions it deems appropriate;

7. Employ office personnel, advisers, consultants, professionals and agents as may be necessary in its judgment, and to fix their compensation;

8. Procure insurance against any loss in connection with its property and other assets, including but not limited to loans in such amounts and from such insurers as it deems advisable;

9. Borrow money and issue bonds as provided by this article;

10. Procure insurance or guarantees from any public or private entities, including any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States of America, or, subject to the provisions of and to the extent moneys are available in the fund created by § 2.2-2290, insure or guarantee the payment of any bonds issued by the Authority, including the power to pay premiums on any such insurance or guarantees or other instruments of indebtedness;

11. Receive and accept from any source aid or contributions of money, property, labor or other things of value to be held, used and applied to carry out the purposes of this article (subject, however, to any conditions upon which grants or contributions are made) including, but not limited to gifts or grants from any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States;

12. Enter into agreements with any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States or of the Commonwealth and with lenders and enter into loans with contracting parties for the purpose of planning, regulating and providing for the financing or assisting in the financing of any eligible business or any project thereof;

13. Enter into contracts or agreements with lenders for the servicing and/or processing of loans;

14. Provide technical assistance to local industrial development authorities and to profit and nonprofit entities in the development or operation by, or assistance to, persons engaged in small business enterprises and distribute data and information concerning the encouragement and improvement of small business enterprises in the Commonwealth;

15. To the extent permitted in the proceedings pursuant to which the bonds of the Authority are issued, consent to any modification with respect to the rate of interest, time for, and payment of, any installment of principal or interest, or any other term of any contract, loan, sales contract, lease, indenture or agreement of any kind to which the Authority is a party;

16. To the extent permitted in the proceedings pursuant to which the bonds of the Authority are issued, enter into contracts with any lender containing provisions authorizing the lender to reduce the charges or fees, exclusive of loan payments, to persons unable to pay the regular schedule thereof when, by reason of other income or payment by any department, agency or instrumentality of the United States or the Commonwealth, the reduction can be made without jeopardizing the economic stability of the eligible business being financed;

17. Allocate any of its property to the insurance or guarantee fund established by § 2.2-2290 or to any other fund of the Authority, such property consisting of:

a. Moneys appropriated by the Commonwealth;

b. Premiums, fees and any other amounts received by the Authority with respect to financial assistance provided by the Authority;

c. Proceeds as designated by the Authority from the loan or other disposition of property held or acquired by the Authority;

d. Income from investments that were made by the Authority or on the behalf of the Authority from moneys in one or more of its funds; or

e. Any other moneys made available to the Authority consistent with this article;

18. Use any fund of the Authority for any and all expenses to be paid by the Authority including, but not limited to: (i) any and all expenses for administrative, legal, actuarial, and other services; (ii) all costs, charges, fees and expenses of the Authority relating to the authorizing, preparing, printing, selling, issuing, and insuring of bonds and the funding of reserves; and (iii) all expenses and costs relating to the guaranteeing, insuring or procurement of guarantees, insurance or other instruments providing credit or the enhancement of credit for the bonds;

19. Collect fees and charges the Authority determines to be reasonable in connection with its loans, insurance, guarantees, commitments and servicing thereof;

20. Sell, at public or private sale, with or without public bidding, any obligation held by the Authority;

21. Invest any funds not needed for immediate disbursement, including any funds held in reserve, in any obligations or securities that may be legally purchased by political subdivisions in the Commonwealth or as may be otherwise permitted by § 2.2-2305;

22. Administer the Private Activity Bonds program in Chapter 50 (§ 15.2-5000 et seq.) of Title 15.2 jointly with the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Housing Development Authority;

23. Create and establish such funds and accounts as may be necessary or desirable for its purposes;

24. Enter into agreements the purpose of which is to authorize lenders that have been designated as preferred lenders to undertake loan decisioning and processing functions and responsibilities with respect to certain Authority guaranteed loans without obtaining prior Authority approval. Under such agreements, the Authority will provide each preferred lender credit authority equal to an amount determined by the Authority, or an amount equal to the funds available for such guarantees, whichever is less, for the period designated in the allocation. The preferred lender's allocation of credit authority shall be increased only by written permission of the Authority and shall not be restored automatically by the receipt of payments on Authority loans; and

25. Take any action necessary or convenient for the exercise of the powers granted by this article or reasonably implied from them.

1984, c. 749, §§ 9-205, 9-228; 1995, c. 128; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 339; 2005, c. 624; 2008, cc. 445, 744.

The Authority may condemn property in furtherance of its purposes; provided, that any such condemnation shall be approved by the governing body of the municipality having jurisdiction over the property so condemned. Any property condemned by the Authority shall not be sold or leased by the Authority unless the Authority, preceding the consummation of any such sale or lease, finds and determines that such sale or lease is in furtherance of, or incidental to, the main purposes of the Authority under this article or that such property is no longer needed in furtherance of, or incidental to, such purposes. Any exercise of the power to condemn as authorized by this section shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2 (§ 25.1-200 et seq.) of Title 25.1.

1984, c. 749, § 9-206; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 940.

The Authority may borrow money and issue bonds to pay the cost of the projects for which the bonds have been issued, including but not limited to the power to issue bonds to renew or to pay bonds, including the interest thereon. Whenever it deems refunding expedient it may refund any bonds by the issuance of new bonds, whether the bonds to be refunded have or have not matured, and to issue bonds partly to refund outstanding bonds. Refunding bonds may be sold and the proceeds applied to the purchase, redemption or payment of the bonds to be refunded, or exchanged for the bonds to be refunded. The Authority may undertake the financing of the cost of a project for an eligible business from the proceeds of its bonds by one or more of the following methods: (i) entering into a lease for the facilities of the eligible business being financed; (ii) selling such facilities to the eligible business under a sales contract; (iii) lending the proceeds of the sale of the bonds under a loan agreement with the eligible business; (iv) entering into a loans to lenders transaction in the manner described in § 2.2-2293; or (v) entering into such other transactions as the Board deems appropriate to accomplish the purposes of this article.

1984, c. 749, § 9-207; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 339.

In addition to and not as a limitation upon the powers to issue bonds as elsewhere expressed in this article, the Authority may, with proceeds of an issue of its bonds, participate with lenders in making or purchasing small business loans, not exceeding as to any one such loan one million dollars in principal amount, to be serviced by such lenders, provided that:

1. The Authority's share shall not exceed ninety percent of the total principal amount of any such loan, and such participation shall be payable with interest at the same times, but not necessarily at the same interest rate, as the share of the lender, and both shares shall be equally and ratably secured by a valid mortgage on, or security interest in, real or personal property or by any other security satisfactory to the Authority to secure payment of the loan; however, the Authority's share of any such loan may equal 100 percent of the total principal amount of the small business loan if the lender participating in the making or purchasing of such small business loan by servicing the loan, purchases 100 percent of the total amount of the bonds issued by the Authority in connection with or allocable to such small business loan;

2. The total principal amount of the Authority's share shall not exceed ninety percent of the value of the property securing the small business loan, unless the amount in excess of ninety percent is:

a. Loaned from available funds that are not proceeds received directly from the sale of the Authority's bonds and are not restricted under the terms of the resolution authorizing, or the indenture securing such bonds, or

b. Insured or guaranteed by a federal agency or by a private insurer qualified to write such insurance in the Commonwealth, insuring a percentage of any claim for loss at least equal to that percentage of the value by which the small business loan exceeds ninety percent thereof;

3. The value of the property securing the small business loan is certified by the participating lender, on the basis of such appraisals, bids, purchase orders, and engineers' certificates as the Authority may require; provided that the value of items purchased and constructed from the proceeds of the small business loan shall not be deemed, for purposes of this section, to exceed the contract price in respect of purchase or construction;

4. The Authority shall not disburse funds under a commitment to participate in a small business loan for the construction or substantial improvement of property until the construction or improvement has been completed, unless a lender furnishes an irrevocable letter of credit or a qualified corporate surety furnishes payment and performance bonds, in either event satisfactory to the Authority and in an aggregate amount equal to the cost of such construction or improvement;

5. No other indebtedness may be secured by a mortgage on, or security interest in, property securing a small business loan made or purchased pursuant to this subdivision without the prior express written authorization of the Authority; and

6. The participating lender agrees to use the proceeds of the small business loan to lend to eligible small businesses in the Commonwealth.

1984, c. 749, § 9-209; 2001, c. 844.

In addition to the powers of the Authority to issue bonds, it may issue bonds, the proceeds of which, after payment of the costs of issuance thereof, shall be used to make loans, no single loan to be in excess of ten million dollars in aggregate principal amount, to finance or refinance the projects of eligible businesses. The Authority shall adopt such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section and to provide procedures for the making of such loans and the repayment thereof.

1984, c. 749, § 9-210; 1986, c. 297; 2001, c. 844; 2009, c. 565.

There is created an insurance or guarantee fund of the Authority that may be used for any of the following purposes:

1. To insure the payment or repayment of all or any part of the principal of, redemption or prepayment premiums or penalties on, and interest on its bonds;

2. To insure the payment or repayment of all or any part of the principal of, redemption or prepayment premiums or penalties on, and interest on any instrument executed, obtained or delivered in connection with the issuance and sale of its bonds; and

3. To pay or insure the payment of any fees or premiums necessary to obtain insurance, guarantees, or other instruments or enhancement of credit for or support from any person in connection with financing assistance provided by the Authority under this article including but not limited to working capital loans made by a lender, a preferred lender, or both.

1984, c. 749, § 9-211; 2001, c. 844; 2008, c. 744.

A. The bonds or instruments with respect to which financial assistance is provided by the Authority shall be secured or unsecured in a manner approved by the Board in its sole discretion.

B. The Board may set the premiums and fees to be paid to it for providing financial assistance under this article. The premiums and fees and expenses set by the Board shall be payable in the amounts, at the time and in the manner that the Board, in its discretion, requires. The premiums and fees need not be uniform among transactions and may vary in amount among transactions and at different stages during the terms of the transactions.

C. No portion of the proceeds of an issue of the Authority's bonds that are exempt under federal taxation as qualified bonds under Section 141(e) of the Internal Revenue Code shall be used to provide facilities prohibited in Section 147(e) of the Internal Revenue Code.

1984, c. 749, §§ 9-212, 9-213, 9-215; 2001, c. 844; 2009, c. 565.

Whenever federal law requires public hearings and public approval as a prerequisite to obtaining federal tax exemption for the interest paid on private activity bonds under § 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code, unless otherwise specified by federal law or regulation, the public hearing for private activity bonds of the Authority shall be conducted by the Authority and the procedure for the public hearing and public approvals shall be as follows:

1. For a public hearing by the Authority:

a. Notice of the hearing shall be published not less than seven days in advance of such hearing in a newspaper published or having general circulation in the locality in which the facility to be financed is to be located. The applicant shall pay the cost of notification. The notice shall specify the time and place of hearing at which persons may appear and present their views. The hearing shall be held not less than seven days after the notice has been published. The hearing may be held at any place within the Commonwealth determined by the Board.

b. The notice shall contain (i) the name and address of the Authority; (ii) the name and address of the principal place of business, if any, of the applicant seeking financing; (iii) the maximum dollar amount of financing sought; and (iv) the type of business and purpose and specific location, if known, of the facility to be financed.

c. The Authority may require any request for private activity bond financing when submitted to the Authority to be accompanied by a statement in the following form, but the absence of any such form shall not affect the validity of a private activity bond:

Name of Applicant: _______________________

Facility: ______________________

Date: ______

Maximum amount of financing sought: ____$

Estimated taxable value of the facility's real property in the municipality in which it is located. ____$

Estimated taxable value of the facility's real property once constructed or expanded. ____$

Estimated real property tax per year using present tax rates on the facility's real property once constructed or expanded.____$

Estimated personal property tax per year from property to be located in expanded or constructed facility using present tax rate. ____$

Estimated merchants' capital tax per year from property to be located in expanded or constructed facility using present tax rate. ____$

Estimated dollar value per year of goods and services that will be purchased in the Commonwealth during construction or expansion of facility. ____$

Estimated dollar value per year of goods and services that will be purchased in the Commonwealth for the operation of the facility. ____$

Estimated dollar value per year of goods and services that will be produced and sold from the facility. ____$

Estimated number of employees during construction or expansion __

Estimated number of regular employees on a year round basis during operation of the facility __

Average annual salary per regular employee during operation of the facility. ____$

Estimated payroll for labor during construction or expansion of the facility.____$

If any of the above questions do not apply to the eligible business being financed, indicate by writing N/A (not applicable) on the appropriate line.

2. For public approval, the Governor is appointed by this article as the applicable elected representative within the meaning of § 147(f)(2)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code.

1984, c. 749, § 9-216; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 339; 2009, c. 565; 2023, c. 130.

The Authority may make, and undertake commitments to make, loans to lenders under terms and conditions requiring the proceeds thereof to be used by the lenders to make loans to eligible small businesses. Loan commitments or actual loans may be originated through and serviced by any such lender. As a condition to a lender's participating in the loan, the lender shall agree to use the proceeds of the loan within a reasonable period of time to make loans or purchase loans to provide to eligible small businesses, or finance the projects of eligible small businesses, in the Commonwealth or, if the lender has made a commitment to make loans to eligible small businesses on the basis of a commitment from the Authority to purchase the loans, the lender shall make the loans within a reasonable period of time.

1984, c. 749, § 9-217; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority may invest in, purchase or make commitments to invest in or purchase, and take assignments or make commitments to take assignments, of loans made by lenders for the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, expansion or purchase of a project for eligible business.

1984, c. 749, § 9-218; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 339.

Prior to carrying out the powers granted under §§ 2.2-2293 and 2.2-2294, the Authority shall adopt rules and regulations governing its activities including but not limited to rules and regulations relating to the following:

1. Procedures for the submission of requests or invitations and proposals for making loans to lenders and the investment in, purchase, assignment and sale of loans;

2. The reinvestment by a lender of the proceeds, or an equivalent amount, from any loan to a lender in loans to provide financing for eligible business in the Commonwealth;

3. Assurances that the eligible business to be financed will improve employment conditions or otherwise improve industrial development in the Commonwealth;

4. Rates, fees, charges, and other terms and conditions for originating or servicing loans in order to protect against realization of an excessive financial return or benefit by the originator or servicer;

5. The type and amount of collateral or security to be provided to assure repayment of loans to lenders made by the Authority;

6. The type of collateral, payment bonds, performance bonds or other security to be provided for any loans made by a lender for construction loans;

7. The nature and amount of fees to be charged by the Authority to provide for expenses and reserves of the Authority;

8. Standards and requirements for the allocation of available money among lenders and the determination of the maturities, terms, conditions and interest rates for loans made, purchased, sold, assigned or committed pursuant hereto;

9. Commitment requirements for financing by lenders involving money provided, directly or indirectly, by the Authority; or

10. Any other appropriate matters related to the duties or exercise of the Authority's powers.

1984, c. 749, § 9-219; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 339.

Except as may otherwise be expressly provided by the Authority in proceedings relating to a particular issue of bonds, every issue of its bonds shall be payable solely out of any revenues of the Authority. The bonds additionally may be secured by a pledge of any grant, contribution or guarantee from the federal government or any person or a pledge by the Authority of any revenues from any source.

1984, c. 749, § 9-220; 2001, c. 844.

No bonds issued or loans or loan guarantees made by the Authority under this article shall constitute a debt, liability or general obligation of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof (other than the Authority), or a pledge of the faith and credit of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof (other than the Authority), but shall be payable solely as provided by the Authority. No member or officer of the Board nor any person executing the bonds, loans, or loan guarantees shall be liable personally on the bonds, loans, or loan guarantees by reason of the issuance thereof. Each bond issued or loan or loan guarantee made under this article shall contain on the face thereof a statement that neither the Commonwealth, nor any other political subdivision thereof, shall be obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon or other costs incident thereto except from the revenue or money pledged by the Authority and that neither the faith and credit nor the taxing power of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof is pledged to the payment of the principal of, or the interest on, such bond, loan, or loan guarantee.

1984, c. 749, § 9-221; 1997, c. 815; 2001, c. 844.

The bonds shall be authorized by a resolution of the Board, shall bear such date or dates, and shall mature at such time as such resolution may provide, except that no bond shall mature more than fifty years from the date of issue. The bonds shall (i) bear interest at such rates, including variations of such rates; (ii) be in such denominations; (iii) be in such form; (iv) carry such registration privileges; (v) be executed in such manner; (vi) be payable in such medium of payment, at such place; and (vii) be subject to such terms of redemption, including redemption prior to maturity, as the resolution may provide. Except as expressly provided otherwise in this article, the provisions of other laws of the Commonwealth relating to the issuance of revenue bonds shall not apply to bonds issued by the Authority. Bonds of the Authority may be sold by the Authority at public or private sale and at such price as the Authority determines.

1984, c. 749, § 9-222; 2001, c. 844.

Any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds may contain provisions for:

1. Pledging all or any part of the revenues of the Authority to secure the payment of the bonds, subject to the terms of the proceedings relating to other bonds of the Authority as may then exist;

2. Pledging all or any part of the assets of the Authority, including loans and obligations securing the same, to secure the payment of the bonds, subject to the terms of the proceedings relating to other bonds of the Authority as may then exist;

3. The use and disposition of the gross income from loans owned by the Authority and payment of the principal of loans owned by the Authority;

4. The setting aside of reserves or sinking funds and the regulations and disposition thereof;

5. Limitations on the purposes to which the proceeds from the sale of bonds may be applied and pledging the proceeds to secure the payment of the bonds;

6. Limitations on the issuance of additional bonds, the terms upon which additional bonds may be issued and secured, and the refunding of outstanding or other bonds;

7. The procedure, if any, by which the terms of any of the proceedings under which the bonds are being issued may be amended or abrogated, the number or percentage of bondholders who or which must consent thereto, and the manner in which the consent may be given;

8. The vesting in a trustee of such property, rights, powers and duties in trust as the Authority may determine, and limiting or abrogating the right of bondholders to appoint a trustee or limiting the rights, powers and duties of the trustee;

9. Defining the act or omissions to act that shall constitute a default and the obligations or duties of the Authority to the holders of the bonds, and providing for the rights and remedies of the holders of the bonds in the event of default, which rights and remedies may include the general laws of the Commonwealth and other provisions of this article; or

10. Any other matter, of like or different character, which in any way affects the security or protection of the holders of the bonds.

1984, c. 749, § 9-223; 2001, c. 844.

Any pledge made by the Authority shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge was made. The revenues or properties so pledged and thereafter received by the Authority shall immediately be subject to the lien of such pledge without any physical delivery thereof or further act, and the lien of any such pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against the Authority, irrespective of whether the parties have notice thereof. Neither the resolution nor any other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded.

1984, c. 749, § 9-224; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority, subject to the provisions in proceedings relating to outstanding bonds as may then exist, may purchase bonds out of any funds available therefor, which shall thereupon be cancelled, at any reasonable price which, if the bonds are then redeemable, shall not exceed the redemption price (and premium, if any) then applicable plus accrued interest to the redemption date thereof.

1984, c. 749, § 9-225; 2001, c. 844.

The bonds may be secured by an indenture by and between the Authority and a corporate trustee that may be any bank or other corporation having the power of a trust company or any trust company within or without the Commonwealth. The indenture may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of the Authority in relation to the exercise of its powers and the custody, safekeeping and application of all money. The Authority may provide by the indenture for the payment of the proceeds of the bonds and revenues to the trustee under the indenture or other depository, and for the method of disbursement thereof, with such safeguards and restrictions as the Authority may determine. If the bonds are secured by an indenture, the bondholders shall have no authority to appoint a separate trustee to represent them.

1984, c. 749, § 9-226; 2001, c. 844.

In the event that any of the members or officers of the Board cease to be members or officers of the Board prior to the delivery of any bonds signed by them, their signatures or facsimiles thereof shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes as if they had remained in office until such delivery.

1984, c. 749, § 9-227; 2001, c. 844.

All money of the Authority, except as otherwise authorized in this article, shall be deposited as soon as practicable in a separate account in banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or in national banking associations doing business in the Commonwealth. The money in such accounts shall be paid by checks signed by the Executive Director or other officer or employees of the Authority as the Authority shall authorize. All deposits of money shall, if required by the Authority, be secured in such manner as the Authority determines to be prudent, and all banks or trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits.

1984, c. 749, § 9-229; 2001, c. 844.

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-2304, the Authority may contract with the holders of any of its bonds as to the custody, collection, securing, investment and payment of any money of the Authority and of any money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds, and to carry out such contract. Money held in trust or otherwise for the payment of bonds or in any way to secure bonds and deposits of money may be secured in the same manner as money of the Authority, and all banks and trust companies are authorized to give security for the deposits.

1984, c. 749, § 9-230; 2001, c. 844.

Subsequent amendments to this article shall not limit the rights vested in the Authority with respect to any agreements made with, or remedies available to, the holders of bonds issued under this article prior to the enactment of the amendments until the bonds, together with all interest thereon, and all costs and expenses in connection with any proceeding by or on behalf of the holders, are fully met and discharged.

1984, c. 749, § 9-231; 2001, c. 844.

The bonds issued by the Authority in accordance with this article shall be legal investments in which all public officers or public bodies of the Commonwealth, its political subdivisions, all municipalities and municipal subdivisions, all insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on insurance business, all banks, bankers, banking associations, trust companies, savings institutions, building and loan associations, and investment companies, all administrators, guardians, executors, trustees and other fiduciaries, and all other persons who are now or may later be authorized to invest in bonds or in other obligations of the Commonwealth, may invest funds, including capital, in their control or belonging to them. The bonds shall also be securities that may be deposited with and received by all public officers and bodies of the Commonwealth or any agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth and all municipalities and public corporations for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of the Commonwealth is now or may be later authorized by law.

1984, c. 749, § 9-234; 1996, c. 77; 2001, c. 844.

All expenses incurred by the Authority in carrying out the provisions of this article shall be payable solely from funds provided under this article, and nothing in this article shall be construed to authorize the Authority to incur indebtedness or liability on behalf of or payable by the Commonwealth or any of its other political subdivisions.

1984, c. 749, § 9-232; 2001, c. 844.

A. In addition to any other fund or account the Authority may create pursuant to subdivision 23 of § 2.2-2285, there shall be a permanent fund known as the Virginia Export Fund (the Fund). The Fund shall be comprised of (i) sums appropriated to it by the General Assembly, (ii) receipts by the Fund from loans or loan guarantees made against it, (iii) all income from the investment of moneys held by the Fund, and (iv) any other sums designated for deposit to the Fund from any source, public or private. The Fund shall be administered and managed by the Authority, and all moneys in the Fund shall be used to provide loans or loan guarantees as provided in subsection D. Any balances remaining in the Fund shall not revert to the general fund but shall be retained in order to make additional loans or loan guarantees.

B. All moneys belonging to the Fund shall be deposited to the credit of the State Treasurer and recorded on the books of the State Comptroller. Earnings from investments and interest shall be returned to the Fund.

C. The Authority, or its designated agent, may collect moneys due to the Fund. Proceedings to recover moneys due to the Fund may be instituted by the Authority in the name of the Fund in any appropriate court.

D. The Fund shall be used to make loans or to provide a guarantee for up to ninety percent of the principal amount of any commercial loan or line of credit made by a lender for the purpose of facilitating the sale of goods, products, or services outside of the United States by persons, firms, or corporations utilizing a Virginia air, land, or sea port to ship such goods, products, or services. Such guarantee shall not exceed one million dollars.

E. The Authority shall determine the terms and conditions of any loans or loan guarantee made against the Fund and may allow for use of the Fund in single or multiple transactions. No loan shall exceed a term of twelve months, nor shall a loan guarantee exceed a term of eighteen months. In the case of loans, the Authority shall charge an annual interest rate. In the case of guarantees, the Authority shall charge an annual guarantee fee. However, the Authority may waive such guarantee fees in an economically distressed area as defined in § 58.1-439. In connection with applications for loans or loan guarantees made against the Fund, the Authority may require the production of any document, instrument, certificate, legal opinion, or other information it deems necessary or convenient.

F. All loans or loan guarantees made against the Fund shall be approved by the Board or an authorized committee or subcommittee thereof.

1997, c. 815, §§ 9-228.1, 9-228.2, 9-228.3, 9-228.4; 1999, c. 785; 2001, c. 844.

A. In addition to any other fund or account the Authority may create pursuant to subdivision 23 of § 2.2-2285, there shall be a permanent fund known as the Virginia Small Business Growth Fund (the "Fund"). The Fund shall be comprised of (i) sums appropriated to it by the General Assembly, (ii) all income from the investment of moneys held by the Fund, and (iii) any other sums designated for deposit to the Fund from any source, public or private. The Fund shall be administered and managed by the Authority, and all moneys in the Fund shall be used to create special reserve funds to cover potential future losses from the loan portfolios of participating banks and lending institutions as provided in subsection D. Any remaining balances in the Fund shall not revert to the general fund but shall be retained in order to create additional special reserve funds.

B. All moneys belonging to the Fund shall be deposited to the credit of the State Treasurer and recorded on the books of the State Comptroller. Earnings from investments and interest shall be returned to the Fund.

C. The Authority, or its designated agent, may collect moneys owed to the Fund. Proceedings to recover moneys owed to the Fund may be instituted by the Authority in the name of the Fund in any appropriate court.

D. The Fund shall be used as a special reserve fund to cover potential future losses from the loan portfolios of participating banks and lending institutions. The Authority shall (i) work with banks and lending institutions to establish a separate account for the Virginia Small Business Growth Fund in each participating bank or lending institution and (ii) deposit into such accounts moneys from the Fund in an amount at least equal to the total of the sum of the bank or lending institution's and the individual borrower's deposits into such account. Such matching sum by the Authority shall not exceed fourteen percent of the principal amount of the loan.

E. The Authority shall determine the qualifications, terms, and conditions for the use of the Fund and the accounts thereof. In connection with applications for claims made against the Fund, the Authority may require the production of any document, instrument, certificate, legal opinion, or any other information it deems necessary or convenient. All claims made against the Fund shall be approved by the Board or an authorized committee or subcommittee thereof. All claims made against each account shall be reported to the Board or an authorized committee thereof.

1997, c. 870, §§ 9-228.5, 9-228.6, 9-228.7, 9-228.8; 2000, c. 40; 2001, c. 844.

Repealed by Acts 2015, cc. 696 and 697, cl. 2.

A. For the purposes of this section:

"Eligible small business" means any person engaged in a for-profit business enterprise in the Commonwealth and such enterprise has (i) $10 million or less in annual gross income under generally accepted accounting principles for up to each of its last three fiscal years or lesser time period if it has been in existence less than three years, (ii) fewer than 250 employees, or (iii) a net worth of $1 million or less, or such business enterprise meets such other satisfactory requirements as the Board shall determine from time to time upon a finding that such business enterprise is in need of assistance.

"Fund" means the Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business Loan Fund.

"Minority-owned business" means a for-profit small business concern that is majority-owned by one or more individuals of an ethnic or racial minority. In the case of a corporation, a majority of the stock shall be owned by one or more such individuals and the management and daily business operations shall be controlled by one or more of the individuals of an ethnic or racial minority who own it.

"Women-owned business" means a for-profit small business concern that is majority-owned by one or more women. In the case of a corporation, a majority of the stock shall be owned by one or more women and the management and daily business operations shall be controlled by one or more of the women who own it.

B. There is created a permanent revolving loan fund to be known as the Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business Loan Fund. The Fund shall be comprised of (i) moneys appropriated to the Fund by the General Assembly, (ii) moneys collected by the Authority as a result of loan repayments, (iii) all income from the investment of moneys held by the Fund, and (iv) any other moneys designated for deposit to the Fund from any source, public or private. 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 provide direct loans to eligible small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. The Fund shall be managed and administered by the Authority with guidance from the Director of the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity.

C. The Authority, or its designated agents, shall determine the qualifications, terms, and conditions for the use of the Fund and the accounts thereof.

2015, cc. 696, 697; 2016, c. 519.

The Authority shall, within 120 days of the close of each fiscal year, submit an annual report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations. Each report shall set forth, for the preceding fiscal year, a complete operating and financial statement for the Authority and any loan fund or loan guarantee fund the Authority administers or manages. The report shall also include information regarding the percentage of loan and grant program funds that were utilized or awarded by the Authority during such year. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives shall audit the books and accounts of the Authority and any loan fund or loan guarantee fund the Authority administers or manages as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts.

1984, c. 749, § 9-235; 1997, c. 815; 2001, c. 844; 2018, cc. 57, 307; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 148.

The Authority shall conduct a risk-based review of all outstanding loans at least annually and report the results of such review to the Board.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 147.

The Authority is declared to be performing a public function and to be a public body corporate and a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. Accordingly, the income, including any profit made on the sale thereof from all bonds issued by the Authority, shall at all times be exempt from all taxation by the Commonwealth or any public subdivision thereof. If, after all indebtedness and other obligations of the Authority are discharged, the Authority is dissolved, its remaining assets shall inure to the benefit of the Commonwealth.

1984, c. 749, § 9-233; 2001, c. 844.

The provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) shall not apply to this article.

1984, c. 749, § 9-208; 2001, c. 844.

Article 8. Virginia Tourism Authority.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Virginia Tourism Authority Act.

B. The General Assembly finds and declares that:

1. There exists in all geographical regions of the Commonwealth a plethora of tourist attractions, including cultural, historical, commercial, educational, and recreational activities, locations, and sources of entertainment;

2. Such tourist attractions are of potential interest to millions of people who reside both in and outside the Commonwealth;

3. Promotion of tourism in the Commonwealth is necessary to increase the prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth;

4. A state tourism development authority is therefore necessary to stimulate the tourism segment of the economy by promoting, advertising, and marketing the Commonwealth's many tourist attractions and by coordinating other private and public efforts to do the same; and

5. The film industry is a legitimate and important part of economic development in the Commonwealth.

The General Assembly determines that the creation of an authority for this purpose is in the public interest, serves a public purpose and will promote the health, safety, welfare, convenience or prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth.

C. The Virginia Tourism Authority is created, with the duties and powers set forth in this article, as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Authority is constituted a public instrumentality exercising public and essential governmental functions, and the exercise by the Authority of the duties and powers conferred by this article shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essential governmental function of the Commonwealth. The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth and the increase of their commerce and prosperity. The Authority may do business as the "Virginia Tourism Corporation," and any references in the Code of Virginia or in any regulations adopted thereunder that refer to the Virginia Tourism Corporation shall, whenever necessary, be deemed to refer to the Authority.

1999, cc. 852, 881, §§ 2.1-548.53, 2.1-548.54, 2.1-548.56; 2001, c. 844.

A. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 2.2-2318, all powers, rights and duties conferred by this article or other provisions of law upon the Authority shall be exercised by an Executive Director with the advice and comment of a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be an advisory board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100.

B. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, the Lieutenant Governor, and 12 members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The members of the Board appointed by the Governor shall serve terms of six years. Any appointment to fill a vacancy on the Board shall be made for the unexpired term of the member whose death, resignation or removal created the vacancy. All members of the Board shall be residents of the Commonwealth. Members may be appointed to successive terms on the Board of Directors. The Governor shall make appointments in such a manner as to ensure the widest possible geographical representation of all parts of the Commonwealth.

Each member of the Board shall be reimbursed for his reasonable expenses incurred in attendance at meetings or when otherwise engaged in the business of the Authority and shall be compensated at the rate provided in § 2.2-2104 for each day or portion thereof in which the member is engaged in the business of the Authority.

C. The Governor shall designate one member of the Board as chairman. The Board may elect one member as vice-chairman, who shall exercise the powers of chairman in the absence of the chairman or as directed by the chairman. The Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, and the Lieutenant Governor shall not be eligible to serve as chairman or vice-chairman.

D. Meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or of any seven members. Nine members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Authority. An act of the majority of the members of the Board present at any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present shall be an act of the Board of Directors.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, no officer or employee of the Commonwealth shall be deemed to have forfeited or shall have forfeited his office or employment by reason of acceptance of membership on the Board or by providing service to the Authority.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.57; 2000, c. 899; 2001, c. 844; 2007, c. 779; 2010, c. 101; 2015, c. 280; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401.

The Governor shall appoint an Executive Director of the Authority, who shall serve as President and chief executive officer of the Authority. The Executive Director shall not be a member of the Board. The Governor shall set the salary and other compensation of the Executive Director, and shall approve any changes in the Executive Director's salary or compensation. The Executive Director shall serve as the ex officio secretary of the Board and shall administer, manage and direct the affairs and activities of the Authority. He shall attend meetings of the Board, shall keep a record of the proceedings of the Board and shall maintain and be custodian of all books, documents and papers of the Authority, the minute book of the Authority and its official seal. He may cause copies to be made of all minutes and other records and documents of the Authority and may give certificates under seal of the Authority to the effect that the copies are true copies, and all persons dealing with the Authority may rely upon the certificates. He shall also perform other duties as is necessary to carry out the purposes of this article. The Executive Director shall employ or retain such agents or employees subordinate to him as may be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Authority as conferred upon the Executive Director. Employees of the Authority, including the Executive Director, shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and participation in all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.58; 2001, c. 844; 2007, c. 779.

The Authority, acting through the Executive Director, shall be granted all powers necessary or appropriate to carry out and to effectuate its purposes, including the following to:

1. Have perpetual succession as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth;

2. Adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations, not inconsistent with this article for the administration and regulation of its affairs, to carry into effect the powers and purposes of the Authority and the conduct of its business;

3. Sue and be sued in its own name;

4. Have an official seal and alter it at will although the failure to affix this seal shall not affect the validity of any instrument executed on behalf of the Authority;

5. Maintain an office at any place within or without the Commonwealth that it designates;

6. Make and execute contracts and all other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient for the performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers and functions under this article;

7. Acquire real or personal property, or any interest therein, by purchase, exchange, gift, assignment, transfer, foreclosure, lease, or otherwise, including rights or easements, and hold, manage, operate, or improve such property;

8. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its properties and assets;

9. Employ officers, employees, agents, advisers, and consultants, including without limitation, financial advisers and other technical advisers and public accountants and, the provisions of any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, to determine their duties and compensation without the approval of any other agency or instrumentality;

10. Procure insurance, in amounts and from insurers of its choice, or provide self-insurance, against any loss, cost, or expense in connection with its property, assets, or activities, including insurance or self-insurance against liability for its acts or the acts of its directors, employees, or agents and for the indemnification of the members of its Board and its employees and agents;

11. Receive and accept from any source aid, grants, and contributions of money, property, labor, or other things of value to be held, used, and applied to carry out the purposes of this article subject to the conditions upon which the aid, grants, or contributions are made;

12. Enter into agreements with any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, the Commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or any state for purposes consistent with its mission;

13. Establish and revise, amend and repeal, and charge and collect, fees and charges in connection with any activities or services of the Authority;

14. Make grants to local governments with any funds of the Authority available for this purpose;

15. Develop policies and procedures generally applicable to the procurement of goods, services, and construction based on competitive principles;

16. Issue periodicals and carry and charge for advertising therein;

17. Raise money in the corporate, nonprofit, and nonstate communities to finance the Authority's activities;

18. Support and encourage each locality to foster its own tourism development programs;

19. Enter into agreements with public or private entities that provide participating funding to establish and operate tourism centers, funded jointly by the entity and the Authority, as shall be determined by the Executive Director, and as approved by the Authority;

20. Encourage, stimulate, and support tourism in the Commonwealth by promoting, marketing, and advertising the Commonwealth's many tourist attractions and locations;

21. Encourage, stimulate, and support the film industry in the Commonwealth;

22. Do all things necessary or proper to administer and manage the Cooperative Tourism Advertising Fund and the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund;

23. Update a travel guide for the disabled in the first year of every biennium beginning in fiscal year 2003;

24. Develop a comprehensive plan to promote destinations of historical and other significance located throughout the Commonwealth in anticipation of the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement;

25. In consultation with the Library of Virginia, the Virginia African American Advisory Board, established pursuant to § 2.2-2491, and other subject matter experts as deemed appropriate by the Authority, create guidelines for the Authority's publications and advertising materials to ensure the accurate representation in such publications and advertising materials of the experiences of enslaved persons at and the contributions of enslaved persons to properties in the Commonwealth with a historic link to slave ownership; and

26. Do any act necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers granted or reasonably implied by this article and not otherwise inconsistent with state law.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.59; 2001, cc. 67, 844; 2005, c. 360; 2007, c. 779; 2024, c. 531.

A. There is established the Cooperative Marketing Fund (Marketing Fund) for the purpose of encouraging, stimulating, and supporting the tourism segment of the economy of the Commonwealth and the direct and indirect benefits that flow from the success of such industry. To create the public-private partnership envisioned by such Marketing Fund, the Marketing Fund shall be established out of the sums appropriated by the General Assembly for the purpose of matching eligible funds to be used for the promotion, marketing, and advertising of the Commonwealth's many tourist attractions and locations. Proposals for new programs as well as existing programs with measurable return on investment shall be eligible for matching grant funds under this section only if they promote, benefit, market and advertise locations or destinations that are (i) solely within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth or (ii) in both the Commonwealth and any adjoining state, in which instance the matching grant funds should be used to promote locations and destinations located within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth. The funds made available in the appropriations act for the Marketing Fund shall be administered and managed by the Authority.

B. In the event more than one person seeks to take advantage of the benefits conferred by this section and the Marketing Fund is insufficient to accommodate all such requests, the matching formula shall be adjusted, to the extent practicable, to afford each request for which there is a valid public purpose an equitable share.

C. All persons seeking to receive or qualify for such matching funds shall apply to the Authority in January of the year preceding the fiscal year for which funds are sought, and to the extent the Governor concurs in such funding request, it shall be reflected in the Governor's Budget Bill filed pursuant to § 2.2-1509. The application shall set forth the applicant's proposals in detail. The Authority shall develop guidelines setting forth the criteria it will weigh in considering such applications; such guidelines may indicate a preference for proposals submitted by nonprofit organizations or state agencies. The guidelines may require that as a condition of receiving any grant or other incentive that is based on employment goals, a recipient company must provide copies of employer quarterly payroll reports provided to the Virginia Employment Commission to verify the employment status of any position included in the employment goal.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.60; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 442; 2013, c. 547; 2017, cc. 69, 267.

There is created a Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund (the Fund) to be used, in the sole discretion of the Governor, to support the film and video industries in Virginia by providing the means for attracting production companies and producers who make their projects in the Commonwealth using Virginia employees, goods and services. The Fund shall consist of any moneys appropriated to it in the general appropriation act or revenue from any other source. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller and any moneys remaining in the Fund at the end of a biennium shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Interest earned on the Fund shall be credited to the Fund.

The Fund shall be used by the Governor to assist production companies or producers that meet the eligibility requirements set forth in the guidelines. The Authority shall assist the Governor in the development of guidelines for the use of the Fund. The guidelines may require that as a condition of receiving any grant or loan incentive that is based on employment goals, a recipient company must provide copies of employer quarterly payroll reports provided to the Virginia Employment Commission to verify the employment status of any position included in the employment goal. The guidelines should include provisions for geographic diversity and a cap on the amount of money available for a certain project. The types of projects eligible for consideration will be feature films, children's programs, documentaries, television series or other television programs designed to fit a thirty-minute or longer format slot. Projects not eligible are industrial, corporate or commercial projects, education programs not intended for rebroadcast, adult films, music videos and news shows or reports.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.61; 2001, c. 844; 2013, c. 547.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund known as the Governor's New Airline Service Incentive Fund, referred to in this section 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 a biennium shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used, in the sole discretion of the Governor, for grants to airlines serving local, regional, national, and international airports in Virginia as provided in subsection B. Revenues in the Fund shall be used to support the development of additional commercial air services in the Commonwealth, provided that such service advances the goals established in the commercial air service plan most recently adopted pursuant to § 5.1-2.2:2. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Executive Director of the Authority.

B. The Fund shall be used by the Governor to provide or assist in the provision of marketing, advertising, or promotional activities by airlines in connection with the launch of new air passenger service at Virginia airports in order to incentivize airlines that have committed to commencing new air passenger service in Virginia. The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and the Secretary of Finance, shall develop guidelines and criteria to be used in awarding grants from the Fund. The guidelines shall include a provision that a grant from the Fund shall not be awarded if it can be reasonably anticipated to result in the reduction of existing commercial air service at another airport located within the Commonwealth. The guidelines may require that as a condition of receiving any grant from the Fund an airline enter into a performance agreement or memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth (i) setting a minimum number of nonstop roundtrip flights per week, a minimum number of nonstop roundtrip flights within 12 months of the start date of new air service, or a minimum passenger load factor, or any combination thereof, and (ii) providing that any grant received by an airline shall be repaid by the airline or reduced proportionately if such conditions are not met.

2020, cc. 1119, 1120.

A. As used in this section:

"Promoting tourism" means activities and expenditures designed to increase tourism in Virginia, including (i) advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; (ii) developing strategies to expand tourism; (iii) funding the promotion or marketing operations of a tourism entity; and (iv) funding marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists.

"Tourism entity" means a locality, a destination marketing organization, or a regional attractions marketing agency.

B. For each fiscal year, an amount estimated to be equal to the amount of revenue collected from all state taxes imposed under Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1, after accounting for all designations and distributions of such revenue under § 58.1-638, on accommodations fees, as defined in § 58.1-602, shall be appropriated to the Authority for the purpose of providing grants to promote tourism pursuant to the provisions of this section. The amount of grants available under the program for a fiscal year shall be limited to the amount appropriated under this subsection.

C. The Authority shall administer a program to provide grants to tourism entities for the purpose of promoting tourism in Virginia. To be eligible for a grant, a tourism entity shall demonstrate that its proposed use of the grant will have a positive and significant impact on tourism in Virginia. Grants shall be subject to the following restrictions:

1. No more than 50 percent of the funds available for a fiscal year shall be distributed for the purposes of promotion or marketing operations of a tourism entity or for special events or grants.

2. Funding for the promotion or marketing operations of a tourism entity, special events, or grants shall require a 50 percent cash or in-kind match from the grant recipient.

3. Recipients located in the same qualifying region, as defined in § 2.2-2484, shall not be awarded more than 20 percent, in the aggregate of all grants awarded within such region, of the total funds available for a fiscal year.

4. A single recipient of funding under this section shall not be awarded more than 15 percent of the total funds available for a fiscal year. This subdivision shall not apply to contracts entered into by the Authority for statewide tourism promotion or marketing.

5. Funds available for disbursement shall not be used for capital projects or for the design, construction, rehabilitation, repair, installation, or purchase of any building, structure, or sign in Virginia.

D. The Authority shall promulgate guidelines and regulations as it deems necessary to implement this section.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 383.

The Commonwealth may make grants of money or property to the Authority for the purpose of enabling it to carry out its corporate purposes and for the exercise of its powers. This section shall not be construed to limit any other power the Commonwealth may have to make grants to the Authority.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.62; 2001, c. 844.

A. All money of the Authority, except as otherwise authorized by law or this article, shall be deposited in accounts in banks or trust companies organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or in national banking associations located in Virginia or in savings institutions located in Virginia organized under the laws of the Commonwealth or the United States. The money in these accounts shall be paid by check signed by the Executive Director or any other officer or employee designated by the Authority. All deposits of money shall, if required by the Authority, be secured in a manner determined by the Authority to be prudent, and all banks, trust companies and savings institutions are authorized to give security for the deposits.

B. Funds of the Authority not needed for immediate use or disbursement, including any funds held in reserve, may be invested in (i) obligations or securities that are considered lawful investments for fiduciaries, both individual and corporate, as set forth in § 2.2-4519, (ii) bankers' acceptances, or (iii) repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, rate guarantee or investment agreements or other similar banking arrangements.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.65; 2001, c. 844.

The Authority shall maintain accounts and records showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived in a form as prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Such accounts and records shall correspond as nearly as possible to accounts and records maintained by corporate enterprises.

The accounts of the Authority shall be audited by the Auditor of Public Accounts, or his legally authorized representatives, as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts, and the costs of such audits shall be borne by the Authority. The Authority shall, following the close of each fiscal year, submit an annual report of its activities for the preceding year to the Governor. Each report shall set forth a complete operating and financial statement for the Authority during the fiscal year it covers.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.66; 2001, c. 844; 2018, cc. 57, 307.

As set forth in subsection C of § 2.2-2315, the Authority shall be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this article. Accordingly, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or any property or upon any operations of the Authority or the income therefrom. Agents, lessees, sublessees, or users of tangible personal property owned by or leased to the Authority also shall not be required to pay any sales or use tax upon such property or the revenue derived therefrom.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.64; 2001, c. 844.

A. The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) and the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority.

B. The governing board of the Authority shall adopt policies for the procurement of goods and services. Such policies shall:

1. Seek competition to the maximum practical degree;

2. Require competitive negotiation for professional services, which includes the requirements of §§ 2.2-4302.2 and 2.2-4303.1, unless there is only one source practically available and the Authority has complied with the requirements of subsection C;

3. Prohibit discrimination against a bidder or offeror based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a service disabled veteran, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law relating to discrimination in employment; and

4. Incorporate the prompt payment principles of § 2.2-4350 and the payment clauses of § 2.2-4354. The Authority shall include provisions for the inspection of public records in § 2.2-4342.

C. For purchases of (i) goods or nonprofessional services under $200,000 or (ii) professional services or non-transportation-related construction under $80,000, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2. For purchases of (i) goods or nonprofessional services for $200,000 or more or (ii) professional services or non-transportation-related construction of $80,000 or more, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that such purchase contributes to the public purpose and mission of the Authority as described in § 2.2-2315. The Authority shall state in such writing (a) an explanation of such determination, (b) that which is being purchased, (c) the contractor selected for such purchase, (d) the date of the award of such contract, and (e) the relationship of such purchase to the public purpose and mission of the Authority. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

D. In case of emergency, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that an emergency exists and makes the purchase needed with such competition as is practicable under the circumstances. The Authority shall state in such writing (i) that the contract is being awarded on an emergency basis, (ii) that which is being purchased, (iii) the contractor selected, (iv) the date of the award of such contract, (v) and the relationship between the selection of such contract to the circumstances constituting an emergency. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

E. Upon a determination in writing that there is only one source practicably available for that which is to be procured, a contract may be negotiated and awarded to that source without competitive negotiation. The writing shall document the basis for this determination. The Authority shall issue a written notice stating that only one source was determined to be practicably available and identifying that which is being procured, the contractor selected, and the date on which the contract was or will be awarded. This notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website and may be published in a newspaper of general circulation on the day the public body awards or announces its decision to award the contract, whichever occurs first.

F. The Authority shall submit the policies established in accordance with subsection B to the Governor, the Department of General Services, and the Chairs of the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology and the House Committee on General Laws every five years by November 1, beginning November 1, 2024.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.63; 2001, c. 844; 2023, c. 662.

No provisions of this article nor act of the Authority, including the procurement of insurance or self-insurance, shall be deemed a waiver of any sovereign immunity to which the Authority or its directors, officers, employees, or agents are otherwise entitled.

1999, cc. 852, 881, § 2.1-548.67; 2001, c. 844.

The provisions of this article shall be liberally construed to the end that its beneficial purposes may be effectuated.

2002, c. 491.

Article 9. Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 52.

Article 10. Fort Monroe Authority Act.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Fort Monroe Authority Act.

B. The General Assembly finds and declares that:

1. Fort Monroe, located on a barrier spit at Hampton Roads Harbor and the southern end of Chesapeake Bay where the Old Point Comfort lighthouse has been welcoming ships since 1802, is one of the Commonwealth's most important cultural treasures. Strategically located near Virginia's Historic Triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, the 565-acre site has been designated a National Historic Landmark District;

2. As a result of decisions made by the federal Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (known as the BRAC Commission), Fort Monroe will cease to be an army base in 2011, and at that time most of the site will revert to the Commonwealth;

3. The planning phase of Fort Monroe's transition from use as a United States Army base was managed by the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority (FMFADA), originally established by the City of Hampton pursuant to legislation enacted by the General Assembly in 2007. The Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority, a partnership between the City and the Commonwealth, has fulfilled its primary purpose of formulating a reuse plan for Fort Monroe;

4. It is the policy of the Commonwealth to protect the historic resources at Fort Monroe, provide public access to the Fort's historic resources and recreational opportunities, exercise exemplary stewardship of the Fort's natural resources, and maintain Fort Monroe in perpetuity as a place that is a desirable one in which to reside, do business, and visit, all in a way that is economically sustainable;

5. Fort Monroe's status is unique. Municipal services will need to be provided to Fort Monroe's visitors, residents, and businesses. Both the Commonwealth and the FMFADA are signatories to a Programmatic Agreement under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act that requires several specific actions be taken, including the enforcement of design standards to be adopted by the FMFADA or its successor to govern any new development or building restoration or renovation at Fort Monroe. There exists a need for an entity that can manage the property for the Commonwealth and ensure adherence to the findings, declarations, and policies set forth in this section; and

6. The creation of an authority for this purpose is in the public interest, serves a public purpose, and will promote the health, safety, welfare, convenience, and prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth.

C. The Fort Monroe Authority is created, with the duties and powers set forth in this article, as a public body corporate and as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth. The Authority is constituted as a public instrumentality exercising public functions, and the exercise by the Authority of the duties and powers conferred by this article shall be deemed and held to be the performance of an essential governmental function of the Commonwealth. The exercise of the powers granted by this article and its public purpose shall be in all respects for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Commonwealth.

D. The Fort Monroe Authority is the successor in interest to that political subdivision formerly known as the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority. As such, the Authority stands in the place and stead of, and assumes all rights and duties formerly of, the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority, including but not limited to all leases, contracts, grants-in-aid, and all other agreements of whatsoever nature; holds title to all realty and personalty formerly held by the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority; and may exercise all powers that might at any time past have been exercised by the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority, including the powers and authorities of a Local Redevelopment Authority under the provisions of any and all applicable federal laws, including the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 2005.

E. The Fort Monroe Authority shall be subject to the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) and the Board shall adopt procedures consistent with that Act to govern its procurement processes.

F. Employees of the Fort Monroe Authority shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law.

G. The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) shall not apply to the Fort Monroe Authority.

2011, c. 716; 2020, cc. 269, 800.

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

"Area of Operation" means land owned by the Commonwealth at Fort Monroe.

"Authority" means the Fort Monroe Authority.

"Board" means the Board of Trustees created in § 2.2-2338.

"Bonds" means any bonds, notes, interim certificates, debentures, or other obligations issued by the Authority pursuant to this article.

"City of Hampton" or "City" means the City of Hampton, Virginia, a municipal corporation of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Design Standards" means the standards developed as a requirement of the Programmatic Agreement and referred to in that document as the "Historic Preservation Manual and Design Standards" which govern the restoration, rehabilitation, and renovation of the contributing elements to the Fort Monroe National Historic Landmark District and new construction, additions, and reconstruction of buildings so they are compatible with the overall character of the District, as they may be adopted or amended from time to time.

"Facility" means a particular building or structure or particular buildings or structures, including all equipment, appurtenances, and accessories necessary or appropriate for the operation of such facility.

"Fort Monroe Master Plan" or "Master Plan" means the plan that identifies the long-term vision for the reuse of the Area of Operation, key implementation projects, and a detailed implementation strategy for attracting new uses and investment to the Area of Operation as approved by the Authority and produced in accordance with the public participation plan as adopted by the Authority.

"Fort Monroe Reuse Plan" or "Reuse Plan" means the document created by the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority and adopted as an official operating document on August 20, 2008, as it may be amended from time to time.

"Programmatic Agreement for the Closure and Disposal of Fort Monroe, Va." or "Programmatic Agreement" means that certain agreement, as it may be amended from time to time, entered into among the U.S. Army, the Virginia State Historic Preservation Officer, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Fort Monroe Federal Area Development Authority and the National Park Service and signed by all Signatory Parties as of April 27, 2009, pursuant to § 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

"Project" means any specific enterprise undertaken by the Authority, including the facilities as defined in this article, and all other property, real or personal, or any interest therein, necessary or appropriate for the operation of such property.

"Real property" means all lands, including improvements and fixtures thereon, and property of any nature appurtenant thereto, or used in connection therewith, and every estate, interest, and right, legal or equitable, therein, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage, or otherwise and the indebtedness secured by such liens.

"State Memorandum of Understanding" means an agreement between the Authority, the Secretary of Administration, the State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Governor, on behalf of all state agencies, to protect Fort Monroe and its historic, cultural, and natural assets by carefully implementing the plans, stipulations, requirements, and obligations under the Programmatic Agreement for nonfederal lands following the transfer of properties from the United States Army to the Commonwealth.

"Trustees" means the members of the Board of Trustees of the Authority.

2011, c. 716; 2012, cc. 436, 482; 2014, cc. 676, 681; 2019, cc. 38, 389.

There is hereby created a political subdivision and public body corporate and politic of the Commonwealth of Virginia to be known as the Fort Monroe Authority, to be governed by a Board of Trustees (Board) consisting of 14 members appointed as follows: the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, or their successor positions if those positions no longer exist, from the Governor's cabinet; the member of the Senate of Virginia and the member of the House of Delegates representing the district in which Fort Monroe lies; two members appointed by the Hampton City Council; and eight nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor, seven of whom shall have expertise relevant to the implementation of the Fort Monroe Reuse Plan, including but not limited to the fields of historic preservation, tourism, environment, real estate, finance, and education, and one of whom shall be a citizen representative from the Hampton Roads region. The Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall serve ex officio without voting privileges and may send their deputies or another cabinet member to meetings in the event that official duties require their presence elsewhere. Cabinet members and elected representatives shall serve terms commensurate with their terms of office. Legislative members may send another legislator to meetings as full voting members in the event that official duties require their presence elsewhere.

The Board so appointed shall enter upon the performance of its duties and shall initially and annually thereafter elect one of its members as chairman and another as vice-chairman. The Board shall also elect annually a secretary, who shall be a member of the Board, and a treasurer, who need not be a member of the Board, or a secretary-treasurer, who need not be a member of the Board. The chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, shall preside at all meetings of the Board, and in the absence of both the chairman and vice-chairman, the Board shall elect a chairman pro tempore who shall preside at such meetings. Seven Trustees shall constitute a quorum, and all action by the Board shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Trustees present and voting, except that any action to amend or terminate the existing Reuse Plan, or to adopt a new Reuse Plan, shall require the affirmative vote of 75 percent or more of the Trustees present and voting. The members of the Board shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in attendance upon meetings of the Board or while otherwise engaged in the discharge of their duties. Such expenses shall be paid out of the treasury of the Authority in such manner as shall be prescribed by the Authority.

2011, cc. 716, 780, 858; 2014, cc. 115, 490, 676, 681; 2017, cc. 215, 732; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401.

The Authority shall have the power and duty:

1. To do all things necessary and proper to further an appreciation of the contributions of the first permanent English-speaking settlers as well as the Virginia Indians to the building of our Commonwealth and nation, to commemorate the establishment of the first coastal fortification in the English-speaking New World, to commemorate the lives of prominent Virginians who were connected to the largest moated fortification in the United States, to commemorate the important role of African Americans in the history of the site, including the "Contraband" slave decision in 1861 that earned Fort Monroe the designation as "Freedom's Fortress," to commemorate Old Point Comfort's role in establishing international trade and British maritime law in Virginia, and to commemorate almost 250 years of continuous service as a coastal defense fortification of the United States of America;

2. To hire and develop a professional staff including a chief executive officer and such other staff as is necessary to discharge the responsibilities of the Authority;

3. To establish personnel policies and benefits for staff;

4. To oversee the preservation, conservation, protection, and maintenance of the Commonwealth's natural resources and real property interests at Fort Monroe and the renewal of Fort Monroe as a vibrant and thriving community;

5. To adopt an annual budget, which shall be submitted to the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations and the Department of Planning and Budget by July 1 of each year;

6. To provide for additional, more complete, or more timely services than are generally available in the City of Hampton as a whole;

7. To create and manage a department within the Authority for the purpose of overseeing and managing all property and facilities provided, owned, operated, or financed by the Authority; and

8. To serve as the Commonwealth's management agent for all the land in the Area of Operation and for the implementation of actions and fulfillment of federal and state obligations for public and private land under the Fort Monroe Master Plan, Programmatic Agreement, Design Standards, Reuse Plan, State Memorandum of Understanding, and any other agreements regarding Fort Monroe to which the Commonwealth is a party, ensuring adherence to the findings, declarations, and policies set forth in this article, unless the Commonwealth and the Authority specifically agree in writing to the contrary.

2011, c. 716; 2012, cc. 436, 482; 2014, cc. 676, 681; 2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 16; 2024, cc. 34, 114.

The Fort Monroe Master Plan shall be consistent with all preservation commitments and obligations agreed to by the Commonwealth. The Master Plan shall be approved by the Governor before it becomes effective.

2012, cc. 436, 482.

A. It is the policy of the Commonwealth that the historic, cultural, and natural resources of Fort Monroe be protected in any conveyance or alienation of real property interests by the Authority. Real property in the Area of Operation at Fort Monroe may be maintained as Commonwealth-owned land that is leased, whether by short-term operating/revenue lease or long-term ground lease, to appropriate public, private, or joint venture entities, with such historic, cultural, and natural resources being protected in any such lease, to be approved as to form by the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia. If sold as provided in this article, real property interests in the Area of Operation at Fort Monroe may only be sold under covenants, historic conservation easements, historic preservation easements, or other appropriate legal restrictions approved as to form by the Attorney General that protect these historic and natural resources. Properties in the Wherry Quarter and Inner Fort areas identified in the Fort Monroe Reuse Plan may only be sold with the consent of both the Governor and the General Assembly, except that any transfer to the National Park Service shall require only the approval of the Governor. The proceeds from the sale or pre-paid lease of any real or personal property within the Area of Operation shall be retained by the Authority and used for infrastructure improvements in the Area of Operation.

B. The Authority shall have the power and duty:

1. To sue and be sued; to adopt and use a common seal and to alter the same as may be deemed expedient; to have perpetual succession; to make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers of the Authority; and to make and from time to time amend and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations, not inconsistent with law, to carry into effect the powers and purposes of the Authority;

2. To foster and stimulate the economic and other development of Fort Monroe, including without limitation development for business, employment, housing, commercial, recreational, educational, and other public purposes; to prepare and carry out plans and projects to accomplish such objectives; to provide for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, reuse, improvement, alteration, maintenance, removal, equipping, or repair of any buildings, structures, or land of any kind; to lease or rent to others or to develop, operate, or manage with others in a joint venture or other partnering arrangement, on such terms as it deems proper and which are consistent with the provisions of the Programmatic Agreement, Design Standards, and Reuse Plan governing any lands, dwellings, houses, accommodations, structures, buildings, facilities, or appurtenances embraced within Fort Monroe; to establish, collect, and revise the rents charged and terms and conditions of occupancy thereof; to terminate any such lease or rental obligation upon the failure of the lessee or renter to comply with any of the obligations thereof; to arrange or contract for the furnishing by any person or agency, public or private, of works, services, privileges, or facilities in connection with any activity in which the Authority may engage, provided, however, that if services are provided by the City of Hampton pursuant to § 2.2-2341 for which the City is compensated pursuant to subsection B of § 2.2-2342, then the Authority may provide for additional, more complete, or more timely services than are generally available in the City of Hampton as a whole if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Authority; to acquire, own, hold, and improve real or personal property; to purchase, lease, obtain options upon, acquire by gift, grant, bequest, devise, easement, dedication, or otherwise any real or personal property or any interest therein, which purchase, lease, or acquisition may only be made for less than fair market value if the Board of Trustees determines, upon the advice of the Attorney General, that the transaction is consistent with the fiduciary obligation of the Authority to the Commonwealth and if necessary or appropriate to further the purposes of the Authority; as provided in this article, to sell, lease, exchange, transfer, assign, or pledge any real or personal property or any interest therein, which sale, lease, or other transfer or assignment may be made for less than fair market value; as provided in this article, to dedicate, make a gift of, or lease for a nominal amount any real or personal property or any interest therein to the Commonwealth, the City of Hampton, or other localities or agencies, public or private, within the Area of Operation or adjacent thereto, jointly or severally, for public use or benefit, such as, but not limited to, game preserves, playgrounds, park and recreational areas and facilities, hospitals, clinics, schools, and airports; to acquire, lease, maintain, alter, operate, improve, expand, sell, or otherwise dispose of onsite utility and infrastructure systems or sell any excess service capacity for offsite use; to acquire, lease, construct, maintain, and operate and dispose of tracks, spurs, crossings, terminals, warehouses, and terminal facilities of every kind and description necessary or useful in the transportation and storage of goods, wares, and merchandise; and to insure or provide for the insurance of any real or personal property or operation of the Authority against any risks or hazards;

3. To invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds, or any funds not required for immediate disbursements, in property or security in which fiduciaries may legally invest funds subject to their control; to purchase its bonds at a price not more than the principal amount thereof and accrued interest, all bonds so purchased to be cancelled;

4. To undertake and carry out examinations, investigations, studies, and analyses of the business, industrial, agricultural, utility, transportation, and other economic development needs, requirements, and potentialities of its Area of Operation or offsite needs, requirements, and potentialities that directly affect the success of the Authority at Fort Monroe, and the manner in which such needs and requirements and potentialities are being met, or should be met, in order to accomplish the purposes for which it is created; to make use of the facts determined in such research and analyses in its own operation; and to make the results of such studies and analyses available to public bodies and to private individuals, groups, and businesses, except as such information may be exempted pursuant to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.);

5. To administer, develop, and maintain at Fort Monroe permanent commemorative cultural and historical museums and memorials;

6. To adopt names, flags, seals, and other emblems for use in connection with such shrines and to copyright the same in the name of the Commonwealth;

7. To enter into any contracts not otherwise specifically authorized in this article to further the purposes of the Authority, after approval as to form by the Attorney General;

8. To establish nonprofit corporations as instrumentalities to assist in administering the affairs of the Authority;

9. To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by Chapter 3 (§ 25.1-300 et seq.) of Title 25.1 within the Authority's Area of Operation; however, eminent domain may only be used to obtain easements across property on Fort Monroe for the provision of water, sewer, electrical, ingress and egress, and other necessary or useful services to further the purposes of the Authority, unless the Governor has expressly granted authority to obtain interests for other purposes;

10. To fix, charge, and collect rents, fees, and charges (i) for the use of, or the benefit derived from, the services or facilities provided, owned, operated, or financed by the Authority benefiting property within the Authority's Area of Operation and (ii) for the consumption within the Area of Operation of goods and services being provided in exchange for value by any person or business located and operating, permanently or temporarily, within the Area of Operation. Such rents, fees, and charges may be charged to and collected by such persons and in such manner as the Authority may determine from (a) any person contracting for the services or using the Authority facilities or (b) the owners, tenants, or customers of the real estate and improvements that are served by, or benefit from the use of, any such services or facilities, in such manner as shall be authorized by the Authority in connection with the provision of such services or facilities. Such rents, fees, and charges shall not be chargeable to the Commonwealth or, where such rents, fees or charges relate to services or facilities utilized by the City of Hampton to provide municipal services, to the City of Hampton except as may be provided by lease or other agreement and may be used to fund the provision of the additional, more complete, or more timely services authorized under subdivision 6 of § 2.2-2339, the payments provided under § 2.2-2342, or for other purposes as the Authority may determine to be appropriate, subject to the provisions of subsection B of § 2.2-2342;

11. To receive and expend gifts, grants, and donations from whatever source derived for the purposes of the Authority;

12. To employ a chief executive officer and such deputies and assistants as may be required;

13. To elect any past chairman of the Board of Trustees to the honorary position of chairman emeritus. Chairmen emeriti shall serve as honorary members for life. Chairmen emeriti shall be elected in addition to the nonlegislative citizen member positions defined in § 2.2-2338;

14. To determine what paintings, statuary, works of art, manuscripts, and artifacts may be acquired by purchase, gift, or loan and to exchange or sell the same if not inconsistent with the terms of such purchase, gift, loan, or other acquisition;

15. To change the form of investment of any funds, securities, or other property, real or personal, provided the same are not inconsistent with the terms of the instrument under which the same were acquired, and to sell, grant, or convey any such property, subject to the provisions of subsection A of § 2.2-2340;

16. To cooperate with the federal government, the Commonwealth, the City of Hampton, or other nearby localities in the discharge of its enumerated powers;

17. To exercise all or any part or combination of powers granted in this article;

18. To do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary and convenient to carry out its purposes and powers;

19. To adopt, amend or repeal, by the Board of Trustees, or the executive committee thereof, regulations concerning the use of, access to and visitation of properties under the control of the Authority in order to protect or secure such properties and the public enjoyment thereof, with any violation of such regulations being punishable by a civil penalty of up to $100 for the first violation and up to $250 for any subsequent violation, such civil penalty to be paid to the Authority;

20. To provide parking and traffic rules and regulations on property owned by the Authority; and

21. To provide that any person who knowingly violates a regulation of the Authority may be requested by an agent or employee of the Authority to leave the property and upon the failure of such person so to do shall be guilty of a trespass as provided in § 18.2-119.

2011, c. 716; 2012, cc. 436, 482; 2014, cc. 676, 681; 2023, cc. 209, 210; 2024, cc. 34, 114.

The Authority shall have the power to install, operate, maintain, repair, and replace, or to cause to be installed, operated, maintained, repaired, and replaced, within the Area of Operation, security cameras and any other devices or sensors that the Authority deems to be useful to enhance the safety and security of persons or property located within the Area of Operation.

2023, cc. 209, 210.

A. All of Fort Monroe is within the City of Hampton's jurisdictional limits; therefore, the City of Hampton is the locality and Virginia municipal corporation for the Authority's Area of Operation. Nothing in this article is intended to limit or restrict the otherwise existing authority of the City of Hampton which, except as otherwise provided in this article, is reserved solely for the City of Hampton. As authorized in this article, the Authority may supplement in its Area of Operation the works, services, privileges, or facilities provided by the City of Hampton to provide additional, more complete, or more timely works, services, privileges, or facilities than provided by the City of Hampton.

B. The Authority shall adopt procedures for the implementation of required actions under the Programmatic Agreement and any other agreements regarding Fort Monroe to which the Commonwealth is a party, including adherence to the Reuse Plan and the Design Standards adopted by the Authority. Those procedures shall provide the City of Hampton a reasonable opportunity for review and comment regarding any proposed actions.

C. The City shall be responsible for dealing directly with any taxpayers at Fort Monroe regarding the collection of any taxes or fees which the City believes are due based on real property interests, business activity, ownership of personal property, and other authorized taxes and fees, unless the City and the Authority agree differently in writing.

D. In its comprehensive plan and in adopting a zoning ordinance for the Area of Operation, the City shall recognize the authority of the federal and state obligations for land use regulation placed upon the Fort Monroe Authority by the requirements of the Fort Monroe Master Plan, Programmatic Agreement, Design Standards, Reuse Plan, State Memorandum of Understanding, and any other agreements regarding Fort Monroe to which the Commonwealth is a party.

2011, c. 716; 2014, cc. 676, 681.

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-916.3, the Authority shall be solely responsible for regulating the operation of golf carts and utility vehicles within the Area of Operation. Regulations of the Authority shall provide that golf carts and utility vehicles may only be used by Authority staff and contractors engaged by the Authority while such staff and contractors are conducting the official business of the Authority.

2012, cc. 436, 482.

A. The Authority may agree to make such payments to the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, which payments such bodies are hereby authorized to accept, for any goods, services, licenses, concessions or franchises as the Authority finds consistent with the purposes for which the Authority has been created.

B. It is the intent of this section that the Authority shall pay a fee in lieu of taxes as provided in this section. Such fee shall be payable by the Authority to the City of Hampton and shall be payable, in arrears, for the period January 1 through June 30 on each June 30, and for the period July 1 through December 31 on each December 31. The amount of such fee shall be determined as follows: (i) all property in the Area of Operation shall be assessed as if privately owned; (ii) property that would not be taxed if located elsewhere in the City of Hampton by virtue of the ownership, control, or use of the property, other than property classified solely under subdivision A 1 of § 58.1-3606, shall be excluded from the calculation of the fee in lieu of taxes; and (iii) the total assessed value, less any exemptions, shall then be divided by $100, multiplied by the then-current real estate tax rate set by the City of Hampton, minus the real estate taxes (a) owed to the City of Hampton directly from taxpayers other than the Authority within the Area of Operation, including lessees subject to taxation and billed to the lessee pursuant to subsection E, and (b) collected by the Authority and remitted to the City of Hampton pursuant to subsection E in the calendar year prior to the year for which the fee in lieu of taxes is then determined. The Authority may apply to the assessor of real estate for the City of Hampton and follow the process for recognition of an exemption applicable to other such properties in the City for any property subject to the fee in lieu of taxes, other than property subject to taxation and billed directly to the lessee pursuant to subsection E.

C. The Authority shall use all funds available and manage its finances and take all necessary and prudent actions to ensure that the fee in lieu of taxes provided in subsection B is paid when due and shall notify the City of Hampton and the Trustees as soon as practical if the funds will not be available to pay the fee in lieu of taxes when due and the Trustees shall take all necessary actions to remedy any deficiency. In the event the fee in lieu of taxes is not paid when due, interest thereon shall at that time accrue at the rate, not to exceed the maximum amount allowed by § 2.2-4355, determined by the City of Hampton until such time as the overdue payment and interest are paid. Unpaid fees in lieu of taxes and interest thereon shall rank in parity with liens for unpaid taxes and may be collected by the City of Hampton as taxes are collected; however, no real property of the Commonwealth or the Authority may be sold in such collection efforts.

D. The Authority shall have the right to contest the assessments made on property at Fort Monroe owned by the Commonwealth or the Authority or any property for which the Commonwealth or the Authority shall be responsible for payment of the fee in lieu of taxes, using the procedures utilized by other citizens of the City of Hampton, including appeals to the Board of Review of Real Estate Assessments for the City of Hampton and appeals therefrom to the Circuit Court of the City of Hampton, which is hereby granted jurisdiction to adjudicate any such appeal by the Authority in the same manner as applicable to private property owners or lessees in the City.

E. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3203, all real property in the Area of Operation that is leased, whether by short-term operating/revenue lease or long-term ground lease, shall be assessed as if it were privately owned, and each lessee thereof shall be subject to taxation to be billed and collected by the City of Hampton as if the lessee were the owner, regardless of the term; however, leases for a cumulative term of less than 20 years shall be billed to and collected from the Authority by the City of Hampton. For purposes of this subsection, "cumulative term" includes the original term plus any optional extensions or renewals of that term. The City of Hampton shall have no obligation to assess any leased property that may be subject to taxation pursuant to this subsection unless and until it has received from the Authority a complete and fully executed copy of the lease, which shall include a description of the property comparable to that which would be required for the fee simple conveyance of such leased property. Any property not assessed by the City of Hampton pursuant to this subsection shall remain subject to the provisions of subsection B. This subsection shall not apply to leases of any term with other government entities.

F. The Authority and any lessee that is directly billed by the City of Hampton (i) may apply to the assessor of real estate for the City of Hampton and follow the process for recognition of an exemption applicable to other such properties in the City and (ii) shall have the right to contest the assessments made on property taxed to the lessee pursuant to this section using the procedures utilized by other citizens of the City of Hampton, including appeals to the Board of Review of Real Estate Assessments for the City of Hampton and appeals therefrom to the Circuit Court of the City of Hampton, which is hereby granted jurisdiction to adjudicate any such appeal by a qualifying lessee in the same manner applicable to private property owners and other lessees in the City.

2011, c. 716; 2013, c. 221; 2019, cc. 468, 469.

In addition to the powers conferred upon the Authority by other provisions of this article, the Authority shall have the power:

1. To borrow moneys or accept contributions, grants, or other financial assistance from the federal government, the Commonwealth, any locality or political subdivision, any agency or instrumentality thereof, including but not limited to the Virginia Resources Authority, or any source, public or private, for or in aid of any project of the Authority, and to these ends, to comply with such conditions and enter into such mortgages, trust indentures, leases, or agreements as may be necessary, convenient, or desirable;

2. To apply for grants from the Urban Public-Private Partnership Redevelopment Fund pursuant to Chapter 24.1 (§ 15.2-2414 et seq.) of Title 15.2. The Authority shall be considered a local government eligible for grants under that chapter. Funds from any source available to the Authority may be used to meet the matching requirement of any such grant;

3. To participate in local group pools authorized pursuant to § 15.2-2703 or to participate in the Commonwealth's risk pool administered by the Division of Risk Management;

4. To utilize the provisions of the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 (§ 33.2-1800 et seq.) and the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (§ 56-575.1 et seq.) as a qualifying public entity under those statutes;

5. To apply for and receive enterprise zone designation under the Enterprise Zone Grant Act (§ 59.1-538 et seq.). Fort Monroe shall be considered an eligible area for such designation, although the Governor is not obligated to grant such a designation;

6. To act as a local cooperating entity pursuant to § 62.1-148; and

7. To enter into agreements with any public or private utility for the ownership or operation of utility services at Fort Monroe, as provided in § 2.2-2348.1. The Authority and the City may mutually agree that such services should not or need not be included under any franchise agreement that the City has with that utility. The utility shall provide the same service generally available to its other customers in the City at reasonable rates.

2011, c. 716; 2014, cc. 676, 681.

The Authority shall have power to issue bonds from time to time in its discretion for any of its corporate purposes, including the issuance of refunding bonds for the payment or retirement of bonds previously issued by it. The Authority may issue such type of bonds as it may determine, including but not limited to:

1. Bonds on which the principal and interest are payable:

a. Exclusively from the income and revenues of the project or facility financed with the proceeds of such bonds;

b. Exclusively from the income and revenues of certain designated projects or facilities whether or not they are financed in whole or in part with the proceeds of such bonds; or

c. From its revenues generally; and

2. Bonds on which the principal and interest are payable solely from contributions or grants received from the federal government, the Commonwealth, or any other source, public or private.

Any such bonds may be additionally secured by a pledge of any grants or contributions from the federal government, the Commonwealth, any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or other source, or a pledge of any income or revenues of the Authority, or a mortgage of any particular projects or facilities or other property of the Authority.

Neither the Trustees of the Authority nor any person executing the bonds shall be liable personally on the bonds by reason of the issuance thereof. The bonds and other obligations of the Authority, and such bonds and obligations shall so state on their face, shall not be a debt of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof other than the issuing Authority, and neither the Commonwealth nor any political subdivision thereof other than the issuing Authority shall be liable thereon, nor shall such bonds or obligations be payable out of any funds or properties other than those of the Authority. The bonds shall not constitute indebtedness within the meaning of any debt limitation or restriction. Bonds of the Authority are declared to be issued for an essential public and governmental purpose.

2011, c. 716.

The chief executive officer shall exercise such powers and duties relating to the Authority conferred upon the Board as may be delegated to him by the Board, including powers and duties involving the exercise of discretion. The chief executive officer shall also exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him and such powers and duties as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law.

2011, c. 716; 2024, cc. 34, 114.

For such legal services as it may require, the Authority may employ its own counsel and legal staff or make use of legal services made available to it by any public body, or both; however, the Authority shall be required to use any legal services provided by the Office of the Attorney General, if such services are made available, since the property at Fort Monroe is an asset of the Commonwealth.

2011, c. 716.

The bonds or other securities issued by the Authority, the interest thereon, and all real and personal property and any interest therein of the Authority, and all income derived therefrom by the Authority shall at all times be free from taxation by the Commonwealth, or by any political subdivision thereof.

2011, c. 716.

The rents, fees, and charges established by the Authority for the use of its property, projects, and facilities and for any other service furnished or provided by the Authority shall be fixed so that they, together with other revenues of the Authority, shall provide at least sufficient funds to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating the Authority; its property, projects, and facilities; and the principal and interest of any bonds issued by the Authority or other debts contracted as the same shall become due and payable. A reserve may be accumulated and maintained out of the revenues of the Authority for extraordinary repairs and expenses and for such other purposes as may be provided in any resolution authorizing a bond issue or in any trust indenture securing such bonds. Subject to such provisions and restrictions as may be set forth in the resolution or in the trust indenture authorizing or securing any of the bonds or other obligations issued hereunder, the Authority shall have exclusive control of the revenue derived from the operation of the Authority and the right to use such revenues in the exercise of its powers and duties set forth in this article. No person, firm, association, or corporation shall receive any profit or dividend from the revenues, earnings, or other funds or assets of such authority other than for debts contracted, for services rendered, for materials and supplies furnished, and for other value actually received by the Authority.

The accounts of the Authority shall be audited annually by the Auditor of Public Accounts, or his legally authorized representative, and the cost of such audit shall be borne by the Authority. Copies of the annual audit shall be distributed to the Governor and to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

2011, c. 716.

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the ownership of certain property located in the City of Hampton, Virginia, generally known as "Fort Monroe," and shown in the land records of the City of Hampton as being owned by the Commonwealth, whether in the name of the Commonwealth or the Fort Monroe Authority, is validly vested in the Commonwealth, with all rights, title, and interest therein.

B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the ownership of the roads, water, sewer, and other utility services on that certain property located in the City of Hampton, Virginia, consisting of 561.345 acres, more or less, generally known as "Fort Monroe," shall be deemed validly vested in the Commonwealth, being more particularly described as follows: All those certain lots, pieces, or parcels of land situate, lying, and being in the City of Hampton, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, containing 561.345 acres, more or less, described as Parcels A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H on that certain survey by the Norfolk District Corps of Engineers dated July 20, 2009, last revised November 15, 2012, entitled "Plat Showing 8 Parcels of Land Totaling +/-561.345 Acres Situated on Fort Monroe, Virginia," and recorded in the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of the City of Hampton in Instrument No. 130009559 at Pages 286 and 287.

1. The Authority shall maintain such roads as public rights-of-way to ensure lawful access to the properties within said acreage; however, the Commonwealth may convey its right, title, and interests in such roads to the City of Hampton or the Virginia Department of Transportation, and thereby transfer the obligation to maintain such roads.

2. The Authority shall maintain and operate such water, sewer, and other utility services to ensure that the properties within said acreage have access to such utility services; however, the Commonwealth may convey its right, title, and interest in any such utility owned by the Commonwealth to a public or private entity and thereafter transfer the obligation to maintain and operate such utilities.

2014, cc. 676, 681; 2024, cc. 35, 115.

The powers conferred by this article shall be in addition and supplemental to the powers conferred by any other law. This article shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof.

2011, c. 716; 2015, c. 709.

Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other law, general, special, or local, or parts thereof, the provisions of this chapter shall be controlling.

2012, cc. 436, 482.

No provisions of this article nor any act of the Authority, including the procurement of insurance or self-insurance, shall be deemed a waiver of any sovereign immunity to which the Authority or its directors, officers, employees, or agents are otherwise entitled.

2011, c. 716.

Article 11. Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Act.

A. This article shall be known and may be cited as the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Act.

B. It is found and determined by the General Assembly that there exists in the Commonwealth a need to support the life cycle of innovation, from translational research; to entrepreneurship; to pre-seed and seed stage funding; and to acceleration, growth, and commercialization, resulting in the creation of new jobs and company formation. A collaborative, consistent, and consolidated approach will assist the Commonwealth in identifying its entrepreneurial strengths, including the identification of talents and resources that make the Commonwealth a unique place to grow and attract technology-based businesses. It is also found and determined by the General Assembly that there exists in the Commonwealth of Virginia a need to (i) promote the technology-based economic development of the Commonwealth by building, attracting, and retaining innovation and high-technology jobs and businesses in Virginia; (ii) increase industry competitiveness by supporting the application of innovative technologies that improve productivity and efficiency; (iii) attract and provide additional private and public funding in the Commonwealth to enhance and expand the scientific and technological research and commercialization at state and federal research institutions and facilities, including by supporting and working with technology transfer offices to advance research from proof-of-concept to commercialization resulting in new business and job creation; (iv) attract and provide additional private and public funding to support and enhance innovation-led entrepreneurship ecosystems and coordination of existing activities and programs throughout the Commonwealth to create new job opportunities and diversify the economy; (v) ensure promotion and marketing of Virginia's statewide innovation economy and support and coordinate regional marketing efforts to align local and statewide objectives; and (vi) close the Commonwealth's support gap through pre-seed and seed stage investments, coordination of private investor networks, and shared due diligence research.

C. To achieve the objectives set forth in subsection B, there is created and constituted a political subdivision of the Commonwealth to be known as the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority. The Authority's exercise of powers conferred by this article shall be deemed to be the performance of an essential governmental function and matters of public necessity for which public moneys may be spent and private property acquired. Nothing in this article shall be construed to diminish or limit the powers and responsibilities of institutions of higher education or other educational or cultural institutions set forth in Title 23.1, including but not limited to such institution's authority to establish its own independent policies and technology transfer offices.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

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

"Authority" means the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority.

"Board" means the board of directors of the Authority.

"Founder" means a person who founds a company.

"Founder-friendly" means policies related to the transactional process of the development of technology, from research to commercialization, that are fair, transparent, and designed to enable the success of an inventor and business owner as the business grows.

"Index" means the Virginia Innovation Index.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

A. The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of 11 voting members as follows: (i) the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, or his designee; (ii) six nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor; (iii) three nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Joint Rules Committee; and (iv) one director of technology transfer office or equivalent position from a major research public institution of higher education, appointed by the Joint Rules Committee.

B. Of the nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor, (i) two nonlegislative citizen members shall be from the investor community with experience as a partner in a venture capital fund with a minimum of $35 million under management or experience qualifying as an accredited investor, as defined by the federal Securities and Exchange Commission, who have experience investing, as an individual or as part of an angel group, in 10 or more early stage companies; (ii) two nonlegislative citizen members shall be from the technology sector with experience (a) as a founder of a science-based or technology-based business and who have raised equity capital or (b) as a senior executive in a science or technology company with operations in Virginia and with annual revenues in excess of $100 million; and (iii) two nonlegislative citizen members shall have experience acquiring or commercializing intellectual property through private research or experience acquiring or commercializing intellectual property from a university or other research institution. Of the nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Joint Rules Committee, two nonlegislative citizen members shall have experience in entrepreneurial development or entrepreneurial community and network development. In making the appointments, the Governor and the Joint Rules Committee shall consider the geographic and demographic diversity of the Board.

C. 1. After an initial staggering of terms, members of the Board shall serve terms of four years. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two terms. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may be appointed to serve two additional terms. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

2. Ex officio members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office.

D. Members of the Board shall receive such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813. Members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Authority.

E. The Board shall elect a chairman from the nonlegislative citizen members of the Board, and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall serve as the vice-chairman. The Board shall elect a secretary and a treasurer, who need not be members of the Board, and may also elect other subordinate officers, who need not be members of the Board. The Board may also form advisory committees, which may include representatives who are not members of the Board, to undertake more extensive study on issues before the Board.

F. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the Authority's business, and no vacancy in the membership shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise the rights and perform all duties of the Authority. The Board shall meet at least quarterly or at the call of the chairman.

G. The Board shall appoint a president of the Authority, who shall not be a member of the Board who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and carry out such powers and duties conferred upon him by the Board.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

The president shall employ or retain such agents or employees subordinate to the president as may be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Authority conferred upon the president, subject to the Board's approval. Employees of the Authority shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and participation in all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law. The president shall also exercise such of the powers and duties relating to the direction of the Commonwealth's research and commercialization efforts conferred upon the Authority as may be delegated to him by the Board, including powers and duties involving the exercise of discretion. The president shall also exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him or as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

The Authority is granted all powers necessary or convenient for the carrying out of its statutory purposes, including, but not limited to, the following rights and powers to:

1. Sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, and complain and defend in all courts. Nothing herein shall be construed to waive any applicable immunity enjoyed by the Authority.

2. Adopt, use, and alter at will a corporate seal.

3. Acquire, purchase, hold, use, lease, or otherwise dispose of any project and property, real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein necessary or desirable for carrying out the purposes of the Authority, and, without limitation of the foregoing, to lease as lessee, any project and any property, real, personal, or mixed, or any interest therein, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board and to lease as lessor to any person, any project and any property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible, or any interest therein, at any time acquired by the Authority, whether wholly or partially completed, at such annual rental and on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board, and to sell, transfer, or convey any property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible or any interest therein, at any time acquired or held by the Authority on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Board.

4. Plan, develop, undertake, carry out, construct, improve, rehabilitate, repair, furnish, maintain, and operate projects.

5. Adopt bylaws for the management and regulation of its affairs.

6. Establish and maintain an office in Richmond to serve as headquarters for the Authority. The Authority may also establish and maintain satellite offices within the Commonwealth.

7. Fix, alter, charge, and collect rates, rentals, and other charges for the use of projects of, or for the sale of products of or for the services rendered by, the Authority, at rates to be determined by it for the purpose of providing for the payment of the expenses of the Authority, the planning, development, construction, improvement, rehabilitation, repair, furnishing, maintenance, and operation of its projects and properties, the payment of the costs accomplishing its purposes set forth in § 2.2-2351, the payment of the principal of and interest on its obligations, and the fulfillment of the terms and provisions of any agreements made with the purchasers or holders of any such obligations.

8. Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, the furtherance of its purposes, and the execution of its powers under this article, including agreements with any person or federal agency.

9. Employ, in its discretion, consultants, researchers, attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and agents as may be necessary, and to fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available to the Authority.

10. Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association, or person grants to be expended in accomplishing the objectives of the Authority and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state, and any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof and from any other source, aid or contributions of either money, property, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purposes for which such grants and contributions may be made.

11. Render advice and assistance, and provide services, to institutions of higher education and to other persons providing services or facilities for scientific and technological research or graduate education, provided that credit toward a degree, certificate, or diploma shall be granted only if such education is provided in conjunction with an institution of higher education authorized to operate in Virginia.

12. Develop, undertake, and provide programs, alone or in conjunction with any person or federal agency, for scientific and technological research, technology management, continuing education, and in-service training, provided that credit toward a degree, certificate, or diploma shall be granted only if such education is provided in conjunction with an institution of higher education authorized to operate in Virginia; foster the utilization of scientific and technological research information, discoveries, and data and to obtain patents, copyrights, and trademarks thereon; to encourage the coordination of the scientific and technological research efforts of public institutions and private industry and collect and maintain data on the development and utilization of scientific and technological research capabilities.

13. Pledge or otherwise encumber all or any of the revenues or receipts of the Authority as security for all or any of the obligations of the Authority.

14. Receive, administer, and market any interest in patents, copyrights, and materials that are potentially patentable or copyrightable developed by or for state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

15. Develop the Index, pursuant to § 2.2-2360, to use to identify research areas worthy of Commonwealth investment in order to promote commercialization and economic development efforts in the Commonwealth.

16. Foster innovative partnerships and relationships among the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth's institutions of higher education, the private sector, federal labs, and not-for-profit organizations to improve research and development of commercialization efforts.

17. Receive and review annual reports from institutions and facilities regarding the progress of projects funded through the Authority. The Authority shall develop guidelines, methodologies, metrics, and criteria for the reports. The Authority shall aggregate the reports and submit an annual omnibus report on the status of research and development initiatives funded by the Authority in the Commonwealth to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation, the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology.

18. Administer grant, loan, and investment programs as authorized by this article. The Authority shall develop guidelines, subject to the approval of the Board, for the application, review, and award of grants, loans, and investments under the provisions of this article. These guidelines shall address, at a minimum, the application process and, where appropriate, shall give special emphasis to fostering collaboration and partnership among institutions of higher education and partnerships between institutions of higher education and business and industry.

19. Establish and administer, through any nonstock, nonprofit corporation established by the Authority, investment funds that may accept funds from any source, public or private, to support venture capital activities in the Commonwealth. The administration of any such investment fund shall be advised by the Advisory Committee on Investment created pursuant to § 2.2-2358.

20. Report on all investment activities of the Authority, and any entity established by the Authority, including returns on investments, to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee on Communications, Technology and Innovation, the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, and the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology.

21. Exclusively, or with any other person, form and otherwise develop, own, operate, govern, and otherwise direct the disposition of assets of, or any combination thereof, separate legal entities, on any such terms and conditions and in any such manner as may be determined by the Board, provided that such separate legal entities shall be formed solely for the purpose of managing and administering any assets disposed of by the Authority. Such legal entities may include limited liability companies, limited partnerships, charitable foundations, real estate holding companies, investment holding companies, nonstock corporations, and benefit corporations. Any legal entities created by the Authority shall be operated under the governance of the Authority, and each shall provide quarterly performance reports to the Board. The articles of incorporation, partnership, or organization for such legal entities shall provide that, upon dissolution, the assets of the entities that are owned on behalf of the Commonwealth shall be transferred to the Authority. Any legal entity created pursuant to this subdivision shall ensure that the economic benefits attributable to the income and property rights arising from any transaction in which the entity is involved are allocated based on the reasonable business judgment of the Board, with due account being given to the interest of the citizens of the Commonwealth and the needs of the entity. No legal entity shall be deemed to be a state or government agency, advisory agency, public body, or instrumentality of the Commonwealth. No director, officer, or employee of any such legal entity shall be deemed to be an officer or employee for purposes of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.) solely by virtue in his capacity as a director, officer, or employee of such legal entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representative shall annually audit the financial accounts of the Authority and any such legal entities.

22. Provide leadership for strategic initiatives that explore and shape programs designed to attract and grow innovation in the Commonwealth. Such leadership may include (i) seeking, or supporting others in seeking, federal grants, contracts, or other funding sources that advance the exploration functions of the Authority's public purpose; (ii) assuming responsibility for forward-looking technology assessment and market vision around strategic initiatives and partnerships with federal and local governments; (iii) taking a leading role in defining, promoting, and implementing forward-looking technology market and industry development policies and processes that advance innovation and entrepreneurial activity and the assimilation of technology; (iv) contracting with federal and private entities to further innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth; and (v) conducting limited-scale commercialization pilot projects based on identified strategic initiatives to promote the industry or commercial development of specific technologies or interests.

23. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers granted to it by law.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

A. The Board may designate the president and staff of a not-for-profit entity established pursuant to this article to carry out the day-to-day operations and activities of the Authority and to perform such other duties as may be directed by the Board.

B. The president shall employ or retain such agents or employees subordinate to the president as may be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Authority and the not-for-profit entity designated herein. Employees shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and participation in all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

A. Within the Authority shall be created a Division of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (the Division) to support and promote technology-based entrepreneurial activities in the Commonwealth. The Division shall have the authority to (i) connect regional entrepreneurial support services; (ii) administer the Regional Innovation Fund (the Fund); (iii) coordinate marketing efforts between statewide and regional campaigns; (iv) establish entrepreneurs in residence to align local needs with state initiatives and funds; (v) compile, maintain, and promote an information portal of available public and private funding vehicles; and (vi) perform any other duties assigned by the Board. In performing such duties and responsibilities, the Division may (a) seek to build networks between regional entrepreneur support services; (b) facilitate state-wide information sharing and exchange of ideas and best practices; (c) establish a portal to highlight the availability of regional entrepreneurial support services; (d) aggregate information from national, regional, and local sources and promote available public and private funding vehicles; and (e) undertake any other activities or provide any other services relative to the purpose of the Division.

B. The Division shall be advised by an Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, to be appointed by the Board.

C. The Division may partner with the GO Virginia regional councils to offer resources and expertise related to entrepreneurial ecosystem development, to identify multiregion initiatives, and to facilitate communication regarding best practices across regional councils.

D. 1. There is hereby created a permanent fund to be known as the Regional Innovation Fund, to be administered by the Authority. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund at the end of each fiscal year, including interest thereon, shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which may consist of grants or loans, shall be made by authorization of the president, chairman, or vice-chairman of the Authority.

2. Moneys in the Fund shall be used for (i) competitive grants or loans to advance regional ecosystem development activities, (ii) support for enhanced capacity building projects, (iii) assistance with the creation and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure for the execution of innovation and startup programming, or (iv) technical assistance to startups in regional ecosystems. Moneys from the Fund shall be used for the purposes set forth in this subdivision that further the goals set forth in the Index.

3. Awards from the Fund shall be made by the Authority pursuant to guidelines, procedures, and criteria for the application for and award of grants or loans developed by the Division in consultation with the Advisory Committee and approved by the Board.

4. Any award from the Fund shall require matching funds at least equal to the award, provided, however, that the Authority shall have the authority to reduce the match requirement to no less than half of the grant upon a finding by the Authority of fiscal distress or an exceptional economic opportunity in a region. Such matching funds may be from local, regional, federal, or private funds, but shall not include any state general funds, from whatever source.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

A. Within the Authority shall be created a Division of Investment (the Division) to provide the Commonwealth with a competitive advantage through an array of funding mechanisms as provided in § 2.2-2355 related to direct and indirect venture capital investments. The Division may (i) make direct investments in business entities, (ii) make indirect investments in business entities through intermediary entities, whether formed by the Authority, or by another public or private entity or provide other financial support to encourage the formation of such intermediary entities or sidecar funds, (iii) benchmark state tax incentive programs relating to the formation and growth of technology-based businesses, and (iv) perform any other duties or responsibilities assigned by the Board.

B. The Division shall partner with and support women-owned and minority-owned entrepreneurial entities through initiatives such as investor networks, accelerators, and incubators that promote and develop women and minority founders. Further, the Division shall consider status as a woman-owned or minority-owned business when making direct or indirect investments.

C. The Division shall work to support investments in the diverse economies and regions of the Commonwealth and shall engage members of rural and geographically underrepresented communities on advisory committees and in positions of decision making.

D. The Division shall be advised by an Advisory Committee on Investment (the Advisory Committee), to be appointed by the Board.

E. The Board, in consultation with the Division and the Advisory Committee, shall make biennial recommendations to the Governor regarding investment strategies.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

A. Within the Authority shall be created a Division of Commercialization (the Division). The Division shall (i) promote research and development excellence in the Commonwealth; (ii) provide guidance and coordination, as deemed necessary, to existing efforts to support research in the Commonwealth with commercial potential; (iii) review and advise on the Index; (iv) administer the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund (the Fund); and (v) perform any other duties or responsibilities assigned by the Board.

B. The Division shall be advised by an Advisory Committee on Commercialization (the Advisory Committee), to be appointed by the Board. The Board shall consider including at least one representative from a major public research institution of higher education located outside of the Commonwealth and at least one representative from a public institution of higher education located within the Commonwealth.

C. The Division, in consultation with the Advisory Committee and subject to approval of the Board, shall develop guidelines, procedures, and criteria for the (i) application for grants and loans from the Fund; (ii) review, certification of scientific merits, and scoring or prioritization of applications for grants and loans from the Fund; and (iii) evaluation and recommendation to the Authority regarding the award of grants and loans from the Fund. The guidelines, procedures, and criteria shall include requirements that applicants demonstrate and the Authority consider:

1. Other grants, awards, loans, or funds awarded to the proposed program or project by the Commonwealth;

2. Other applications from the applicant for state grants, awards, loans, or funds currently pending at the time of the application;

3. The potential of the program or project for which a grant or loan is sought to (i) culminate in the commercialization of research; (ii) culminate in the formation or spin-off of technology-based companies; (iii) promote the build-out of scientific areas of expertise in science and technology; (iv) promote applied research and development in the areas of focus identified in the Index; (v) provide modern facilities or infrastructure for research and development; (vi) result in significant capital investment and job creation; or (vii) promote collaboration among the public institutions of higher education.

D. The Division may forward any application for a grant or loan from the Fund to an entity with recognized science and technology expertise for a review and certification of the scientific merits of the proposal, including a scoring or prioritization of applicant programs and projects deemed viable by the reviewing entity.

E. 1. There is hereby created a permanent fund to be known as the Commonwealth Commercialization Fund. Interest and other income earned on the Fund shall be credited to the Fund. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest and other income thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which may consist of grants or loans, shall be made upon authorization of the president, chairman, or vice-chairman of the Authority.

2. Awards from the Fund shall be made pursuant to the guidelines developed by the Division and approved by the Board.

3. Moneys in the Fund shall be used for grants and loans to (i) foster innovative and collaborative research, development, and commercialization efforts in the Commonwealth in projects and programs with a high potential for economic development and job creation opportunities; (ii) position the Commonwealth as a national leader in science-based and technology-based research, development, and commercialization; (iii) attract and effectively recruit and retain eminent researchers to enhance research superiority at public institutions of higher education; and (iv) encourage cooperation and collaboration among public institutions of higher education, and with the private sector, in areas and with activities that foster economic development and job creation in the Commonwealth. Grants and loans from the Fund shall be made to applications that further the goals set forth in the Virginia Innovation Index.

4. Awards from the Fund shall require a match of funds at least equal to the amount awarded.

F. The Division, by December 1, 2020, and annually by December 1 each year thereafter, in consultation with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Board, shall make recommendations regarding oversight of initiatives or Commonwealth centers of excellence related to technology-based or innovation-based economic development. Initiatives and Commonwealth centers of excellence subject to such recommendations include (i) those that engage in commercialization of university research, (ii) technology-driven industries such as unmanned systems, (iii) advanced innovation concepts such as smart community technologies, and (iv) technology-based entrepreneurial activity. Recommendations to evaluate and measure current and future initiatives shall be developed in alignment with the Index to assist the Governor and General Assembly in determining appropriate initiatives to pursue while preventing the establishment of redundant activities.

G. Institutions of higher education may choose to coordinate with the Division and participate in projects using moneys granted or loaned from the Fund. The Division shall coordinate with participating institutions of higher education technology transfer officers and vice-presidents of research and innovation to advance founder-friendly policies throughout the Commonwealth. The results of such partnerships may include the establishment of a central Commonwealth-run technology transfer office and founder-friendly terms for optional use; the creation of an inventory library of statewide available technologies and intellectual property; the support and strengthening of existing technology transfer offices, with focus on the need for proof of concept funds; and the development of commercialization advancement plans.

H. The Division may coordinate with public institutions of higher education, technology transfer offices, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the Office of the Attorney General to identify the allowable uses of buildings owned by public institutions of higher education for research-led spin-off companies and student commercial initiatives that originate at public institutions of higher education. The Division and its partners shall take official notice of the fact that no general prohibition exists in the acts of assembly or the Code that generally prohibits such use, but that limitations may exist on a case-by-case basis that may prohibit the use of a particular building, facility, or piece of equipment for the purposes set forth in this subsection.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

A. The Authority shall develop, subject to approval by the Board, a Virginia Innovation Index (the Index), a comprehensive research and technology strategic plan for the Commonwealth to identify research areas worthy of Commonwealth economic development. The goal of the Index shall be to develop a cohesive and comprehensive framework through which to encourage collaboration between the Commonwealth's public institutions of higher education, private sector industries, and economic development entities in order to focus on the complete lifecycle of research, development, and commercialization. The framework shall serve as a means to (i) identify the Commonwealth's key industry sectors in which investments in technology should be made by the Commonwealth; (ii) identify basic and applied research opportunities in these sectors that exhibit commercial promise; (iii) encourage commercialization and economic development activities in the Commonwealth in these sectors; and (iv) help ensure that investments of public funds in the Commonwealth in basic and applied research are made prudently in focused areas for projects with significant potential for commercialization and economic growth in the Commonwealth.

B. The Index shall be used to determine areas of focus for grants, loans, and investments by the Authority pursuant to this article.

C. In developing the Index, the Authority shall:

1. Consult with the chief research officers at public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth regarding the strategic plan for each institution in order to identify common themes;

2. Consult with public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and any other entity deemed relevant to catalog the Commonwealth's assets in order to identify the areas of research and development in which the Commonwealth has a great likelihood of excelling in applied research and commercialization;

3. Make recommendations for the alignment of research and development and economic growth in the Commonwealth, identifying the industry sectors in which the Commonwealth should focus its research, development, investment, and economic development efforts;

4. Establish a process for maintaining an inventory of the Commonwealth's current research and development endeavors in both the public and private sectors that can be used to attract research and commercialization excellence in the Commonwealth;

5. Make recommendations to the Six-Year Capital Outlay Plan Advisory Committee established pursuant to § 2.2-1516 regarding capital construction needs at public institutions of higher education necessary to excel in basic and applied research in identified industry sectors;

6. Solicit feedback from public and private institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth; members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine; members of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine; federal research and development assets in the Commonwealth; regional technology councils in the Commonwealth; the Virginia Economic Development Partnership; the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board; and the private sector;

7. Consult with private industry and industry leaders to identify areas of research and development in which the Commonwealth has a great likelihood of excelling in applied research and commercialization; and

8. Incorporate the work of previous comprehensive research and technology strategic plans developed by the State Council on Higher Education in Virginia.

D. The Authority shall review the Index and make recommendations regarding its update at least once every two years. Such recommended updates shall be submitted to the Board for review and approval.

E. The Authority shall submit a draft of the Index to the Governor and the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Joint Commission on Technology and Science at least 30 days prior to the Board voting to approve the Index or any subsequent updates. Upon final approval, the Authority shall submit the approved Index, and any subsequent updates, to the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Joint Commission on Technology and Science.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

The Authority may accept, receive, receipt for, disburse, and expend federal and state moneys and other moneys, public or private, made available by grant or loan or both or otherwise, to accomplish, in whole or in part, any of the purposes of this article. All federal moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the United States and as are consistent with state law; and all state moneys accepted under this section shall be accepted and expended by the Authority upon such terms and conditions as are prescribed by the Commonwealth.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

All moneys of the Authority, from whatever source derived, shall be paid to the treasurer of the Authority. Such moneys shall be deposited in the first instance by the treasurer in one or more banks or trust companies, in one or more special accounts. All banks and trust companies are authorized to give such security for such deposits, if required by the Authority. The moneys in such accounts shall be paid out on the warrant or other order of the treasurer of the Authority or of other persons as the Authority may authorize to execute such warrants or orders. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives shall examine the accounts and books of the Authority.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, and as the operation and maintenance of projects by the Authority and the undertaking of activities in furtherance of the purpose of the Authority constitute the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article or upon the income therefrom, including sales and use taxes on tangible personal property used in the operations of the Authority, and shall at all times be free from state and local taxation. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of a facility businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169.

A. The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) and the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under this article.

B. The governing board of the Authority shall adopt policies for the procurement of goods and services. Such policies shall:

1. Seek competition to the maximum practical degree;

2. Require competitive negotiation for professional services, which includes the requirements of §§ 2.2-4302.2 and 2.2-4303.1, unless there is only one source practically available and the Authority has complied with the requirements of subsection C;

3. Prohibit discrimination against a bidder or offeror based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a service disabled veteran, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law relating to discrimination in employment; and

4. Incorporate the prompt payment principles of § 2.2-4350 and the payment clauses of § 2.2-4354. The Authority shall include provisions for the inspection of public records in § 2.2-4342.

C. For purchases of (i) goods or nonprofessional services under $200,000 or (ii) professional services or non-transportation-related construction under $80,000, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2. For purchases of (a) goods or nonprofessional services for $200,000 or more or (b) professional services or non-transportation-related construction of $80,000 or more, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that such purchase contributes to the public purpose and mission of the Authority as described in § 2.2-2351. The Authority shall state in such writing (1) an explanation of such determination, (2) that which is being purchased, (3) the contractor selected for such purchase, (4) the date of the award of such contract, and (5) the relationship of such purchase to the public purpose and mission of the Authority. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

D. In case of emergency, the Authority shall not be required to comply with subdivisions B 1 and 2 if the Authority determines in writing that an emergency exists and makes the purchase needed with such competition as is practicable under the circumstances. The Authority shall state in such writing (i) that the contract is being awarded on an emergency basis, (ii) that which is being purchased, (iii) the contractor selected, (iv) the date of the award of such contract, and (v) the relationship between the selection of such contract to the circumstances constituting an emergency. Such notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website on the day the Authority awards or announces its decision to award such contract, whichever occurs first. The Authority shall incorporate the procedures effectuating the provisions of this subsection in the policies required by subsection B.

E. Upon a determination in writing that there is only one source practicably available for that which is to be procured, a contract may be negotiated and awarded to that source without competitive negotiation. The writing shall document the basis for this determination. The Authority shall issue a written notice stating that only one source was determined to be practicably available and identifying that which is being procured, the contractor selected, and the date on which the contract was or will be awarded. This notice shall be posted on the Department of General Services' central electronic procurement website or the Authority's website and may be published in a newspaper of general circulation on the day the public body awards or announces its decision to award the contract, whichever occurs first.

F. The Authority shall submit the policies established in accordance with subsection B to the Governor, the Department of General Services, and the Chairs of the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology and the House Committee on General Laws every five years by November 1, beginning November 1, 2024.

2020, cc. 1164, 1169; 2023, c. 662.

Article 12. Opioid Abatement Authority.

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

"Authority" means the Opioid Abatement Authority.

"Board" means the board of directors of the Authority.

"Community services board region" means a region as determined by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for purposes of administering Chapter 5 (§ 37.2-500 et seq.) of Title 37.2.

"Fund" means the Opioid Abatement Fund.

"Historically economically disadvantaged community" means the same as such term is defined in § 56-576.

"Local apportionment formula" means any formula submitted to the Attorney General by participating localities pursuant to the provisions of subsection B of § 2.2-507.3.

"Participating locality" means any county or independent city that agrees to be bound by the terms of a settlement agreement entered into by the Attorney General relating to claims regarding the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, or sale of opioids, and that releases its own such claims.

"Regional effort" means any effort involving a partnership of at least two participating localities within a community services board region.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

The Opioid Abatement Authority is established as an independent body. The purpose of the Authority is to abate and remediate the opioid epidemic in the Commonwealth through financial support from the Fund, in the form of grants, donations, or other assistance, for efforts to treat, prevent, and reduce opioid use disorder and the misuse of opioids in the Commonwealth. The Authority's exercise of powers conferred by this article shall be deemed to be the performance of an essential governmental function and matters of public necessity for which public moneys may be spent and private property acquired.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

A. The Authority shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of 11 members as follows: (i) the Secretary of Health and Human Resources or his designee; (ii) the Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations or his designee and the Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations or his designee; (iii) an elected member of the governing body of a participating locality, to be selected from a list of three submitted jointly by the Virginia Association of Counties and the Virginia Municipal League; (iv) one representative of a community services board or behavioral health authority serving an urban or suburban region containing participating localities and one representative of a community services board or behavioral health authority serving a rural region containing participating localities, each to be selected from lists of three submitted by the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards; (v) one sheriff of a participating locality, to be selected from a list of three submitted by the Virginia Sheriffs' Association; (vi) one licensed, practicing county or city attorney of a participating locality, to be selected from a list of three submitted by the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia; (vii) two medical professionals with expertise in public and behavioral health administration or opioid use disorders and their treatment; and (viii) one representative of the addiction and recovery community.

The member appointed pursuant to clause (i) shall serve ex officio, and the members appointed pursuant to clauses (iii) through (viii) shall be appointed by the Governor. If the term of the office to which a member appointed pursuant to clause (iii) or (v) was elected expires prior to the expiration of his term as a member of the board, the Governor may authorize such member to complete the remainder of his term as a member or may appoint a new member who satisfies the criteria of clause (iii) or (v), as applicable, to complete the remainder of the term.

B. 1. After an initial staggering of terms, members of the Board shall serve terms of four years. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two terms. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may be appointed to serve two additional terms.

2. Ex officio members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office.

C. The Board shall elect annually a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. The chairman, or in his absence the vice-chairman, shall preside at all meetings of the Board.

D. A majority of the members of the Board serving at any one time shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

E. The Board shall meet annually or more frequently at the call of the chairman.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

The Authority shall:

1. Establish specific criteria and procedures for awards from the Fund;

2. Establish requirements for the submission of funding requests;

3. Evaluate funding requests in accordance with the criteria established by the Authority and the provisions of this article;

4. Make awards from the Fund in a manner that distributes funds equitably among all community services board regions of the Commonwealth, including the establishment of mandatory minimum percentages of funds to be awarded from the Commonwealth to each participating locality;

5. Evaluate the implementation and results of all efforts receiving support from the Authority; and

6. Administer the Fund in accordance with the provisions of this article.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

In order to carry out its purposes, the Authority may:

1. Make grants and disbursements from the Fund that support efforts to treat, prevent, and reduce opioid use disorder and the misuse of opioids or otherwise abate or remediate the opioid epidemic;

2. Pay expenditures from the Fund that are necessary to carry out the purposes of this article;

3. Contract for the services of consultants to assist in the evaluation of the efforts funded by the Authority;

4. Contract for other professional services to assist the Authority in the performance of its duties and responsibilities;

5. Accept, hold, administer, and solicit gifts, grants, bequests, contributions, or other assistance from federal agencies, the Commonwealth, or any other public or private source to carry out the purposes of this article;

6. Enter into any agreement or contract relating to the acceptance or use of any grant, assistance, or support provided by or to the Authority or otherwise in furtherance of the purposes of this article;

7. Perform any lawful acts necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Authority; and

8. Employ such staff as is necessary to perform the Authority's duties. The Authority may determine the duties of such staff and fix the salaries and compensation of such staff, which shall be paid from the Fund. Staff of the Authority shall be treated as state employees for purposes of participation in the Virginia Retirement System, health insurance, and all other employee benefits offered by the Commonwealth to its classified employees. Staff of the Authority shall not be subject to the provisions of Chapter 29 (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) of Title 2.2.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

A. The Authority shall provide financial support only for efforts that satisfy the following conditions:

1. The efforts shall be designed to treat, prevent, or reduce opioid use disorder or the misuse of opioids or otherwise abate or remediate the opioid epidemic, which may include efforts to:

a. Support treatment of opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies;

b. Support people in recovery from opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies;

c. Provide connections to care for people who have, or are at risk of developing, opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies;

d. Support efforts, including law-enforcement programs, to address the needs of persons with opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions who are involved in, or are at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies;

e. Support drug treatment and recovery courts that provide evidence-based or evidence-informed options for people with opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions;

f. Support efforts to address the needs of pregnant or parenting women with opioid use disorder and any co-occurring substance use disorder or mental health conditions and the needs of their families, including infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies;

g. Support efforts to prevent overprescribing and ensure appropriate prescribing and dispensing of opioids through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies;

h. Support efforts to discourage or prevent misuse of opioids through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies;

i. Support efforts to prevent or reduce overdose deaths or other opioid-related harms through evidence-based or evidence-informed methods, programs, or strategies; and

j. Support efforts to provide comprehensive resources for patients seeking opioid detoxification, including detoxification services;

2. The efforts shall be conducted or managed by any agency of the Commonwealth or participating locality;

3. No support provided by the Authority shall be used by the recipient to supplant funding for an existing program or continue funding an existing program at its current amount of funding;

4. No support provided by the Authority shall be used by the recipient for indirect costs incurred in the administration of the financial support or for any other purpose proscribed by the Authority; and

5. Recipients of support provided by the Authority shall agree to provide the Authority with such information regarding the implementation of the effort and allow such monitoring and review of the effort as may be required by the Authority to ensure compliance with the terms under which the support is provided.

B. The Authority shall give priority to applications for financial support for efforts that:

1. Collaborate with an existing program or organization that has an established record of success treating, preventing, or reducing opioid use disorder or the misuse of opioids;

2. Treat, prevent, or reduce opioid use disorder or the misuse of opioids in a community with a high incidence of opioid use disorder or opioid death rate, relative to population;

3. Treat, prevent, or reduce opioid use disorder or the misuse of opioids in a historically economically disadvantaged community; or

4. Include a monetary match from or on behalf of the applicant, with higher priority given to an effort with a larger matching amount.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall cooperate with the Authority and, upon request, assist the Authority in the performance of its duties and responsibilities.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

A. The accounts and records of the Authority showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be in such form as the Auditor of Public Accounts prescribes.

B. The accounts and records of the Authority are subject to an annual audit by the Auditor of Public Accounts or his legal representative.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

The Authority shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Authority no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website. The executive summary shall include information regarding efforts supported by the Authority and expenditures from the Fund.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special, nonreverting fund to be known as the Opioid Abatement Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund," to be administered by the Authority. All funds appropriated to the Fund, all funds designated by the Attorney General under § 2.2-507.3 from settlements, judgments, verdicts, and other court orders relating to claims regarding the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, or sale of opioids, and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on the Fund's 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 at the end of each fiscal year, including interest thereon, shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund, which may consist of grants or loans, shall be authorized by majority vote of the Board.

B. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to provide grants and loans to any agency of the Commonwealth or participating locality for the purposes determined by the Authority in accordance with this article and in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The Authority shall develop guidelines, procedures, and criteria for the application for and award of grants or loans in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. Such guidelines, procedures, and criteria shall comply with the terms of any applicable settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order, or any agreement related thereto between the Attorney General and participating localities.

C. The Authority shall fund all staffing and administrative costs from the Fund. Its expenditures for staffing and administration shall be limited to those that are reasonable for carrying out the purposes of this article.

D. For every deposit to the Fund, the Authority shall allocate a portion to the following purposes:

1. Fifteen percent shall be restricted for use by state agencies;

2. Fifteen percent shall be restricted for use by participating localities, provided that if the terms of a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order, or any agreement related thereto between the Attorney General and participating localities, require this portion to be distributed according to a local apportionment formula, this portion shall be distributed in accordance with such formula;

3. Thirty-five percent shall be restricted for use for regional efforts; and

4. Thirty-five percent shall be unrestricted. Unrestricted funds may be used to fund the Authority's staffing and administrative costs and may be distributed for use by state agencies, by participating localities, or for regional efforts in addition to the amounts set forth in subdivisions 1, 2, and 3, provided that the Authority shall ensure that such funds are used to accomplish the purposes of this article or invested under subsection F.

E. In distributing money from the Fund under subsection D, the Authority shall balance immediate and anticipated needs with projected receipts of funds to best accomplish the purposes for which the Authority is established.

F. The Board may designate any amount from the Fund to be invested, reinvested, and managed by the Board of the Virginia Retirement System as provided in § 51.1-124.40. The State Treasurer is not liable for losses suffered by the Virginia Retirement System on investments made under the authority of this section.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

The exercise of the powers granted by this article shall be in all respects for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth, for the increase of their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions, and as the operation and maintenance of projects by the Authority and the undertaking of activities in furtherance of the purpose of the Authority constitute the performance of essential governmental functions, the Authority shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or any property acquired or used by the Authority under the provisions of this article or upon the income therefrom, including sales and use taxes on tangible personal property used in the operations of the Authority, and shall at all times be free from state and local taxation. The exemption granted in this section shall not be construed to extend to persons conducting on the premises of a facility businesses for which local or state taxes would otherwise be required.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

The provisions of the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) and the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) shall not apply to the Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under this article.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 306, 307.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Commonwealth Opioid Abatement and Remediation Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund at the end of each fiscal year, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. All funds received pursuant to a settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order relating to consumer protection claims regarding the manufacturing, marketing, distribution, or sale of opioids that are intended to be used for opioid abatement or remediation, excluding funds designated for transfer to the Opioid Abatement Authority established under this chapter and funds designated for transfer to participating localities, as defined in § 2.2-2365, pursuant to an agreement between the Attorney General and those participating localities, shall be deposited by the Office of the Attorney General in such amounts into the Fund, or 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. Any moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of efforts to treat, prevent, or reduce opioid use disorder or the misuse of opioids or to otherwise abate or remediate the opioid epidemic, or for any other approved purposes to the extent that such purposes are described in a related settlement, judgment, verdict, or other court order. To the degree practicable, the implementation and maintenance of performance measures associated with the use of such funds shall be documented and remitted to the Opioid Abatement Authority upon request. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed pursuant to the appropriation act.

2023, c. 717.

Chapter 24. Boards.

Article 1. Art and Architectural Review Board.

A. The Art and Architectural Review Board (the Board) is established as an advisory board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Board shall consist of seven voting members as follows: the Director of the Department of Historic Resources, or his designee, serving as an ex officio member and six citizen members, appointed by the Governor. Of the citizen members, one shall be an architect who may be appointed from a list of two or more architects nominated by the governing board of the Virginia Society of the American Institute of Architects; one may be appointed from a list of two or more persons nominated by the governing board of the University of Virginia; one shall be a member of the board of trustees of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; and three shall be appointed from the Commonwealth at large, one of whom shall be a painter or sculptor. Lists of nominees shall be submitted at least 60 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the nominations are being made in order to be considered by the Governor in making appointments pursuant to this section.

B. Following the initial staggering of terms, citizen members of the Board shall be appointed for terms of four years each, except appointments to fill vacancies, which shall be for the unexpired terms. No member shall serve for more than two consecutive four-year terms, except that any member appointed to the unexpired term of another shall be eligible to serve two consecutive four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner of the original appointments. The Director of the Department of Historic Resources shall serve a term coincident with his term of office.

C. Annually, the Board shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman and may elect such other officers as the Board deems proper from among its membership. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

D. The members of the Board shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825.

E. The Department of General Services shall provide assistance to the Board in the undertaking of its responsibilities.

F. The Board shall submit a biennial report to the Governor and General Assembly on or before October 1 of each even-numbered year.

Code 1919, § 581; 1922, p. 757; 1927, p. 106; 1932, p. 37; 1938, p. 724; Michie Code 1942, § 585(64); R.P. 1948, § 9-7; 1964, c. 234; 1975, c. 510; 1976, c. 484; 1978, c. 580, §§ 2.1-488.1, 2.1-488.6; 1979, c. 66; 1981, c. 221; 1984, c. 734, § 2.1-488.2:1; 1985, c. 448; 1989, c. 656; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 650; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2020, c. 114.

A. The Governor may accept, in the name of the Commonwealth, gifts to the Commonwealth of works of art as defined in subsection B. But no work of art shall be so accepted until submitted to the Board or otherwise brought to its attention for its advice and counsel to the Governor.

B. As used in this article, "work of art" means all paintings, mural decorations, stained glass, statues, bas-reliefs, tablets, sculptures, monuments, fountains, arches or other structure of a permanent character intended for ornament or commemoration.

Code 1919, § 583; 1920, p. 51; Michie Code 1942, § 582a; R. P. 1948, §§ 9-10, 9-12; 1975, c. 514; 1978, c. 580, §§ 2.1-488.3, 2.1-488.5; 2001, c. 844.

A. No work of art shall become the property of the Commonwealth by purchase, gift or otherwise, unless the work of art or a design thereof, together with its proposed location, have been submitted to and approved by the Governor acting with the advice and counsel of the Board. Nor shall any work of art, until so submitted and approved, be contracted for, placed in or upon or allowed to extend over any property belonging to the Commonwealth. No existing work of art owned by the Commonwealth shall be removed, relocated or altered in any way without submission to the Governor.

This subsection shall not apply to any portrait, tablet or work of art portraying, or pertaining to, a present or former Governor and presented to, or acquired, by the Governor and displayed in that part of the building under the direct supervision of the Governor or a present or former presiding officer of the Senate or a member or former member of the Supreme Court, the Senate, or the House of Delegates, presented to, or acquired by, the member's or presiding officer's respective body and displayed in that part of any building under the direct supervision and jurisdiction of such body nor shall they apply to any portrait, tablet or work of art acquired by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or museums operated in conjunction with art or architectural departments at public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth.

B. No construction or erection of any building or any appurtenant structure of any nature, which is to be placed on or allowed to extend over any property belonging to the Commonwealth, and no construction or erection of any bridge, arch, gate, fence, or other structure or fixture intended primarily for ornamental or memorial purposes, and which is to be paid for, either wholly or in part by appropriation from the state treasury, and, which is to be placed on or allowed to extend over any property belonging to the Commonwealth, shall be begun, unless the design and proposed location thereof have been submitted to the Governor and its artistic character approved in writing by him acting with the advice and counsel of the Board, unless the Governor has failed to disapprove in writing the design within 30 days after its submission. No existing structure of the kinds described in this subsection, owned by the Commonwealth, shall be removed, remodeled or added to, nor shall any appurtenant structure be attached without submission to the Governor and the artistic character of the proposed new structure approved in writing by him acting with the advice and counsel of the Board, unless the Governor has failed to disapprove in writing the design within 30 days after its submission.

C. No work of art not owned by the Commonwealth shall be placed in or upon or allowed to extend over any property belonging to the Commonwealth for a period of more than two years unless such work of art or a design thereof has been submitted to and approved by the Governor acting with the advice and counsel of the Board.

This subsection shall not apply to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or museums operated in conjunction with art or architectural departments at public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth.

Code 1919, § 582; 1920, p. 393; 1942, p. 197; R. P. 1948, § 9-11; 1956, c. 223; 1970, c. 203; 1975, c. 514; 1978, c. 580, § 2.1-488.4; 2000, c. 551; 2001, c. 844.

Article 2. Chief Information Officer Advisory Board.

Repealed by Acts 2003, cc. 981 and 1021.

Article 3. Design-Build/Construction Management Review Board.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

Article 4. Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Board.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

Article 5. Personnel Advisory Board.

Repealed by Acts 2001, cc. 520 and 806.

Article 6. Public Guardian and Conservator Advisory Board.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 40, cl. 2.

Article 7. Small Business Advisory Board.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 45.

Article 8. Treasury Board.

A. The Treasury Board (the Board) is established as a policy board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Board shall consist of seven members to be appointed as follows: four members to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor; the State Treasurer, the Comptroller, and the Tax Commissioner. The members appointed by the Governor should have a background and experience in financial management and investments. The State Treasurer, the Comptroller, and the Tax Commissioner shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner of the original appointment.

B. The State Treasurer shall act as the chairman, and the Board shall elect a secretary who need not be a member of the Board. The Board shall have regularly scheduled meetings at least six times per year and shall keep a regular and sufficient set of books, which include a record of all of their proceedings and any action taken by them with respect to any funds which by any provision of law are required to be administered by the Treasury Board. Four members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

C. Members of the Board appointed by the Governor shall receive reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813.

Code 1950, § 2-149.1; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-178; 1979, c. 215; 1984, c. 720; 1987, c. 601; 2001, c. 844; 2016, cc. 36, 72.

The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Exercise general supervision over all investments of state funds;

2. Give advice and supervision in the financing of state buildings and make recommendations, as requested, to the Governor on methods by which capital outlay requirements of the Commonwealth, including its agencies and institutions, may be financed;

3. Control and manage all sinking funds and other funds in possession of the Commonwealth in a fiduciary capacity;

4. Administer the Virginia Security for Public Deposits Act (§ 2.2-4400 et seq.);

5. Make recommendations to the Governor, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, on proposed bond issues or other financing arrangements; approve the terms and structure of bonds or other financing arrangements executed by or for the benefit of educational institutions and state agencies other than independent state authorities or covered institutions as defined in § 23.1-1000, including bonds, public-private partnerships, or other financing arrangements executed by private foundations for housing or other capital projects with respect to which an educational institution that is not a covered institution as defined in § 23.1-1000 is obligated to provide financial or other types of support, and including bonds or other financing arrangements secured by leases, lease purchase agreements, financing leases, capital leases, or other similar agreements; and approve agreements relating to the sale of bonds. Such recommendations to the Governor shall be reported to the Chairmen of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations;

6. Take or cause to be taken and omit to take all actions as to any tax exempt bonds for which it has issuing authority, either by statute or by act of the General Assembly, the taking or omission of which is necessary on behalf of the Commonwealth to prevent such bonds from being or becoming subject to federal income taxation or being considered to be "arbitrage bonds" within the meaning of federal tax laws, including compliance with the arbitrage rebate provisions thereof;

7. Approve, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary, the terms and structure of bonds or other financing arrangements executed by or for the benefit of state agencies, boards, and authorities where debt service payments on such bonds or other financing arrangements are expected by such agency, board, or authority to be made, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from appropriations of the Commonwealth, including bonds or other financing arrangements secured by leases, lease purchase agreements, financing leases, capital leases or other similar agreements, and agreements relating to the sale of bonds;

8. Establish debt structuring guidelines for bonds or other financing arrangements executed by or for the benefit of all state agencies, institutions, boards, and authorities where the debt service payments on such bonds or other financing arrangements are expected to be made, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from appropriations of the Commonwealth, in which guidelines the Board may, in its sole discretion, include such items as it deems necessary and appropriate, including, but not limited to, defining terms such as "terms and structure" and "bonds and other financing arrangements" and exempting from its review and approval pursuant to subdivision 5 or 7 (i) specific bond issues and other financing arrangements, (ii) certain types or classes of bond issues and other financing arrangements, and (iii) bond issues and other financing arrangements that are below a stated dollar amount;

9. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to efficiently carry out and enforce the powers granted to and duties imposed on it by law, including delegating to the State Treasurer or to a committee composed of not less than three members of the Board such powers and duties, as it deems proper, to the extent designated and permitted by the Board;

10. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties conferred or imposed upon it by law, including the local government investment pool authorized by Chapter 46 (§ 2.2-4600 et seq.); and

11. Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to wind up the affairs of, and protect the Commonwealth's interests in, such matters that may survive the termination of the State Education Assistance Authority, the Virginia Student Assistance Authorities, and the Virginia Education Loan Authority. Nothing herein shall be construed to amend, enhance, or otherwise alter such commitments, security interests, guarantees, or other pledges entered into by the State Education Assistance Authority, the Virginia Student Assistance Authorities, and the Virginia Education Loan Authority, acting in their official capacity and effective on or before March 31, 1997.

Code 1950, § 2-149.2; 1966, c. 677, § 2.1-179; 1979, c. 215; 1984, c. 720; 1987, cc. 210, 211, 242; 1988, c. 258; 1990, c. 712; 1991, c. 578; 1996, cc. 636, 656; 1998, cc. 39, 784; 2001, c. 844; 2023, cc. 161, 162.

A. The Board, or its designee, shall review and approve the financial terms of all contracts for the purchase or financing of the purchase by agencies, institutions, boards and authorities which receive appropriations from the Commonwealth, i.e., the using agencies, of personal property, including personal property to be affixed to realty, whether by lease-purchase, installment purchase or otherwise, where payment of the purchase price is deferred through installment payments, includes the payment of interest, or is otherwise financed by the seller, lessor, or third parties.

B. The Board may specifically exempt from its review and approval specific purchases, and purchases below a stated amount, and may adopt regulations governing the financial terms of contracts, as described in subsection A, including but not limited to the authority to negotiate with a seller or lessor the public or private sale of securities, the security interest which may be granted to a seller or lessor, and the types and value of property which may be acquired under such contracts. Approval of the Board or its designee and compliance with regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall be required in addition to and notwithstanding any other provision of law pertaining to the review, approval or award of contracts by agencies and institutions of the Commonwealth.

C. Notwithstanding any of the foregoing and except as the Board shall direct and authorize otherwise, every using agency shall procure through the Board all contracts for the financing of the purchases described in subsection A or other financial services needed for the purpose of financing such purchases. The Board may acquire such financing services, including, but is not limited to employing financial advisors and private or public placement agents.

D. An agency, institution, board, or authority which receives appropriations from the Commonwealth shall procure state agency energy efficiency projects under this section. State agency energy efficiency projects may include personal property, the installation or modification of an installation in a building, and professional, management, and other special services which are primarily intended to reduce energy consumption and demand, or allow the use of an alternative energy source, and which may contain integral control and measurement devices.

1986, c. 280, § 2.1-179.2; 1987, c. 613; 1991, c. 578; 1994, c. 231; 2001, c. 844.

Whenever the General Assembly has enacted legislation pursuant to Article X, Section 9 (b), (c), or (d) of the Constitution of Virginia authorizing the issuance of bonds for capital projects of the Commonwealth or any state agency, institution, board, or authority (a "state instrumentality") where debt service payments on the bonds are expected to be made in whole or in part from appropriations of the Commonwealth, the Board, with the consent of the Governor, may borrow money in anticipation of the issuance of the bonds to provide funds, with any other available funds, to pay the costs of acquiring, constructing, renovating, enlarging, improving, and equipping any one or more of the capital projects for which such bonds have been authorized. Any such borrowing shall be evidenced by notes of the Commonwealth that shall be in such form, shall be executed in such manner, shall bear interest at such rates, either at fixed rates or at rates established by formula or other method, and may contain such other provisions, all as the Board, or the State Treasurer when authorized by the Board, may determine. Such notes may bear interest at a rate subject to inclusion in gross income for federal income tax purposes as determined by the Board, with the consent of the Governor. Such notes may be made payable from the proceeds of the bonds, other notes, or other sources of funds authorized by the General Assembly. The proceeds of the notes, to the extent not required to pay the principal or interest on maturing notes, or expenses associated therewith, shall be paid or otherwise made available to the Commonwealth or appropriate state instrumentality to pay the costs of such capital projects. However, the undertaking and obligation of (i) the Board to make such note proceeds available to the state instrumentality and (ii) the state instrumentality to pay or provide for the payment of the interest and principal coming due on the notes and to issue its own bonds or otherwise retire the notes within five years of the date of their initial issuance shall be set forth in a written agreement between the Board and the state instrumentality. No such notes shall be issued by the Board for or on behalf of a state instrumentality unless the Board first determines that such written agreement provides reasonable assurance of the full and timely payment of the debt service on the notes.

No law authorizing the issuance of bonds and notes for which bond anticipation notes have been issued by the Board shall be repealed or otherwise vitiated without first providing for the payment of the related bond anticipation notes of the Board.

1991, c. 554, § 2.1-179.3; 1996, cc. 636, 656; 2001, c. 844.

The Board may, with the consent of the Governor, sell and issue refunding bonds of the Commonwealth to refund any or all of the Commonwealth's bonds or other debt. The aggregate principal amount of such refunding bonds shall not exceed the amount required to redeem or otherwise provide for the payment of the unpaid principal of and interest on and any redemption premium payable on the bonds to be refunded to their date of redemption or payment, plus all expenses incurred in such refunding transaction.

1996, cc. 636, 656, § 2.1-179.4; 2001, c. 844.

Bonds and notes issued by the Board may be issued and sold at the same time with other bonds and notes issued by the Board either as separate issues, a combined issue, or a combination of both.

1996, cc. 636, 656, § 2.1-179.5; 2001, c. 844.

Article 9. Board on Veterans' Affairs.

Repealed by Acts 2003, cc. 657 and 670.

Article 10. Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board.

A. The Virginia Geographic Information Network 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 Board shall advise the Geographic Information Network Division (the Division) of the Department of Emergency Management on issues related to the exercise of the Division's powers and duties.

B. The Board shall consist of 19 members appointed as follows: nine nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor that consist of one agency director from one of the natural resources agencies, one official from a baccalaureate public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth, one elected official representing a local government in the Commonwealth, one member of the Virginia Association of Surveyors, one representative of a utility or transportation industry utilizing geographic data, two representatives of private businesses with expertise and experience in the establishment, operation, and maintenance of geographic information systems, and two county, city, town, or regional government geographic information system (GIS) directors or managers representing diverse regions of the Commonwealth; four members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; two members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; the Chief Information Officer, the State Coordinator of Emergency Management, the Commissioner of Highways, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Partnership Authority or their designees who shall serve as ex officio, voting members. Gubernatorial appointees may be nonresidents of the Commonwealth. All members of the Board appointed by the Governor shall be confirmed by each house of the General Assembly. The agency director and official from a baccalaureate public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor may each designate a member of his organization as an alternate who may attend meetings in his place and be counted as a member of the Board for the purposes of a quorum.

Any members of the Board who are representatives of private businesses that provide geographic information services, and their companies, are precluded from contracting to provide goods or services to the Division.

C. Legislative members' terms shall be coincident with their terms of office. Following the initial staggering of terms, the gubernatorial appointees to the Board shall serve five-year terms, except for the two GIS directors or managers, who shall serve two-year terms. Members appointed by the Governor shall serve no more than two consecutive five-year terms, except the two GIS directors or managers shall serve no more than two consecutive two-year terms. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. 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 to serve.

D. The Board shall elect from its membership a chairman, vice-chairman, and any other officers deemed necessary. The duties and terms of the officers shall be prescribed by the members. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall meet at least quarterly or at the call of its chairman or the State Coordinator of Emergency Management.

E. Legislative members of the Board shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive such compensation as provided in § 2.2-2813 for their services. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Virginia Geographic Information Network Division of the Department of Emergency Management.

F. The Geographic Information Network Division shall provide staff support to the Board.

1997, c. 817, § 2.1-563.41; 1999, cc. 412, 421, 433; 2001, c. 844; 2003, cc. 981, 1021; 2004, c. 1000; 2010, c. 869; 2014, c. 283; 2020, cc. 36, 175, 423.

Article 11. Virginia-Israel Advisory Board.

Repealed by 2018, c. 697, cl. 2.

Article 12. Virginia Public Broadcasting Board.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 58.

Article 13. Virginia Public Buildings Board.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 5.

Article 14. Virginia Veterans Care Center Board of Trustees.

Repealed by Acts 2003, cc. 657 and 670.

Article 15. Virginia Veterans Cemetery Board.

Repealed by Acts 2003, cc. 657 and 670.

Article 16. Herbert H. Bateman Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and Carrier Integration Center Board.

Expired.

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.

Article 18. Board of Veterans Services.

A. The Board of Veterans Services (the Board) is established as a policy board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Board shall have a total membership of 26 members, including seven legislative members, 15 nonlegislative citizen members, and four ex officio members. Members shall be appointed as follows: four members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; three members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; and 15 nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor. The Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Veterans Services Foundation, the Chairman of the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations, and the Chairman of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation, or their designees, shall serve ex officio with full voting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

In making appointments, the Governor shall endeavor to ensure a balanced geographical representation on the Board, while at the same time selecting appointees of such qualifications and experience as will allow them to develop reasonable and effective policy recommendations related to (i) the services provided to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and their eligible spouses, orphans, and dependents by the Department of Veterans Services and (ii) the mission of the Virginia War Memorial.

Legislative members and the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. However, no House member shall serve more than six consecutive two-year terms, and no Senate member shall serve more than three consecutive four-year terms. No nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms; however, a nonlegislative citizen member appointed to serve an unexpired term is eligible to serve two consecutive four-year terms immediately succeeding such unexpired term.

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. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

B. The Board shall select a chairman and vice-chairman from its membership. The Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services shall not be eligible to serve as chairman. The Board shall meet at least three times a year at such times as it deems appropriate or on call of the chairman. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

C. The Board shall organize itself in such a way as to allow it to fulfill its powers and duties.

D. The Department of Veterans Services shall provide staff to assist the Board in its administrative, planning, and procedural duties.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2004, c. 697; 2005, c. 758; 2008, cc. 467, 768; 2010, c. 64; 2012, cc. 33, 162; 2015, c. 319; 2017, cc. 89, 501; 2019, cc. 40, 204.

Legislative members of the Board shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12, and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive such compensation as provided in § 2.2-2813 for the performance of their duties. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Department of Veterans Services.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2004, c. 1000.

The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Advise and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Veterans Services upon such matters as may arise in the performance of his duties;

2. Investigate issues related to the provision of care and services to veterans, upon request of the Commissioner of Veterans Services or the Governor;

3. Study all matters affecting the welfare of Virginia citizens who are veterans or dependents or survivors of such veterans, and make recommendations to the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services;

4. Develop recommendations for policies and procedures related to the efficient and effective delivery of the services provided by the Department of Veterans Services;

5. Establish policies related to the coordinated delivery of veterans services, in consultation with those agencies, entities, and organizations, including counties, cities, towns or other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth capable of providing such services;

6. Monitor the administration of all laws concerning veterans and their dependents;

7. Review and advise the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services on the Department's strategic plan;

8. Based on rigorous cost-benefit-value analysis, provide recommendations to the Department of Veterans Services regarding future projects and the acquisition of facilities that may benefit the State's veterans, including but not limited to veterans cemeteries and veterans care centers; and

9. Provide recommendations to the Department of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation created in § 2.2-2715 regarding gifts, grants, and other resources from public and private entities and organizations to support veterans services.

2003, cc. 657, 670.

Article 19. Charitable Gaming Board.

A. The Charitable Gaming 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 is to advise the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on all aspects of the conduct of charitable gaming in Virginia.

B. The Board shall consist of nine members who shall be appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the General Assembly as follows: one member who is a member of a charitable organization subject to Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2 in good standing with the Department; one member who is a charitable gaming supplier registered and in good standing with the Department; one member who is an owner, lessor, or lessee of premises where charitable gaming is conducted; at least one member who is or has been a law-enforcement officer in Virginia but who (i) is not a charitable gaming supplier registered with the Department, (ii) is not a lessor of premises where charitable gaming is conducted, (iii) is not a member of a charitable organization, or (iv) does not have an interest in or is not affiliated with such supplier or charitable organization or owner, lessor, or lessee of premises where charitable gaming is conducted; and five citizens who do not have an interest in or are not affiliated with a charitable organization, charitable gaming supplier, or owner, lessor, or lessee of premises where charitable gaming is conducted.

To the extent practicable, the Board shall consist of individuals from different geographic regions of the Commonwealth. Each member of the Board shall have been a resident of the Commonwealth for a period of at least three years next preceding his appointment, and his continued residency shall be a condition of his tenure in office. Members shall be appointed for four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled by the Governor in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. Each Board member shall be eligible for reappointment for a second consecutive term at the discretion of the Governor. Persons who are first appointed to initial terms of less than four years shall thereafter be eligible for reappointment to two consecutive terms of four years each. No sitting member of the General Assembly shall be eligible for appointment to the Board. The members of the Board shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

C. The Board shall elect from among its members a chairman and vice-chairman from among its members.

D. A quorum shall consist of five members. The decision of a majority of those members present and voting shall constitute a decision of the Board.

E. For each day or part thereof spent in the performance of his duties, each member of the Board shall receive such compensation and reimbursement for his reasonable expenses as provided in § 2.2-2104.

F. The Board shall adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of its business, including a provision that Board members shall abstain or otherwise recuse themselves from voting on any matter in which they or a member of their immediate family have a personal interest in a transaction as defined in § 2.2-3101. The Board shall meet at least four times a year, and other meetings may be held at any time or place determined by the Board or upon call of the chairman or upon a written request to the chairman by any two members. Except for emergency meetings, all members shall be duly notified of the time and place of any regular or other meeting at least 10 days in advance of such meeting.

G. Staff to the Board shall be provided by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

2003, c. 884; 2008, cc. 387, 689; 2015, c. 755; 2018, c. 55; 2022, cc. 554, 597, 609.

The Board shall:

1. Advise the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on the conduct of charitable gaming in Virginia and recommend changes to Article 1.1:1 (§ 18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2;

2. Advise on other matters related to charitable gaming that the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may request or the Board may deem necessary; and

3. Keep a complete and accurate record of its proceedings. A copy of such record and any other public records not exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) shall be available for public inspection and copying during regular office hours at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

2003, c. 884; 2008, cc. 387, 689; 2022, cc. 554, 609.

Article 20. Information Technology Investment Board.

Repealed by Acts 2010, cc. 136 and 145, cl. 2, effective March 11, 2010.

Article 21. Latino Advisory Board.

A. The Latino Advisory Board (the Board) is established as an advisory board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Board shall consist of 21 nonlegislative citizen members, at least 15 of whom shall be of Latino descent, who shall be appointed by the Governor and serve at his pleasure. In addition, the Secretaries of the Commonwealth, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Public Safety, and Transportation, or their designees shall serve as ex officio members without voting privileges. All members shall be residents of the Commonwealth.

B. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two successive four-year terms; however, after the expiration of the remainder of a term to which a member was appointed to fill a vacancy, two additional terms may be served by such member if appointed thereto.

C. The Board shall elect from its membership a chairman and vice-chairman. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Meetings of the Board shall be held upon the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

D. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

2005, c. 636; 2020, c. 57.

A. The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Advise the Governor regarding the development of economic, professional, cultural, educational, and governmental links between the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Latino community in Virginia, and Latin America;

2. Undertake studies, symposiums, research, and factual reports to gather information to formulate and present recommendations to the Governor relative to issues of concern and importance to the Latino community in the Commonwealth; and

3. Advise the Governor as needed regarding any statutory, regulatory, or other issues of importance to the Latino community in the Commonwealth.

B. The Board may apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources to enable it to carry out its objectives.

2005, c. 636.

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

2005, c. 636.

Article 22. Open Education Curriculum Board.

Repealed by Acts 2013, c. 372, cl. 2.

Article 23. Virginia War Memorial Board.

Expired.

Repealed by Acts 2013, c. 234, cl. 2.

Expired.

Article 24. Virginia Board of Workforce Development.

As used in this article:

"Local workforce development board" means a local workforce development board established under § 107 of the WIOA.

"One stop" means a conceptual approach to service delivery intended to provide a single point of access for receiving a wide range of workforce development and employment services, either on-site or electronically, through a single system.

"One-stop center" means a physical site where employment and career services are provided, either on site or electronically, and access to career services, training services, and other partner program services are available for employers, employees, and job seekers.

"One-stop operator" means a single entity or consortium of entities that operate a one-stop center or centers. Operators may be public or private entities competitively selected by a local workforce board.

"WIOA" means the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-128).

2014, c. 815; 2015, cc. 275, 292, 435.

A. The Virginia Board of Workforce Development (the Board) is established as a policy board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Board shall be to assist and advise the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Secretary of Labor in meeting workforce development needs in the Commonwealth through recommendation of policies and strategies to increase coordination and thus efficiencies of operation between all education and workforce programs with responsibilities and resources for employment, occupational training, and support connected to workforce credential and job attainment.

B. The Board shall consist of the following:

1. Two members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates and two members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. Legislative members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office and may be reappointed for successive terms;

2. The Governor and his designee who shall be the Secretary of Labor or another cabinet-level official appointed to the Board;

3. The Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Veterans and Defense Affairs, or their designees, each of whom shall serve ex officio;

4. The Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System or his designee, who shall serve ex officio; and

5. Additional members appointed by the Governor as are required to ensure that the composition of the Board satisfies the requirements of the WIOA. The additional members shall include:

a. Two local elected officials;

b. Eight members who shall be representatives of the workforce, to include (i) three representatives nominated by state labor federations, of which one shall be a representative of a joint-labor apprenticeship program, and (ii) at least one representative of a private career college; and

c. Nonlegislative citizen members representing businesses in the Commonwealth, the total number of whom shall constitute a majority of the members of the Board and who shall include the presidents of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Manufacturers Association or their designees as well as business owners, chief executive officers, chief operating officers, chief financial officers, senior managers, or other business executives or employers with optimum policy-making or hiring authority who represent the Commonwealth's economic development priorities. Business members shall represent diverse regions of the state, to include urban, suburban, and rural areas, and at least two members shall also be members of local workforce development boards.

Nonlegislative citizen members may be nonresidents of the Commonwealth. Members appointed in accordance with this subdivision shall serve four-year terms, subject to the pleasure of the Governor, and may be reappointed.

C. The Governor shall select a chairman and vice-chairman, who shall serve two-year terms, from among nonlegislative citizen members representing the business community appointed in accordance with subdivision B 5 c. The Board shall meet at least every three months or upon the call of the chair or the Governor as stipulated by the Board's bylaws. The chairman and the vice-chairman shall select at least five members of the Board to serve as an executive committee of the Board, which shall have the limited purpose of establishing meeting agendas, reviewing bylaws and other documents pertaining to Board governance and operations, approving reports to the Governor, and responding to urgent federal, state, and local issues between scheduled Board meetings.

D. Compensation and reimbursement of expenses of the members shall be as follows:

1. Legislative members appointed in accordance with subdivision B 1 shall receive such compensation and reimbursement of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813, 2.2-2825, and 30-19.12.

2. Ex officio members of the Board shall not receive compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

3. Members of the Board appointed in accordance with subdivision B 5 shall not receive compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided from federal funds received under the WIOA.

2014, c. 815; 2015, cc. 275, 292; 2017, c. 265; 2020, c. 58; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 453.

A. Staffing for the Board and Board functions shall be supervised by the Secretary of Labor. Additional staff support, including staffing of standing committees, may include other directors or coordinators of relevant education and workforce programs as requested by the Secretary of Labor and as in-kind support to the Board from agencies administering workforce programs.

B. The Secretary of Labor shall direct agencies administering workforce programs to supply staff support to Board committees and other logistical support for the Board.

2015, cc. 275, 292; 2017, c. 265; 2020, c. 58; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 453.

A. The Board shall implement a Virginia Workforce System that shall undertake the following actions to implement and foster workforce development and training and better align education and workforce programs to meet current and projected skills requirements of an increasingly technological, global workforce:

1. Provide policy advice to the Governor on workforce and workforce development issues in order to create a business-driven system that yields increasing rates of attainment of workforce credentials in demand by business and increasing rates of jobs creation and attainment;

2. Provide policy direction to local workforce development boards;

3. Assist the Governor in the development, implementation, and modification of any combined state plan developed pursuant to the WIOA;

4. Identify current and emerging statewide workforce needs of the business community;

5. Forecast and identify training requirements for the new workforce;

6. Recommend strategies to match trained workers with available jobs to include strategies for increasing business engagement in education and workforce development;

7. Evaluate the extent to which the state's workforce development programs emphasize education and training opportunities that align with employers' workforce needs and labor market statistics and report the findings of this analysis to the Governor every two years;

8. Advise and oversee the development of a strategic workforce dashboard and tools that will inform the Governor, policy makers, system stakeholders, and the public on issues such as state and regional labor market conditions, the relationship between the supply and demand for workers, workforce program outcomes, and projected employment growth or decline. The Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, along with other workforce partners, shall provide data to populate the tools and dashboard;

9. Determine and publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected by the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. The Department of Workforce Development and Advancement shall support the Virginia Board of Workforce Development in making such determination. Such information shall be published biennially and disseminated to employers; education and training entities, including associate-degree-granting and baccalaureate public institutions of higher education; government agencies, including the Department of Education and public libraries; and other users in the public and private sectors;

10. Develop pay-for-performance contract strategy incentives for rapid reemployment services consistent with the WIOA as an alternative model to traditional programs;

11. Conduct a review of budgets, which shall be submitted annually to the Board by each agency conducting federal and state funded career and technical and adult education and workforce development programs, that identify the agency's sources and expenditures of administrative, workforce education and training, and support services for workforce development programs;

12. Review and recommend industry credentials that align with high demand occupations, which credentials shall include a credential that determines career readiness;

13. Define the Board's role in certifying WIOA training providers, including those not subject to the authority expressed in Article 3 (§ 23.1-213 et seq.) of Chapter 2 of Title 23.1;

14. Provide an annual report to the Governor concerning its actions and determinations under subdivisions 1 through 13;

15. Create quality standards, guidelines, and directives applicable to local workforce development boards and the operation of one-stops, as necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of this article;

16. Conduct or cause to be conducted, on a biennial basis, an independent evaluation of the operational and program objectives of the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement and submit a report to the Governor and the General Assembly summarizing such evaluation; and

17. Perform any act or function in accordance with the purposes of this article.

B. The Board may establish such committees as it deems necessary

C. The Board, the Secretary of Labor, and the Governor's other Cabinet Secretaries shall assist the Governor in complying with the provisions of the WIOA and ensuring the coordination and effectiveness of all federal and state funded career and technical and adult education and workforce development programs and providers within Virginia's Workforce System.

D. The Board shall assist the Governor in the following areas with respect to workforce development: development of any combined state plan developed pursuant to the WIOA; development and continuous improvement of a statewide workforce development system that ensures career readiness and coordinates and aligns career and technical education, adult education, and federal and state workforce programs; development of linkages to ensure coordination and nonduplication among programs and activities; designation of local areas; development of local discretionary allocation formulas; development and continuous improvement of comprehensive state performance measures including, without limitation, performance measures reflecting the degree to which one-stop centers provide comprehensive services with all mandatory partners and the degree to which local workforce development boards have obtained funding from sources other than the WIOA; preparation of the annual report to the U.S. Secretary of Labor; development of a statewide employment statistics system; and development of a statewide system of one-stop centers that provide comprehensive workforce services to employers, employees, and job seekers.

The Board shall share information regarding its meetings and activities with the public.

E. Each local workforce development board shall develop and submit to the Governor and the Board an annual workforce demand plan for its workforce development board area based on a survey of local and regional businesses that reflects the local employers' needs and requirements and the availability of trained workers to meet those needs and requirements. Local boards shall also designate or certify one-stop operators; identify eligible providers of youth activities; develop a budget; conduct local oversight of one-stop operators and training providers in partnership with its local chief elected official; negotiate local performance measures, including incentives for good performance and penalties for inadequate performance; assist in developing statewide employment statistics; coordinate workforce development activities with economic development strategies and the annual demand plan, and develop linkages among them; develop and enter into memoranda of understanding with one-stop partners and implement the terms of such memoranda; promote participation by the private sector; actively seek sources of financing in addition to WIOA funds; report performance statistics to the Board; and certify local training providers in accordance with criteria provided by the Board. Further, a local training provider certified by any workforce development board has reciprocal certification for all workforce development boards.

F. Each workforce development board shall develop and execute a strategic plan designed to combine public and private resources to support sector strategies, career pathways, and career readiness skills development. Such initiatives shall include or address (i) a regional vision for workforce development; (ii) protocols for planning workforce strategies that anticipate industry needs; (iii) the needs of incumbent and underemployed workers in the region; (iv) the development of partners and guidelines for various forms of on-the-job training, such as registered apprenticeships; (v) the setting of standards and metrics for operational delivery; (vi) alignment of monetary and other resources, including private funds and in-kind contributions, to support the workforce development system; and (vii) the generation of new sources of funding to support workforce development in the region.

G. Local workforce development boards are encouraged to implement pay-for-performance contract strategy incentives for rapid reemployment services consistent within the WIOA as an alternative model to traditional programs. Such incentives shall focus on (i) partnerships that lead to placements of eligible job seekers in unsubsidized employment and (ii) placement in unsubsidized employment for hard-to-serve job seekers. At the discretion of the local workforce development board, funds to the extent permissible under §§ 128(b) and 133(b) of the WIOA may be allocated for pay-for-performance partnerships.

H. Each chief local elected official shall consult with the Governor regarding designation of local workforce development areas; appoint members to the local board in accordance with state criteria; serve as the local grant recipient unless another entity is designated in the local plan; negotiate local performance measures with the Governor; ensure that all mandated partners are active participants in the local workforce development board and one-stop center; and collaborate with the local workforce development board on local plans and program oversight.

I. Each local workforce development board shall develop and enter into a memorandum of understanding concerning the operation of the one-stop delivery system in the local area with each entity that carries out any of the following programs or activities:

1. Programs authorized under Title I of the WIOA;

2. Programs authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. § 49 et seq.);

3. Adult education and literacy activities authorized under Title II of the WIOA;

4. Programs authorized under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 720 et seq.);

5. Postsecondary career and technical education activities authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.);

6. Activities authorized under Chapter 2 of Title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. § 2271 et seq.);

7. Activities pertaining to employment and training programs for veterans authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 4100 et seq.;

8. Programs authorized under Title 60.2, in accordance with applicable federal law;

9. Workforce development activities or work requirements of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program known in Virginia as the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work (VIEW) established pursuant to § 63.2-608;

10. Workforce development activities or work programs authorized under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq.);

11. Other programs or activities as required by the WIOA; and

12. Programs authorized under Title I of the WIOA.

J. The quorum for a meeting of a local workforce development board shall consist of a majority of both the private sector and public sector members. Each local workforce development board shall share information regarding its meetings and activities with the public.

K. For the purposes of implementing the WIOA, income from service in the Virginia National Guard shall not disqualify unemployed service members from WIOA-related services.

L. The Secretary of Labor shall be responsible for the coordination of the Virginia Workforce System and the implementation of the WIOA.

2014, c. 815; 2015, cc. 191, 275, 292, 435; 2017, c. 265; 2018, c. 225; 2019, c. 210; 2020, c. 58; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 453; 2023, cc. 624, 625.

A. As used in this section, "regional convener" means the local workforce development board having responsibility for coordinating business, economic development, labor, regional planning commissions, education at all levels, and human services organizations to focus on community workforce issues and the development of solutions to current and prospective business needs for a skilled labor force at the regional level.

B. As a condition of receiving WIOA funds, each local workforce development board shall either be designated as the regional convener for the WIOA region or enter into a memorandum of agreement supporting the public or private entity identified as serving as the regional convener.

C. Each regional convener shall develop, in collaboration with other workforce development entities in the region, a local plan for employer engagement. The plan shall (i) specify the policies and protocols to be followed by all of the region's workforce development entities when engaging the region's employers, (ii) address how the region's workforce entities will involve employers in the formation of new workforce development initiatives, and (iii) identify what activities will be undertaken to address employers' specific workforce needs. Each region's plan should be reviewed by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, and the board should recommend changes to the plans to ensure consistency across regions.

2015, cc. 275, 292.

A. Each local workforce development board shall allocate a minimum of 40 percent of WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker funds to training services as defined under § 134(c)(3)(D) of the WIOA that lead to recognized postsecondary education and workforce credentials aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area or region. Beginning October 1, 2016, and biannually thereafter, the Secretary of Labor shall submit a report to the Board evaluating the rate of the expenditure of WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker funds under this section.

B. Failure by a local workforce development board to meet the required training expenditure percentage requirement shall result in sanctions, to increase in severity for each year of noncompliance. These sanctions may include corrective action plans; ineligibility to receive state-issued awards, additional WIOA incentives, or sub-awards; the recapturing and reallocation of a percentage of the local area board's Adult and Dislocated Worker funds; or for boards with recurring noncompliance, development of a reorganization plan through which the Governor would appoint and certify a new local board.

C. The Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, in consultation with the Governor, shall develop a formula providing for 30 percent of WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker funds reserved by the Governor for statewide activities to be used solely for providing incentives to postsecondary workforce training institutions through local workforce development boards to accelerate the increase of workforce credential attainment by participants. Fiscal incentive awards provided under this section must be expended on training activities that lead participants to a postsecondary education or workforce credential that is aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations within each local workforce area. Apprenticeship-related instruction shall be included as a qualifying training under this subsection if such instruction is provided through a postsecondary education institution.

2015, cc. 275, 292; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 453; 2024, c. 507.

A. As used in this section, "opportunity youth" means individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 who are (i) homeless, in foster care, or involved in the justice system or (ii) neither gainfully employed nor enrolled in an educational institution.

B. Local workforce development boards, in consultation with local chief elected officials; secondary and postsecondary education institutions, business leaders, and local community organizations, including youth organizations, shall develop focused strategies for engaging opportunity youth and placing them on pathways to education, training, and careers. The key focus of the strategy shall be actions that lead to retention, credential attainment, and gainful employment.

C. Each local workforce development board shall develop a strategic plan that includes performance measures for evaluating results of the implementation of the strategies developed pursuant to subsection B. The plan shall be submitted to the Secretary of Labor annually on or before November 30.

2019, c. 593; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 453.

A. Regional workforce training centers shall be established at institutions within the Virginia Community College System in the Peninsula, Southside, Central Virginia, and Western Tidewater regions to assist the Board in (i) coordinating specific high-skill training, (ii) developing industry standards and related curricula, and (iii) providing skills assessments.

B. The Virginia Community College System shall evaluate other regional workforce center locations and recommend to the Board their establishment as such needs are identified. The Virginia Community College System shall support regional workforce training centers created by the Regional Competitiveness Act (§ 15.2-1306 et seq.) in which community colleges participate.

C. Approved noncredit workforce training programs offered by community colleges may receive general fund support as provided in the appropriation act.

2014, c. 815.

Workforce training students at local community college boards and public institutions of higher education may be required to pay facility use and equipment rental fees beyond regular tuition charges for workforce training programs requiring specialized facilities or equipment. Such fees shall either be paid by such students directly to the provider of the facility or equipment or to the college for reimbursement to such provider. The fees shall be no more than the normal fees charged to the general public for the same or similar facilities or equipment. The nature of each fee authorized by this section shall be described in course schedules. All fees authorized by this section shall be reported annually to the Virginia Community College System and public institutions' boards.

2014, c. 815.

Trade secrets that a nonpublic body submits as an offeror in connection with a proposed workforce training program shall not be subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.). However, such offeror shall (i) invoke the protections of this section prior to or upon submission of the data or other materials, (ii) identify the data or other materials to be protected, and (iii) state the reasons why protection is necessary.

2014, c. 815.

A. To facilitate the employment of residents of the Commonwealth, to provide a qualified and competent workforce for Virginia's employers, and to promote the industrial and economic development of the Commonwealth, which purposes are declared and determined to be public purposes, there is created the Workforce Training Access Program, to be administered by the Secretary of Finance as provided in this section.

B. From such funds as are appropriated for this purpose and from such gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds as may be received on its behalf, there is created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Workforce Training Access Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. 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.

The assets of the Fund shall be reserved, invested, and expended solely pursuant to and for the purposes of this section and shall not be expended or otherwise transferred or used by the Commonwealth for any other purpose. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Secretary of Finance only as a guaranty of payment of workforce training loans made by a national student loan marketing association pursuant to the provisions of this section.

C. The Secretary of Finance is authorized to enter into an agreement with a national student loan marketing association that shall originate, fund, and service workforce training loans in accordance with the provisions of this section to persons enrolled in workforce training courses and programs that the Virginia Board of Workforce Development has certified to be responding to the technology needs of business and industry in the Commonwealth pursuant to § 2.2-2472.

The terms and conditions of such workforce training loans shall be consistent with market conditions and shall provide a repayment sufficient to amortize the cost of the training over its expected useful life, not to exceed 60 months. No person may receive a workforce training loan or loans that would result in that person owing an outstanding amount in excess of the tuition and required fees for the certified workforce training course or program in which such person participates.

Only persons (i) who have established domicile in Virginia, as provided in § 23.1-502 or (ii) who are employed in Virginia and whose employers make loan repayments directly by payroll deduction or tuition assistance, before providing for the training needs of other students in such certified courses, shall be eligible to receive workforce training loans. Nothing herein shall be construed to impose an obligation upon an employer to make loan payments or to continue tuition assistance after termination of the student's employment.

Consistent with Article VIII, Sections 10 and 11 of the Constitution of Virginia, the assets of the Fund shall be pledged as a guaranty of payment of workforce training loans made by such national student loan marketing association and may be expended in satisfaction of the guaranty obligations incurred thereby. Neither the Commonwealth nor any of its agencies, political subdivisions, or employees shall have any other or further liability in connection with such workforce training loans.

The agreement shall provide for annual evaluation by such national student loan marketing association and the Secretary of Finance, or his designee, of the aggregate unpaid amount of workforce training loans that such national student loan marketing association shall make available hereunder. Such association shall agree to make available workforce training loans in an aggregate unpaid amount of not less than five times the amount of all cash, cash equivalents, investments, and other assets that would then be available in the Fund.

D. If such association ceases to make workforce training loans available as provided under the agreement, the Fund shall revert to the general fund of the Commonwealth, free of the restrictions imposed by this section, after payment of or provision for any outstanding obligations that the Fund guarantees.

2014, c. 815.

A. There is created the Virginia Career Readiness Certificate Program (the Program) to certify the workplace and college readiness skills of Virginians, in order to better prepare them for continued education and workforce training, successful employment, and career advancement.

B. The Program may be offered through public high schools, community colleges, one-stop centers, technical centers, vocation rehabilitation centers, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Juvenile Justice, institutions of higher education, and any other appropriate institutions as determined by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development.

C. The Program shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. A multilevel Career Readiness Certificate and related pre-instructional assessment tool to quantify an individual's level of proficiency in the following measurable work-ready skills: (i) reading, (ii) applied math, (iii) locating information, and (iv) any additional skills necessary to meet business and industry skill demand;

2. Targeted instruction and remediation skills training to address those work-ready skills in which the individual is not proficient as measured by the pre-instructional assessment tool designed to meet identified specific skill needs of local employers;

3. A Career Readiness Certificate awarded to individuals upon successful attainment of work-ready skills as documented by the assessment tool; and

4. A statewide online data system to serve as the repository for Career Readiness Certificate attainment data. The system shall (i) serve as the administrative tool to administer and help promote the Program; (ii) incorporate online services that enable employers to search individual Career Readiness Certificate data to determine skill levels and locate certified individuals in the state or a region; and (iii) incorporate online services that offer individuals tools for career exploration, continued education opportunities, job-readiness practice, and job search capabilities. The Virginia Board of Workforce Development shall seek to ensure the confidentiality of individual Career Readiness Certificate recipients. This shall include provisions for individuals, except for employer-sponsored individuals, to opt in and opt out of the statewide online data system at any test occurrence. Additionally, the provisions of §§ 2.2-3800 through 2.2-3803 shall be considered in individual confidentiality protections adopted by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development.

D. The Board, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall develop policies and guidelines necessary to implement and administer the Program.

E. The Board shall report Program outcomes to the Governor and the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, Senate Education and Health Committee, House Committee on Labor and Commerce, and House Education Committee of the General Assembly by December 1 of each year. The report shall make recommendations for improving the program, including funding recommendations.

2014, c. 815.

Article 25. Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism.

The Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism (the Board) is established as an advisory board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government to advise the Governor and Cabinet Secretaries on matters related to promotion and development of national service in the Commonwealth and to meet the provisions of the federal National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993.

2015, cc. 26, 452.

A. The Board shall consist of no more than 20 nonlegislative citizen members, to be appointed by the Governor from the Commonwealth at large. Nonlegislative citizen members appointed to the Board shall be selected for their knowledge of, background in, or experience with the community and volunteer services sector and in accordance with guidelines provided in the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Governor may appoint additional persons, at his discretion, as nonvoting members.

B. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for terms of three years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. No nonlegislative citizen member shall be eligible to serve more than two successive three-year terms; however, after the expiration of the remainder of a term to which a member was appointed to fill a vacancy, two additional terms may be served by such member if appointed thereto.

C. The voting members of the Board shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually from among its membership. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall meet no more than six times per year. The meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2015, cc. 26, 452; 2017, c. 395; 2018, c. 455.

Members shall receive no compensation for their services. However, all members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Department of Social Services in accordance with federal law.

2015, cc. 26, 452.

The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Advise the Governor, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, and Natural and Historic Resources, the Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness, the State Board of Social Services, and other appropriate officials on national and community service programs in Virginia in order to (i) fulfill the responsibilities and duties prescribed by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and (ii) develop, implement, and evaluate the Virginia State Service Plan, which outlines strategies for supporting and expanding national and community service throughout the Commonwealth.

2. Promote the use of AmeriCorps programs to meet Virginia's most pressing human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs.

3. Collaborate with the Department of Social Services and other public and private entities to recognize and call attention to the significant community service contributions of Virginia citizens and organizations.

4. Assist the Department of Social Services to promote the involvement of faith-based organizations in community and national service efforts.

5. Submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The chairman of the Board shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Board no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

2015, cc. 26, 452; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401.

The Department of Social Services and any other executive branch agencies as the Governor may designate shall serve as staff to the Board. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall assist the Board upon request.

2015, cc. 26, 452.

Repealed by Acts 2018, c. 455, cl. 2.

Article 26. Virginia Growth and Opportunity Act.

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

"Board" means the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board.

"Fund" means the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund.

"Qualifying region" means a region with a regional council.

"Region" means one or more planning districts or otherwise defined areas designated as a region by the Board for the purpose of administering grants provided pursuant to this article.

"Regional activity" means an economic or workforce development-focused collaborative project or program that is (i) endorsed by a regional council, (ii) consistent with the economic growth and diversification plan developed by the regional council, and (iii) carried out, performed on behalf of, or contracted for by two or more localities, political subdivisions, or public bodies corporate and politic within a region.

"Regional council" means a public body certified by the Board as eligible to receive grants pursuant to this article and that is supported by or affiliated with an existing or newly established organization that engages in collaborative planning or execution of economic or workforce development activities within a region.

2016, cc. 778, 779.

A. The Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board is established as a policy board in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Board is to promote collaborative regional economic and workforce development opportunities and activities.

B. The Board shall have a total membership of 25 members that shall consist of seven legislative members, 14 nonlegislative citizen members, and four ex officio members. Members shall be appointed as follows: four members of the House of Delegates, consisting of the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations and three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; three members of the Senate, consisting of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and two members appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; two nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, who shall be from different regions of the Commonwealth and have significant private-sector business experience; two nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, who shall be from different regions of the Commonwealth and have significant private-sector business experience; two nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, who shall be from different regions of the Commonwealth and have significant private-sector business experience; and eight nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, subject to the confirmation of the General Assembly, who shall have significant private-sector business experience. Of the Governor's nonlegislative citizen appointments subject to General Assembly confirmation, no more than two appointees may be from any one region of the Commonwealth. The Speaker of the House of Delegates and the Senate Committee on Rules shall submit a list of recommended nonlegislative citizens with significant private-sector business experience for the Governor to consider in making his nonlegislative citizen appointments. The Governor shall also appoint four Secretaries from the following, who shall serve ex officio with voting privileges: the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Finance. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

C. Legislative members and ex officio members of the Board shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. No House member appointed by the Speaker of the House shall serve more than four consecutive two-year terms, no Senate member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms, and 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.

D. The Board shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. The chairman shall be a nonlegislative citizen member. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

E. Any decision by the Board shall require an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board.

F. Legislative members of the Board shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12, and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive compensation as provided in § 2.2-2813 for the performance of their duties. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

G. Staff support and technical assistance to the Board and the Governor in carrying out the provisions of this article shall be provided by the agencies of the Secretariats of Commerce and Trade, Education, and Finance.

2016, cc. 778, 779; 2020, c. 738; 2024, cc. 276, 624.

A. The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Designate regions for the purpose of administering this article;

2. Certify qualifying regions and regional councils, including developing and implementing guidelines or procedures for such certification;

3. Develop and implement guidelines and procedures for the application for and use of any moneys in the Fund;

4. Receive and assess applications for awards from the Fund submitted by regional councils and determine the distribution, duration, and termination of awards from the Fund for uses identified in such applications;

5. Advise the Governor on the allocation and prioritization of other funds available within the executive branch that may be used to promote economic and workforce development on a regional basis;

6. Advise the Governor on the provision of technical assistance regarding the organization and operation of regional councils, the preparation of applications for Fund awards, and the development, validation, and assessment of regional economic growth and diversification plans and regional activities that receive grants from the Fund;

7. Provide for the collection and dissemination of information concerning local, state, national, and other best practices related to collaborative regional economic and workforce development initiatives that focus on private-sector growth and opportunity;

8. Designate advisory committees with expertise in the industries or clusters around which grant requests are proposed to assist in carrying out the Board's duties;

9. Seek independent analytical assistance from outside consultants, including post-grant assessments and reviews to evaluate the results and outcomes of grants awarded pursuant to this article;

10. Enter into contracts to provide services to regional councils to assist with prioritization, analysis, planning, and implementation of regional activities;

11. Submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual report for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The chairman shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Board no later than December 1. The executive summary shall be submitted for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website; and

12. Perform such other activities and functions as the Governor and General Assembly may direct.

B. The development of guidelines and procedures to implement the provisions of this article shall be exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

2016, cc. 778, 779.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys appropriated by the General Assembly for the Fund, and from any other sources, public or private, 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, included interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the chairman of the Board.

B. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to facilitate regional collaboration on economic growth and diversification. Specifically, the Fund shall be used to incentivize and encourage cooperation among business, education, and government on regional strategic economic development and workforce development efforts. Available moneys in the Fund shall be allocated as follows:

1. A portion of the Fund may be used to support the initial organizational efforts of each regional council, such as capacity-building activities, project prioritization, and studies and analyses related to the development of an economic growth and diversification plan for the region, including identification of existing and prospective gaps in education and skills within the region;

2. A portion shall be reserved for specific projects in each region on the basis of a region's share of state population, based on population estimates made by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. However, the Board may cancel such reservation in whole or in part if, in the Board's judgment, the region has failed to establish a certified regional council or to otherwise meet the qualifications for grant funding in accordance with this article; and

3. A portion shall be competitively awarded on the basis of expected economic impact and outcomes without regard to a region's population.

Except for initial grants awarded pursuant to subdivision 1, no more than eight percent of any grants from the Fund to a single regional council shall be used for administrative or planning purposes.

C. Public comment shall be received by the Board when making decisions regarding awards from the Fund.

D. No more than 90 percent of moneys in the Fund shall be awarded or allocated in any fiscal year.

2016, cc. 778, 779.

A. A regional council may be established in each region identified by the Board. Regional councils shall solicit, review, and recommend regional activity projects to the Board in accordance with this article.

B. When there is no certified regional council in existence in a region, the Board may provide for the formation of a regional council by designating a formation committee chairman and two members from the region. The formation committee chairman shall be a nonlegislative citizen member of the Board, and the chairman may designate up to two additional members of the formation committee. The formation committee shall be responsible for such consultation and recruitment within the region as is likely to result in certification of a regional council for the region. The formation committee chairman and members may serve as officers and members of the regional council.

C. A regional council shall include representatives from (i) the education sector, including school divisions, community colleges, and public institutions of higher education; (ii) the economic and workforce development sector; (iii) local government; (iv) planning district commissions; (v) nonprofit organizations; and (vi) other entities that significantly affect regional economic or workforce development. Membership may include one or more nonlegislative citizen members of the Board from the region. A majority of the members of a regional council shall be from the private sector with demonstrated significant private-sector business experience. A regional council shall be chaired by a citizen member from the region with significant private-sector business experience.

D. The Board shall certify that the regional council member selection process, membership, governance, structure, composition, and leadership meet the requirements of this article and the program guidelines and procedures. The Board shall certify that the regional council has adopted bylaws and taken other such steps in its organizational activities and business plan as are necessary or required by Board guidelines and procedures to provide for accountability for and oversight of regional activities funded from the Fund.

E. Public comment shall be received by the Board when certifying a regional council.

2016, cc. 778, 779.

A. The Board shall establish guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria for the award and distribution of grants from the Fund to regional councils.

B. In order to qualify to receive grants from the Fund, a regional council shall develop an economic growth and diversification plan to (i) promote private-sector growth and opportunity in the region; (ii) identify issues of economic competitiveness for the region, including gaps in education and skills required to meet existing and prospective employer needs within the region; and (iii) outline steps that the collaborating business, education, and government entities in the region will pursue to expand economic opportunity, diversify the economy, and align workforce development activities with the education and skills needed by employers in the region. A regional council shall review such plan not less than biennially while the regional council is receiving grants from the Fund.

C. The Board shall only consider those regional activities endorsed by a regional council in its application for grants from the Fund. For any regional activity included in a regional council's application, the regional council shall identify (i) the amount of grants requested and the number of years for which grants are sought; (ii) the participating business, education, and government entities and their respective roles and contributions; (iii) the private, local, and other sources of nonstate funding that the grant from the Fund will assist in generating, including specific amounts pledged by such sources as of the application date; (iv) how the regional activity addresses the skills gaps identified in the council's economic growth and diversification plan; and (v) the economic impact or other outcomes that are reasonably expected to result from the proposed regional activity, including timetables and means of measurement.

D. Regional activities eligible for grants from the Fund shall be focused on high-impact, collaborative projects in a region that promote new job creation, entrepreneurship, and new capital investment; leverage nonstate resources to enhance collaboration; foster research, development, and commercialization activities; encourage cooperation among public bodies to reduce costs and duplication of government services; and promote other economic or workforce development activities consistent with this article that are authorized by the Board. The Board shall give initial priority to grant proposals that promote workforce development and other activities focused on eliminating skills gaps identified in a region's economic growth and diversification plan.

E. In determining a regional council's eligibility to receive grants from the Fund, and the amount of such grants, the Board shall review and score the proposed regional activities. Scores shall be assigned on the basis of predetermined criteria established by the Board in its guidelines and procedures based on the following factors:

1. The expected economic impact or outcome of the activity, with particular emphasis on goals identified in the regional council's plan for economic growth and diversification;

2. The fiscal resources from non-Fund sources that will be committed to the activity, including local or federal funds, private contributions, and cost savings expected to be achieved through regional collaboration;

3. The number and percentage of localities, including political subdivisions and bodies corporate and politic, within the region that are participating in the activity, the portion of the region's population represented by the participating localities, and the participation of localities that are outside of the applicant region;

4. The compatibility with other projects, programs, or existing infrastructure in a region to maximize the leverage of grants from the Fund to encourage new collaborative activities;

5. The expected economic impact and outcomes of the project and the complexity of the project relative to the size of the economy of the region or to the population of the participating localities;

6. The projected cost savings and other efficiencies generated by the proposed activity, and the local resources generated by collaboration that have been or will be repurposed to support the activity;

7. The character of the regional collaboration, including the nature and extent of the regional effort involved in developing and implementing the proposed activity, the complexity of the activity, the prospective impact on relations between and among the affected localities, and the prospective impact on collaboration between and among business, education, and government entities in the region;

8. Interstate, inter-regional, and other beneficial forms of collaboration, if any, that will accompany, result from, or be encouraged by the activity;

9. Efficiency in the administration and oversight of regional activities; and

10. Other factors deemed to be appropriate by the Board.

F. Each regional council awarded a grant from the Fund shall issue an annual report that shall include, at a minimum, an assessment of the impact and outcomes from regional activities supported by grants from the Fund and the region's overall progress in addressing the goals and strategies identified in the region's plan for economic growth and diversification. Such assessment shall address performance criteria prescribed in the program guidelines and procedures.

G. Subject to the provisions of § 2.2-2488 and this section, once a regional council becomes eligible for grants from the Fund, the regional council may continue to apply for and receive grants from the Fund to support economic activities consistent with the regional council's economic growth and diversification plan in such amounts and for such duration as the Board may determine in accordance with its guidelines and procedures. The Board may terminate any payments to regional councils that fail to perform in accordance with this article, the Board's guidelines or procedures, or any conditions expressly agreed upon as part of a grant award, or for malfeasance. The Board may require the refund of moneys from the Fund upon such termination. Grants that are terminated shall revert to the Fund for distribution on an unallocated competitive basis.

H. In making Fund recommendations and awards, the Board may consider regional activities that commenced prior to the enactment of this article, provided that the grant-funded program or project will expand the scope of, or increase the number of localities participating in, such preexisting activity.

I. No regional council may have outstanding grant commitments of more than 25 percent of the total amount appropriated to the Fund.

J. The year for grant payments shall be the Commonwealth's fiscal year following the calendar year in which the region qualifies, with payments made annually by the Comptroller upon certification by the Board. Grant amounts shall be made at the sole discretion of the Board.

K. (Effective until July 1, 2025) Any grant awarded from the Fund to a regional council shall require matching funds at least equal to half the amount of the grant. Such matching funds may be from local, regional, federal, or private funds. Matching funds may also be from grants awarded to a locality by the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission but shall not include any other state general or nongeneral funds, from whatever source.

K. (Effective July 1, 2025 until July 1, 2028) Any grant awarded from the Fund to a regional council shall require matching funds at least equal to half the amount of the grant. Such matching funds may be from local, regional, federal, or private funds, but shall not include any state general or nongeneral funds, from whatever source.

K. (Effective July 1, 2028) Any grant awarded from the Fund to a regional council shall require matching funds at least equal to the grant, provided, however, that the Board shall have the authority to reduce the match requirement to no less than half of the grant upon a finding by the Board of fiscal distress or an exceptional economic opportunity in a region. Such matching funds may be from local, regional, federal, or private funds, but shall not include any state general or nongeneral funds, from whatever source.

L. Decisions of the Board shall be final and not subject to review or appeal.

2016, cc. 778, 779; 2020, c. 525; 2024, cc. 276, 624.

The accounts of the Board shall be audited by the Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representatives as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts. Copies of the audit shall be distributed to the Governor and to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations.

2016, cc. 778, 779; 2018, cc. 57, 307.

Article 27. Virginia African American Advisory Board.

The Virginia African American Advisory Board (the Board) is established as an advisory board in the executive branch of state government.

2019, c. 594.

A. The Board shall have a total membership of 26 members that shall consist of 21 nonlegislative citizen members and five ex officio members. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed as follows: 21 members, at least 15 of whom shall be African American, to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The Secretaries of the Commonwealth, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security or their designees shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

B. Ex officio members of the Board shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed.

After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. 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.

C. The Board shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2019, c. 594.

Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

2019, c. 594.

The Board shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Advise the Governor regarding the development of economic, professional, cultural, educational, and governmental links between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the African American community in Virginia;

2. Undertake studies, sponsor symposiums, conduct research, and prepare factual reports in order to gather information to formulate and present recommendations to the Governor relative to issues of concern and importance to the African American community in the Commonwealth;

3. Advise the Governor as needed regarding any statutory, regulatory, or other issues of importance to the African American community in the Commonwealth;

4. 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 an appropriation act, to enable it to better carry out its objectives; and

5. Submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The chairman shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Board no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

2019, c. 594.

The Office of the Governor shall provide staff support to the Board. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Board, upon request.

2019, c. 594.

Article 28. Office of New Americans Advisory Board.

The Office of New Americans Advisory Board (the Board) is established as an advisory board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Board is to advise the Governor, cabinet members, and the General Assembly on strategies to improve state policies and programs to support the economic, linguistic, and civic integration of new Americans throughout the Commonwealth.

2020, cc. 1078, 1079.

A. The Board shall consist of 18 nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor who represent or have experience with the faith community; local government; the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; law-enforcement agencies; health, mental health, housing and workforce development organizations; organizations serving youth and the elderly; organizations providing legal services for immigrants; and educational institutions and institutions of higher education. In addition, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Commonwealth and the Chairmen of the Virginia-Asian Advisory Board, the Latino Advisory Board, the Virginia African American Advisory Board, and the Council on Women, or their designees, shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be residents of the Commonwealth.

Ex officio members shall serve terms consistent with their terms of office.

B. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. No nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms; however, 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.

C. The Board shall elect from its membership a chairman and vice-chairman. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Meetings of the Board shall be limited to four per year and shall be held upon the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

D. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

2020, cc. 1078, 1079.

A. The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Advise the Governor on ways to improve state policies and programs to support the economic, linguistic, and civic integration of new Americans throughout the Commonwealth;

2. Undertake studies, symposiums, research, and factual reports to gather information to formulate and present recommendations to the Governor related to issues of concern and importance to new Americans in the Commonwealth;

3. Advise the Governor as needed regarding any statutory, regulatory, or other issues of importance to new Americans in the Commonwealth;

4. Collaborate with the Department of Social Services and other public and private entities to recognize and call attention to the significant contributions of new Americans in the Commonwealth; and

5. Report annually by December 1 to the Governor and the General Assembly on the activities of the Office of New Americans and provide recommendations for improving state policies and programs to support the economic, linguistic, and civic integration of new Americans throughout the Commonwealth. The chairman of the Board shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Board no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted to the General Assembly's website.

B. The Board may apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources to enable it to carry out its objectives.

2020, cc. 1078, 1079.

The Department of Social Services shall provide staff support to the Board. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Board, upon request.

2020, cc. 1078, 1079.

Article 29. Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board.

A. The Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board (the Board) is established as an advisory board in the executive branch of state government.

B. The Board shall have a total membership of 26 members that shall consist of 21 nonlegislative citizen members and five ex officio members. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed as follows: 21 members, at least 15 of whom shall identify as LGBTQ+, to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The Secretaries of the Commonwealth, Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, or their designees, shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

C. Ex officio members of the Board shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed.

After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. 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.

D. The Board shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 169.

Members shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 169.

The Board shall have the power and duty to:

1. Advise the Governor regarding the development of economic, professional, cultural, educational, and governmental links between the Commonwealth and the LGBTQ+ community in Virginia.

2. Undertake studies, sponsor symposiums, conduct research, and prepare factual reports in order to gather information to formulate and present recommendations to the Governor relating to issues of concern and importance to the LGBTQ+ community in the Commonwealth.

3. Advise the Governor as needed regarding any statutory, regulatory, or other issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community in the Commonwealth.

4. 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 an appropriation act, to enable it to better carry out its objectives.

5. Submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 169.

The Office of the Governor shall provide staff support to the Board. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Board, upon request.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 169.

Article 30. Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board.

A. The Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board (the Board) is established as a policy board in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Board is to directly address the impact of economic disinvestment, violence, and historical overuse of criminal justice responses to community and individual needs by providing resources to support local design and control of community-based responses to such impacts.

B. The Board shall have a total membership of 20 members that shall consist of 13 nonlegislative citizen members and seven ex officio members. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed as follows: three to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, one of whom shall be a person who has been previously incarcerated or convicted of a marijuana-related crime, one of whom shall be an expert in the field of public health with experience in trauma-informed care, if possible, and one of whom shall be an expert in education with a focus on access to opportunities for youth in underserved communities; five to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, one of whom shall be an expert on Virginia's foster care system, one of whom shall be an expert in workforce development, one of whom shall be a representative from one of Virginia's historically black colleges and universities, one of whom shall be a veteran, and one of whom shall be an entrepreneur with expertise in emerging industries or access to capital for small businesses; and five to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly, one of whom shall be a representative from the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission and four of whom shall be community-based providers or community development organization representatives who provide services to address the social determinants of health and promote community investment in communities adversely and disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibitions, including services such as workforce development, youth mentoring and educational services, job training and placement services, and reentry services. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity of the Commonwealth.

The Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Chief Workforce Development Advisor, and the Attorney General or their designees shall serve ex officio with voting privileges. The Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority or his designee shall serve ex officio without voting privileges.

Ex officio members of the Board shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed.

The Board shall be chaired by the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or his designee. The Board shall select a vice-chairman from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall meet at least two times each year and shall meet at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.

Members shall receive no compensation for the performance of their duties but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.

The Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Support persons, families, and communities historically and disproportionately targeted and affected by drug enforcement;

2. Develop and implement scholarship programs and educational and vocational resources for historically marginalized persons, including persons in foster care, who have been adversely impacted by substance use individually, in their families, or in their communities.

3. Develop and implement a program to award grants to support workforce development programs, mentoring programs, job training and placement services, apprenticeships, and reentry services that serve persons and communities historically and disproportionately targeted by drug enforcement.

4. Administer the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund established pursuant to § 2.2-2499.8.

5. Collaborate with the Board of Directors of the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as necessary to implement programs and provide recommendations in line with the purpose of this article.

6. Submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The chairman shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Council no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

7. Perform such other activities and functions as the Governor and General Assembly may direct.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, referred to in this section 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 solely for the purposes of:

1. Supporting persons, families, and communities historically and disproportionately targeted and affected by drug enforcement;

2. Providing scholarship opportunities and educational and vocational resources for historically marginalized persons, including persons in foster care, who have been adversely impacted by substance use individually, in their families, or in their communities;

3. Awarding grants to support workforce development, mentoring programs, job training and placement services, apprenticeships, and reentry services that serve persons and communities historically and disproportionately targeted by drug enforcement.

4. Contributing to the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission established pursuant to § 19.2-163.01; and

5. Contributing to the Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan Fund established pursuant to § 4.1-1501.

Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 550, 551.

Chapter 25. Commissions.

Article 1. Southside Virginia Business and Education Commission.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 349.

Article 2. Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits.

Repealed by Acts 2013, c. 709, cl. 2.

Article 3. Virginia Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.

Repealed by Acts 2004, cc. 34, 155.

Article 4. Virginia Commission for the Arts.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 588, cl. 10, effective October 1, 2016.

Article 5. Commissioners for Promotion of Uniformity of Legislation.

Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 491, effective April 5, 2002.

Article 6. Virginia Research and Technology Advisory Commission.

Repealed by Acts 2009, cc. 325 and 810, cl. 2.

Article 7. Virginia Commission on Higher Education Board Appointments.

The Virginia Commission on Higher Education Board Appointments, (the Commission) is established as an advisory commission in the executive branch of state government.

The purpose of the Commission shall be to review and evaluate potential appointees to the governing bodies of Virginia's public institutions of higher education, the State Board for Community Colleges, and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and to make recommendations to the Governor.

2005, cc. 933, 945.

The Commission shall have a total membership of eight members that shall consist of six nonlegislative citizen members and two ex officio members. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed by the Governor as follows: two who shall be former members of either the board of visitors of a public institution of higher education or the State Board for Community Colleges; one who shall be either a former president, provost, or executive vice-president of a public institution of higher education; one who shall be a faculty member of a public institution of higher education; and two who shall be citizens at large. The Secretary of Education or his designee and the Secretary of the Commonwealth or his designee shall serve as ex officio members of the Commission with nonvoting privileges. The nonlegislative citizen member appointed who is a faculty member of a public institution of higher education shall serve without voting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Commission shall be citizens of the Commonwealth. Three voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.

Nonlegislative citizen members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, and ex officio members of the Commission shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office.

2005, cc. 933, 945; 2014, c. 816.

Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the expenses of the members shall be provided by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

2005, cc. 933, 945.

The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Develop and implement a process for evaluating potential appointees to higher education governing boards, based on substantive qualifications, including merit and experience.

2. Make recommendations to the Governor at least 30 days prior to the expiration of terms for which recommendations have been requested to fill vacancies on higher education governing boards.

2005, cc. 933, 945.

The Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall serve as staff to the Commission, and shall provide to the members copies of resumes and correspondence it receives related to appointments to higher education governing boards. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

2005, cc. 933, 945.

Repealed by Acts 2008, cc. 50 and 710, cl. 1.

Article 7.1. Community Integration Advisory Commission.

Expired July 1, 2019, pursuant to Acts 2015, c. 533.

Article 8. Virginia Commission on Immigration.

Expired.

Article 9. Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission.

Expired.

Article 10. Henrietta Lacks Commission.

Expired July 1, 2024, pursuant to Acts 2024, c. 297.

Article 11. American Revolution 250 Commission.

Repealed by Acts 2023, cc. 655 and 656, cl. 2, effective July 1, 2023

Article 12. Commission to Study Slavery and Subsequent De Jure and De Facto Racial and Economic Discrimination Against African Americans.

Expired July 1, 2024, pursuant to Acts 2022, cc. 586, 587.

Article 13. Virginia Data Advisory Commission.

Expired July 1, 2024, pursuant to 2021 Acts, Sp. Sess. I, c. 314.

Chapter 26. Councils.

Article 1. Advisory Council on the Virginia Business-Education Program.

Repealed by 2004, c. 37.

Article 2. Blue Ridge Economic Development Advisory Council.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 348.

Article 3. Blue Ridge Regional Education and Training Council.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 210, cl. 1, effective July 1, 2004.

Article 4. Blue Ridge Regional Tourism Council.

A. The Blue Ridge Regional Tourism Council (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Council shall be composed of one representative of each of the destination marketing organizations (DMOs) located in the Blue Ridge region and the President of the Virginia Tourism Authority.

B. The Council shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from among its members. The Council shall meet at least four times a year at such dates and times as they determine.

C. For the purposes of this article, the "Blue Ridge" region shall include the Counties of Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Campbell, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Highland, Montgomery, Nelson, Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, and Wythe and the Cities of Buena Vista, Covington, Lexington, Lynchburg, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Staunton, and Waynesboro.

1993, c. 330, §§ 9-145.39:1, 9-145.39:2; 1996, cc. 590, 598; 2001, c. 844; 2006, c. 861; 2016, cc. 164, 312.

A. The Council shall perform the following functions:

1. Assist localities in the region, as well as the General Assembly, with the problems, concerns and issues of the tourism industry in the Blue Ridge region;

2. Encourage a cooperative attitude among the localities of the region and assist in the establishment of successful tourism partnerships between private and public organizations;

3. Develop and assist in the implementation of a plan to increase tourism revenue within the Blue Ridge region;

4. Review and disseminate information to the localities in this region concerning statewide and national tourism associations;

5. Encourage localities in the region to participate in the Virginia Local Tourism Accreditation Program; and

6. Encourage localities to invest in tourism development as an integral part of their overall economic development.

B. The Council may apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources to enable it to carry out its objectives.

1993, c. 330, §§ 9-145.39:3, 9-145.39:4; 2001, c. 844.

Article 5. Capitol Square Preservation Council.

Repealed by Acts 2002, c. 491, effective April 5, 2002.

Article 6. Citizens' Advisory Council on Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion.

A. The Citizens' Advisory Council on Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion (the Council) is established as an advisory council in the executive branch of state government to operate as a nonprofit charitable organization. No part of the Council's net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual nor shall it carry on propaganda or otherwise attempt to influence legislation or participate in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

B. The Council shall not exceed 30 members, who shall be appointed by the Governor. No employee of the Commonwealth or member of the General Assembly shall be eligible for appointment as a member of the Council. All members shall be deemed members-at-large charged with the responsibility of serving the best interests of the whole Commonwealth and no member shall act as representative of any particular region or of any particular agency or activity.

C. All appointments shall be for five-year terms. No member of the Council who serves a full five-year term shall be eligible for reappointment, provided that one year after the termination of his appointment, a member shall be eligible for reappointment. All vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointments.

D. The spouse of the Governor, if any, shall be the honorary chairperson of the Council. The Governor shall designate one member of the Council to serve as chairman of an executive group, such executive group to be determined by the Council, and to be composed of members of the Council. Other advisory and cooperative groups may be appointed by the chairman. After the chairman has served three years, the Council thereafter shall elect its chairman.

E. Members of the Council shall not receive any compensation or reimbursement of expenses for their services.

1973, c. 431, §§ 9-84.5, 9-84.6; 1985, c. 448; 2001, c. 844; 2013, c. 439.

A. The Council shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Promote a greater understanding and awareness of the history and significance of the Executive Mansion;

2. Take the leadership in guiding the development of research and publications on the history of the Executive Mansion, thus establishing a continuity of effort in this area;

3. Encourage, approve, and accept contributions and bequests and gifts or loans of furniture, works of art, memorabilia, and other property for its use in carrying out the purposes of this article;

4. Purchase appropriate period furnishings and works of art for the Executive Mansion, and exchange or sell property, tangible or intangible, which has been acquired by the Council through gifts or otherwise from the Commonwealth or other public or private organizations, associations, or individuals;

5. Acquire or provide for accession and replacement of objects for the Executive Mansion, either directly or through the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts;

6. Administer all funds, public and private, made available to the Council and to disburse such funds in accordance with the purposes of this article.

B. The Council may employ and fix the compensation of researchers, writers, curators, and other such consultants and professional personnel as it may deem necessary to assist in the exercise and performance of its duties and powers.

C. Purchases, exchanges, gifts and sales by the Council shall be exempt from the requirements of the Virginia Public Procurement Act. The Mansion Director and/or the Department of General Services shall assist the Council in keeping record of all such transactions.

1973, c. 431, §§ 9-84.7, 9-45.8; 2001, cc. 392, 409, 844.

All moneys received by the Council shall be paid into the state treasury and segregated as a special fund to be used by the Council to carry out the purposes of this article. All other property, tangible or intangible, which is acquired by the Council shall become the property of the Commonwealth upon such acquisition. Such other intangible property may be held in the name of a nominee to facilitate its sale or exchange by the Council, and such other tangible property may be sold or exchanged by the Council as agent for the Commonwealth notwithstanding any other provision of law concerning the sale or exchange of property of the Commonwealth.

1973, c. 431, § 9-84.10; 2001, c. 844.

Article 7. Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council.

A. The Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council is established as a supervisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council shall be to ensure the upgrading of criminal justice administration by providing and coordinating training, education and services for attorneys for the Commonwealth, there is created in the executive branch the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council that shall be under the direction and control of the Governor.

B. The Council shall consist of not more than sixteen members, as follows: one attorney for the Commonwealth for each congressional district in the Commonwealth to be elected as provided in subsection C; the president, the president-elect, the vice-president and the secretary-treasurer of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, and the immediate past president of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys. The president of the Association shall be the chairman of the Council; the president-elect and vice-president shall be first and second vice-chairmen, respectively, and the secretary-treasurer shall serve as secretary of the Council.

C. The initial terms of the members elected from congressional districts shall be as follows: for the members from the odd-numbered districts, until July 1 of the next following even-numbered year after their election; for the members from the even-numbered districts, until July 1 of the next following odd-numbered year after the election; thereafter, all terms shall be for two years.

The election for members shall be held annually at the annual meeting of the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys. One member shall be elected initially, and every two years thereafter, from each of the several congressional districts by the membership of the Association at large. Each such member shall be an attorney for the Commonwealth holding office within his congressional district.

D. Upon the termination of the office of any member as attorney for the Commonwealth, his membership on the Council shall be terminated. Vacancies shall be filled for the congressional district in which the former member resided for the unexpired term by a majority vote of the Council. Members shall be eligible for more than one term.

E. The Council shall establish its own bylaws, procedures and requirements with respect to quorum, place and conduct of its meetings and its other business matters, provided, that such bylaws shall include a provision that the Council hold no less than ten meetings a year, and that other meetings be held when called by the chairman, or, in the absence of the chairman, the first vice-chairman, or upon the written request of four members.

F. Members of the Council shall receive no salaries but shall be reimbursed their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825.

1978, c. 455, §§ 2.1-64.28:1, 2.1-64.28:2; 1984, c. 720; 1992, c. 81; 2001, c. 844.

The Council, in order to (i) strengthen the criminal justice system in the Commonwealth; (ii) provide a professional organization for the education, training, service and coordination of technical efforts of state prosecutors; and (iii) maintain and improve prosecutor efficiency and effectiveness in enforcing the law of the Commonwealth, shall have, but are not limited to, the following powers and duties:

1. Organize, supervise and perform functions consistent with this article;

2. Coordinate training and continuing legal education activities for attorneys for the Commonwealth;

3. Contract or enter into agreements with state or federal agencies or education institutions;

4. Gather and disseminate information to attorneys for the Commonwealth relative to their official duties, including changes in the law affecting their office and information on individuals identified as criminal gang members, as transmitted by the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice;

5. Coordinate with the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Judicial Conference in reference to training and interdisciplinary criminal justice matters;

6. Obtain statistical reports from attorneys for the Commonwealth relating to their performance, function and work-load;

7. Receive and establish an equitable distribution plan for the allocation of any funds from public or private sources;

8. Maintain close contact with the office of the Attorney General and with all attorneys for the Commonwealth and assistant attorneys for the Commonwealth in the discussion of problems or recommendations concerning necessary research, minimum standards, educational needs and other matters relative to upgrading the professional status of attorneys for the Commonwealth;

9. Gather information on changes in the law that affect the duties and responsibilities of law-enforcement officers, make such information available to law-enforcement agencies, law-enforcement training academies, and the Department of Criminal Justice Services; and

10. Perform such other acts as may be necessary for the effective performance of its duties.

1978, c. 455, § 2.1-64.28:4; 1984, c. 779; 2001, c. 844; 2006, cc. 431, 500; 2013, c. 79.

The Council, with the concurrence of the Governor, shall appoint an administrator, who shall serve under the supervision and at the pleasure of the Council. He shall perform the duties and exercise the functions the Council assigns to him. He shall receive a salary for his services to be paid by the Council subject to the approval of the Governor.

1978, c. 455, § 2.1-64.28:3; 1984, c. 720; 1992, c. 81; 2001, c. 844.

A. There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting revolving fund to be known as the Commonwealth's Attorneys Training Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller.

B. The Fund shall consist of all proceeds distributed to the Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council in January 2014 as a result of the federal equitable sharing distribution following the settlement of United States v. Abbott Laboratories, Case No. 1:12-CR-00026 (W.D Va.)(Settlement). The Fund shall also consist of any moneys appropriated from the general fund, grants and donations received by the Council, and other moneys received by the State Treasurer and designated for deposit in the Fund. Interest and other income earned on the Fund shall be credited to the Fund. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest and other income thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund.

C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the moneys and other property comprising the Fund shall be invested, reinvested, and managed by the Board of the Virginia Retirement System as provided in § 51.1-124.37. The State Treasurer shall not be held liable for losses suffered by the Virginia Retirement System on investments made under the authority of this section.

D. The Fund shall be expended solely for the purpose of supporting prosecutor training and, as appropriate, law-enforcement training and associated costs approved by the Council and any other purpose permitted by this article that is consistent with the Settlement described in subsection B.

E. An amount not to exceed six percent of the moving average of the market value of the Fund calculated over the previous five years or since inception, whichever is shorter, on a one-year delayed basis, net of any administrative fee assessed pursuant to subsection E of § 51.1-124.37, may be expended in a calendar year for any purpose permitted by this article. The Council shall not be required to expend such amount in a calendar year, and any amount up to such six percent that is not expended in a calendar year may be expended in any other calendar year.

F. The disbursement of moneys from the Fund shall be made by the State Comptroller at the written request of the Council.

2015, cc. 212, 226.

Article 8. Commonwealth Competition Council.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 2.

Article 9. Commonwealth Council on Aging.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 60.

Article 10. Council on Indians.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 97.

Article 11. Council on Women.

A. The Council on Women (the "Council") is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council shall be to advise the Governor on matters pertaining to women and ways to improve their educational, professional, cultural, and governmental status within the Commonwealth.

B. The Council shall consist of 21 members from the Commonwealth at large and one of the Governor's Secretaries as defined in § 2.2-200, ex officio with full voting privileges, all to be appointed by the Governor. Appointments shall be for terms of four years, except appointments to fill vacancies, which shall be for the unexpired terms. The ex officio member shall serve a term coincident with his term of office. A majority of the membership of the Council shall constitute a quorum.

C. The Council shall elect from its membership a chairperson and vice-chairperson.

1970, c. 685, § 9-116; 1972, c. 632; 1985, cc. 448, 497; 1991, c. 563; 2001, c. 844; 2012, c. 502; 2020, c. 57.

The Council shall have the following powers and duties to:

1. Determine the studies and research to be conducted by the Council;

2. Collect and disseminate information regarding the status of women in the Commonwealth and the nation;

3. Advise the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Governor's Secretaries on matters pertaining to women in the Commonwealth and the nation;

4. Establish and award scholarships pursuant to regulations and conditions prescribed by the Council; and

5. Develop programs and projects on matters pertaining to women in the Commonwealth and the nation through public-private partnerships.

1985, c. 497, § 9-116.1; 2001, c. 844; 2012, c. 502; 2020, c. 57.

Article 12. Human Rights Council.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 14.

Article 13. Interagency Coordinating Council on Housing for the Disabled.

Repealed by Acts 2004, cc. 16, 153.

Article 14. Maternal and Child Health Council.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 451.

Article 15. Specialized Transportation Council.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 454.

Article 16. State Executive Council for Children's Services.

A. The State Executive Council for Children's Services (the Council) is established as a supervisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government.

B. The Council shall consist of one member of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House and one member of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; the Commissioners of Health, of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and of Social Services; the Superintendent of Public Instruction; the Executive Secretary of the Virginia Supreme Court; the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice; the Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services; the Commissioner of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services; a juvenile and domestic relations district court judge, to be appointed by the Governor and serve as an ex officio nonvoting member; the chairman of the state and local advisory team established in § 2.2-5201; five local government representatives chosen from members of a county board of supervisors or a city council and a county administrator or city manager, to be appointed by the Governor; two private provider representatives from facilities that maintain membership in an association of providers for children's or family services and receives funding as authorized by the Children's Services Act (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.), to be appointed by the Governor, who may appoint from nominees recommended by the Virginia Coalition of Private Provider Associations; a representative who has previously received services through the Children's Services Act, to be appointed by the Governor with recommendations from entities including the Departments of Education and Social Services and the Virginia Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; and two parent representatives. The parent representatives shall be appointed by the Governor for a term not to exceed three years and neither shall be an employee of any public or private program that serves children and families. The Governor's appointments shall be for a term not to exceed three years and shall be limited to no more than two consecutive terms, beginning with appointments after July 1, 2009. Legislative members and ex officio members of the Council shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. Legislative members shall not be included for the purposes of constituting a quorum.

C. The Council shall be chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources or a designated deputy who shall be responsible for convening the council. The Council shall meet, at a minimum, quarterly, to oversee the administration of this article and make such decisions as may be necessary to carry out its purposes. Legislative members shall receive compensation as provided in § 30-19.12 and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive compensation for their services as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

D. The Council shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Hire and supervise a director of the Office of Children's Services;

2. Appoint the members of the state and local advisory team in accordance with the requirements of § 2.2-5201;

3. Provide for the establishment of interagency programmatic and fiscal policies developed by the Office of Children's Services, which support the purposes of the Children's Services Act (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.), through the promulgation of regulations by the participating state boards or by administrative action, as appropriate;

4. Provide for a public participation process for programmatic and fiscal guidelines and dispute resolution procedures developed for administrative actions that support the purposes of the Children's Services Act (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.). The public participation process shall include, at a minimum, 60 days of public comment and the distribution of these guidelines and procedures to all interested parties;

5. Oversee the administration of and consult with the Virginia Municipal League and the Virginia Association of Counties about state policies governing the use, distribution and monitoring of moneys in the state pool of funds and the state trust fund;

6. Provide for the administration of necessary functions that support the work of the Office of Children's Services;

7. Review and take appropriate action on issues brought before it by the Office of Children's Services, Community Policy and Management Teams (CPMTs), local governments, providers and parents;

8. Advise the Governor and appropriate Cabinet Secretaries on proposed policy and operational changes that facilitate interagency service development and implementation, communication and cooperation;

9. Provide administrative support and fiscal incentives for the establishment and operation of local comprehensive service systems;

10. Oversee coordination of early intervention programs to promote comprehensive, coordinated service delivery, local interagency program management, and co-location of programs and services in communities. Early intervention programs include state programs under the administrative control of the state executive council member agencies;

11. Oversee the development and implementation of a mandatory uniform assessment instrument and process to be used by all localities to identify levels of risk of Children's Services Act (CSA) youth;

12. Oversee the development and implementation of uniform guidelines to include initial intake and screening assessment, development and implementation of a plan of care, service monitoring and periodic follow-up, and the formal review of the status of the youth and the family;

13. Oversee the development and implementation of uniform guidelines for documentation for CSA-funded services;

14. Review and approve a request by a CPMT to establish a collaborative, multidisciplinary team process for referral and reviews of children and families pursuant to § 2.2-5209;

15. Oversee the development and implementation of mandatory uniform guidelines for utilization management; each locality receiving funds for activities under the Children's Services Act shall have a locally determined utilization management plan following the guidelines or use of a process approved by the Council for utilization management, covering all CSA-funded services;

16. Oversee the development and implementation of uniform data collection standards and the collection of data, utilizing a secure electronic client-specific database for CSA-funded services, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following client specific information: (i) children served, including those placed out of state; (ii) individual characteristics of youths and families being served; (iii) types of services provided; (iv) service utilization including length of stay; (v) service expenditures; (vi) provider identification number for specific facilities and programs identified by the state in which the child receives services; (vii) a data field indicating the circumstances under which the child ends each service; and (viii) a data field indicating the circumstances under which the child exits the Children's Services Act program. All client-specific information shall remain confidential and only non-identifying aggregate demographic, service, and expenditure information shall be made available to the public;

17. Oversee the development and implementation of a uniform set of performance measures for evaluating the Children's Services Act program, including, but not limited to, the number of youths served in their homes, schools and communities. Performance measures shall be based on information: (i) collected in the client-specific database referenced in subdivision 16, (ii) from the mandatory uniform assessment instrument referenced in subdivision 11, and (iii) from available and appropriate client outcome data that is not prohibited from being shared under federal law and is routinely collected by the state child-serving agencies that serve on the Council. If provided client-specific information, state child serving agencies shall report available and appropriate outcome data in clause (iii) to the Office of Children's Services. Outcome data submitted to the Office of Children's Services shall be used solely for the administration of the Children's Services Act program. Applicable client outcome data shall include, but not be limited to: (a) permanency outcomes by the Virginia Department of Social Services, (b) recidivism outcomes by the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice, and (c) educational outcomes by the Virginia Department of Education. All client-specific information shall remain confidential and only non-identifying aggregate outcome information shall be made available to the public;

18. Oversee the development and distribution of management reports that provide information to the public and CPMTs to help evaluate child and family outcomes and public and private provider performance in the provision of services to children and families through the Children's Services Act program. Management reports shall include total expenditures on children served through the Children's Services Act program as reported to the Office of Children's Services by state child-serving agencies on the Council and shall include, but not be limited to: (i) client-specific payments for inpatient and outpatient mental health services, treatment foster care services and residential services made through the Medicaid program and reported by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services and (ii) client-specific payments made through the Title IV-E foster care program reported by the Virginia Department of Social Services. The Office of Children's Services shall provide client-specific information to the state agencies for the sole purpose of the administration of the Children's Services Act program. All client-specific information shall remain confidential and only non-identifying aggregate demographic, service, expenditure, and outcome information shall be made available to the public;

19. Establish and oversee the operation of an informal review and negotiation process with the Director of the Office of Children's Services and a formal dispute resolution procedure before the State Executive Council, which include formal notice and an appeals process, should the Director or Council find, upon a formal written finding, that a CPMT failed to comply with any provision of this Act. "Formal notice" means the Director or Council provides a letter of notification, which communicates the Director's or the Council's finding, explains the effect of the finding, and describes the appeal process, to the chief administrative officer of the local government with a copy to the chair of the CPMT. The dispute resolution procedure shall also include provisions for remediation by the CPMT that shall include a plan of correction recommended by the Council and submitted to the CPMT. If the Council denies reimbursement from the state pool of funds, the Council and the locality shall develop a plan of repayment;

20. Deny state funding to a locality, in accordance with subdivision 19, where the CPMT fails to provide services that comply with the Children's Services Act (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.), any other state law or policy, or any federal law pertaining to the provision of any service funded in accordance with § 2.2-5211;

21. Biennially publish and disseminate to members of the General Assembly and community policy and management teams a state progress report on comprehensive services to children, youth and families and a plan for such services for the next succeeding biennium. The state plan shall:

a. Provide a fiscal profile of current and previous years' federal and state expenditures for a comprehensive service system for children, youth and families;

b. Incorporate information and recommendations from local comprehensive service systems with responsibility for planning and delivering services to children, youth and families;

c. Identify and establish goals for comprehensive services and the estimated costs of implementing these goals, report progress toward previously identified goals and establish priorities for the coming biennium;

d. Report and analyze expenditures associated with children who do not receive pool funding and have emotional and behavioral problems;

e. Identify funding streams used to purchase services in addition to pooled, Medicaid, and Title IV-E funding; and

f. Include such other information or recommendations as may be necessary and appropriate for the improvement and coordinated development of the state's comprehensive services system; and

22. Oversee the development and implementation of mandatory uniform guidelines for intensive care coordination services for children who are at risk of entering, or are placed in, residential care through the Children's Services Act program. The guidelines shall: (i) take into account differences among localities, (ii) specify children and circumstances appropriate for intensive care coordination services, (iii) define intensive care coordination services, and (iv) distinguish intensive care coordination services from the regular case management services provided within the normal scope of responsibility for the child-serving agencies, including the community services board, the local school division, local social services agency, court service unit, and Department of Juvenile Justice. Such guidelines shall address: (a) identifying the strengths and needs of the child and his family through conducting or reviewing comprehensive assessments including, but not limited to, information gathered through the mandatory uniform assessment instrument; (b) identifying specific services and supports necessary to meet the identified needs of the child and his family, building upon the identified strengths; (c) implementing a plan for returning the youth to his home, relative's home, family-like setting, or community at the earliest appropriate time that addresses his needs, including identification of public or private community-based services to support the youth and his family during transition to community-based care; and (d) implementing a plan for regular monitoring and utilization review of the services and residential placement for the child to determine whether the services and placement continue to provide the most appropriate and effective services for the child and his family.

1992, cc. 837, 880, § 2.1-746; 1995, c. 800; 1996, c. 1024; 1998, c. 622; 1999, c. 669; 2000, cc. 900, 937; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 410; 2003, cc. 483, 498; 2004, c. 836; 2005, c. 930; 2008, cc. 39, 170, 277; 2009, cc. 274, 712, 813, 840; 2010, c. 346; 2011, cc. 397, 413; 2012, cc. 223, 746; 2014, c. 406; 2015, c. 366; 2016, c. 443; 2023, c. 567.

A. The Office of Children's Services is hereby established to serve as the administrative entity of the Council and to ensure that the decisions of the council are implemented. The director shall be hired by and subject to the direction and supervision of the Council pursuant to § 2.2-2648.

B. The director of the Office of Children's Services shall:

1. Develop and recommend to the state executive council programs and fiscal policies that promote and support cooperation and collaboration in the provision of services to troubled and at-risk youths and their families at the state and local levels;

2. Develop and recommend to the Council state interagency policies governing the use, distribution and monitoring of moneys in the state pool of funds and the state trust fund;

3. Develop and provide for the consistent oversight for program administration and compliance with state policies and procedures;

4. Provide for training and technical assistance to localities in the provision of efficient and effective services that are responsive to the strengths and needs of troubled and at-risk youths and their families;

5. Serve as liaison to the participating state agencies that administratively support the Office and that provide other necessary services;

6. Provide an informal review and negotiation process pursuant to subdivision D 19 of § 2.2-2648;

7. Implement, in collaboration with participating state agencies, policies, guidelines and procedures adopted by the State Executive Council;

8. Consult regularly with the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Coalition of Private Provider Associations, and the Virginia Association of Counties about implementation and operation of the Children's Services Act (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.);

9. Hire appropriate staff as approved by the Council;

10. Identify, disseminate, and provide annual training for CSA staff and other interested parties on best practices and evidence-based practices related to the Children's Services Act Program;

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the State Executive Council;

12. Develop and implement uniform data collection standards and collect data, utilizing a secure electronic database for CSA-funded services, in accordance with subdivision D 16 of § 2.2-2648;

13. Develop and implement a uniform set of performance measures for the Children's Services Act program in accordance with subdivision D 17 of § 2.2-2648;

14. Develop, implement, and distribute management reports in accordance with subdivision D 18 of § 2.2-2648;

15. Report to the Council all expenditures associated with serving children who receive pool-funded services. The report shall include expenditures for (i) all services purchased with pool funding; (ii) treatment, foster care case management, community-based mental health services, and residential care funded by Medicaid; and (iii) child-specific payments made through the Title IV-E program;

16. Report to the Council on the nature and cost of all services provided to the population of at-risk and troubled children identified by the State Executive Council as within the scope of the CSA program;

17. Develop and distribute model job descriptions for the position of Children's Services Act Coordinator and provide technical assistance to localities and their coordinators to help them to guide localities in prioritizing coordinator's responsibilities toward activities to maximize program effectiveness and minimize spending;

18. Develop and distribute guidelines, approved by the State Executive Council, regarding the development and use of multidisciplinary teams, in order to encourage utilization of multidisciplinary teams in service planning and to reduce Family Assessment and Planning Team caseloads to allow Family Assessment and Planning Teams to devote additional time to more complex and potentially costly cases; and

19. Provide for the effective implementation of the Children's Services Act (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.) in all localities by (i) regularly monitoring local performance measures and child and family outcomes; (ii) using audit, performance, and outcomes data to identify local programs that need technical assistance; and (iii) working with local programs that are consistently underperforming to develop a corrective action plan for submission to the Office and the Council.

C. The director of the Office of Children's Services, in order to provide support and assistance to the Children's Policy and Management Teams (CPMTs) and Family Assessment and Planning Teams (FAPTs) established pursuant to the Children's Services Act (§ 2.2-5200 et seq.), shall:

1. Develop and maintain a web-based statewide automated database, with support from the Department of Information Technology or its successor agency, of the authorized vendors of the Children's Services Act (CSA) services to include verification of a vendor's licensure status, a listing of each discrete CSA service offered by the vendor, and the discrete CSA service's rate determined in accordance with § 2.2-5214; and

2. Develop, in consultation with the Department of General Services, CPMTs, and vendors, a standardized purchase of services contract, which in addition to general contract provisions when utilizing state pool funds will enable localities to specify the discrete service or services they are purchasing for the specified client, the required reporting of the client's service data, including types and numbers of disabilities, mental health and intellectual disability diagnoses, or delinquent behaviors for which the purchased services are intended to address, the expected outcomes resulting from these services and the performance timeframes mutually agreed to when the services are purchased.

2000, c. 937, § 2.1-746.1; 2001, c. 844; 2002, c. 410; 2003, c. 485; 2008, cc. 38, 277; 2009, c. 275; 2012, cc. 476, 507; 2013, c. 1; 2015, c. 366; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 226.

Article 17. State Health Benefits Advisory Council.

Repealed by Acts 2001, cc. 520 and 806.

Article 18. Technology Services, Council on.

Repealed by Acts 2009, c. 86, cl. 2.

Article 19. Virginia Advisory Council for Adult Education.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 452.

Article 20. Virginia Equal Employment Opportunity Council.

Repealed by Acts 2001, cc. 520 and 806.

Article 21. Virginia Council on Coordinating Prevention.

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 577.

Article 22. Virginia Interagency Coordinating Council.

A. The Virginia Interagency Coordinating Council (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council shall be to promote and coordinate early intervention services in the Commonwealth.

B. The membership and operation of the Council shall be as required by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 1431 et seq.). The Commissioner of the Department of Health, the Director of the Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Commissioner of Social Services, the Commissioner of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Insurance within the State Corporation Commission shall each appoint one person from his agency to serve as the agency's representative on the Council. The Director of the Commonwealth's designated protection and advocacy system may appoint one person from his agency to serve as the agency's representative on the Council.

Agency representatives shall regularly inform their agency head of the Council's activities and the status of the implementation of an early intervention services system in the Commonwealth.

C. The Council's duties shall include advising and assisting the state lead agency in the following:

1. Performing its responsibilities for the early intervention services system;

2. Identifying sources of fiscal and other support for early intervention services, recommending financial responsibility arrangements among agencies, and promoting interagency agreements;

3. Developing strategies to encourage full participation, coordination, and cooperation of all appropriate agencies;

4. Resolving interagency disputes;

5. Gathering information about problems that impede timely and effective service delivery and taking steps to ensure that any identified policy problems are resolved;

6. Preparing federal grant applications; and

7. Preparing and submitting an annual report to the Governor and the U.S. Secretary of Education on the status of early intervention services within the Commonwealth.

1992, c. 771, § 2.1-765; 2001, c. 844; 2004, c. 38; 2005, c. 695; 2009, cc. 813, 840; 2013, c. 571.

Article 23. Virginia Military Advisory Council.

Repealed by Acts 2001, c. 577.

Article 23.1. Virginia Military Advisory Council.

A. The Virginia Military Advisory Council (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government, to maintain a cooperative and constructive relationship between the Commonwealth and the leadership of the several Armed Forces of the United States and the military commanders of such Armed Forces stationed in the Commonwealth, and to encourage regular communication on continued military facility viability, the exploration of privatization opportunities and issues affecting preparedness, public safety and security.

B. The Council shall be composed of 11 members as follows: the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Adjutant General, the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on General Laws, or their designees, and five members to be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. Representatives of the major military commands and installations located in the Commonwealth or in jurisdictions adjacent thereto shall be invited by the Governor to represent their command or installation at the meetings of the Council. Any legislative member who is appointed by the Governor shall serve a term coincident with his term of office.

C. Legislative members of the Council shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12, and nonlegislative members shall receive such compensation as provided in § 2.2-2813 for the performance of their duties. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs.

D. The Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs shall be the chairman of the Council. The meetings of the Council shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of members so request. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

E. The chairman of the Council shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the activity and work of the Council no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly. The executive summary shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

2002, c. 676; 2003, c. 885; 2004, c. 1000; 2005, c. 248; 2006, cc. 860, 901; 2007, c. 415; 2011, cc. 572, 586, 691, 714, 780, 858; 2014, cc. 115, 490; 2015, c. 321.

The Council shall identify and study and provide advice and comments to the Governor on issues of mutual concern to the Commonwealth and the Armed Forces of the United States, including exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction over military installations, educational quality and the future of federal impact aid, preparedness, public safety and security concerns, transportation needs, alcoholic beverage law enforcement, substance abuse, social service needs, possible expansion and growth of military facilities in the Commonwealth and such other issues as the Governor or the Council may determine to be appropriate subjects of joint consideration.

Such staff support as is necessary for the conduct of the Council's business shall be furnished by the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and such other executive agencies as the Governor may designate.

2002, c. 676; 2011, cc. 780, 858; 2014, cc. 115, 490.

A. The Oceana/Fentress Military Advisory Council (the Oceana/Fentress Council) is hereby created as a subunit of the Virginia Military Advisory Council. The Oceana/Fentress Council shall be composed of two members of the Chesapeake City Council, two members of the Virginia Beach City Council, those members of the Virginia General Assembly whose districts encompass Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, the Commander, Navy Mid-Atlantic Region or his representative, and the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Oceana or his representative.

B. The Oceana/Fentress Council shall identify and study and provide advice and comments to the Virginia Military Advisory Council on issues of mutual concern to the Commonwealth and the Navy concerning Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress and address such other issues as the Governor or the Virginia Military Advisory Council may determine to be appropriate subjects of consideration.

C. Such staff support as is necessary for the conduct of the Oceana/Fentress Council's business shall be furnished by the Office of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs.

2006, cc. 266, 328; 2010, c. 75; 2011, cc. 780, 858; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2014, cc. 115, 490.

Article 24. Virginia Recycling Markets Development Council.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

Article 25. Virginia Workforce Council.

Repealed by Acts 2014, c. 815, cl. 2.

Article 26. Virginia Council on Human Resources.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 7.

Article 27. The Advisory Council on the Future of Nursing in Virginia.

Expired.

Article 28. Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations.

A. The Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Council shall be composed of one representative from each qualifying veterans service organization, to be appointed by the Governor, and the Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services and the Chairmen of the Board of Veterans Services and the Veterans Services Foundation or their designees, who shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members. Each veterans service organization representative may designate an alternate to attend meetings of the Council in the absence of such representative.

Qualifying veterans service organizations shall be (i) composed principally of and controlled by veterans of the United States Armed Forces, (ii) a registered nonprofit organization in good standing, incorporated for the purpose of promoting programs designed to assist veterans of the armed forces of the United States and their eligible spouses, orphans, and dependents, and (iii) active and in good standing with its parent national organization, if such a parent organization exists.

B. Voting members shall be appointed for terms of three years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired terms. No person shall be eligible to serve for or during more than two successive three-year terms. Each qualifying veterans service organization shall be responsible for recommending a member for appointment to the Council by the Governor.

C. The Council shall annually elect its chairman and vice-chairman from among its members. The Council shall develop and adopt its own charter, and shall develop and adopt a mission and vision statement in consultation with the Department of Veterans Services. A majority of the voting members of the Council shall constitute a quorum.

D. The Council shall meet at least four times per year. Additional meetings shall be subject to majority approval by the members of the Council.

E. Members of the Council shall not receive any compensation, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2004, c. 697; 2006, c. 150; 2008, cc. 467, 768; 2010, c. 64.

A. The Council shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Advise the Department of Veterans Services and the General Assembly regarding (i) methods of providing support for ongoing veterans services and programs, and (ii) addressing veterans issues on an ongoing basis;

2. Recommend issues that may potentially impact veterans of the armed forces of the United States and their eligible spouses, orphans, and dependents;

3. Advise the Department of Veterans Services and the Board of Veterans Services on matters of concern to Virginia-domiciled veterans and their eligible spouses, orphans, and dependents;

4. Promote and support existing veterans services and programs;

5. Recommend and promote implementation of new efficient and effective administrative initiatives that enhance existing veterans services and programs or provide for necessary veterans services and programs not currently provided; and

6. Maintain a nonpartisan approach to maintaining and improving veterans services and programs in the Commonwealth.

B. The chairman shall report to the Commissioner and the Board of Veterans Services the results of its meetings and submit an annual report on or before November 30 of each year.

C. The Council may apply for funds from the Veterans Services Foundation to enable it to better carry out its objectives. The Council shall not impose unreasonable burdens or costs in connection with requests of agencies.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2008, cc. 467, 768; 2014, c. 809.

Article 29. Council on Virginia's Future.

Expired.

Article 30. The Interagency Civil Admissions Advisory Council.

Repealed by Acts 2009, c. 90.

Repealed by Acts 2008, c. 293, cl. 1.

Article 31. Virginia Addiction Recovery Council.

A. The Virginia Addiction Recovery Council (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council is to advise and make recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services on broad policies and goals and on the coordination of the Commonwealth's public and private efforts to control substance abuse, as defined in § 37.2-100, and problem gambling, as defined in § 37.2-314.2.

B. The Council shall consist of 32 members. Four members of the House of Delegates shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates, and two members of the Senate shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. The Governor shall appoint one member representing the Virginia Sheriffs' Association, one member representing the Virginia Drug Courts Association, one member representing the Substance Abuse Certification Alliance of Virginia, two members representing the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards, two members representing the problem gambling recovery community, one member representing the board of directors of the Opioid Abatement Authority established pursuant to § 2.2-2367, and two members representing statewide consumer and advocacy organizations. The Council shall also include the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; the Commissioner of Health; the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles; the Superintendent of Public Instruction; the Directors of the Departments of Juvenile Justice, Corrections, Criminal Justice Services, Medical Assistance Services, and Social Services; the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority; the Executive Director of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth or his designee; the Executive Director of the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program or his designee; and the chairs or their designees of the Virginia Association of Drug and Alcohol Programs, the Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals, and the Substance Abuse Council and the Prevention Task Force of the Virginia Association of Community Services Boards.

C. Appointments of legislative members and heads of agencies or representatives of organizations shall be for terms consistent with their terms of office. Beginning July 1, 2011, the Governor's appointments of the seven nonlegislative citizen members shall be staggered as follows: two members for a term of one year, three members for a term of two years, and two members for a term of three years. Thereafter, appointments of nonlegislative members shall be for terms of three years, except an appointment to fill a vacancy, which shall be for the unexpired term. The Governor shall appoint a chairman from among the members for a two-year term. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms as chairman.

No person shall be eligible to serve more than two successive terms, provided that a person appointed to fill a vacancy may serve two full successive terms.

D. The Council shall meet at least four times annually and more often if deemed necessary or advisable by the chairman.

E. Members of the Council shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the cost of expenses shall be provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

F. The duties of the Council shall be:

1. To recommend policies and goals to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services;

2. To coordinate agency programs and activities, to prevent duplication of functions, and to combine all agency plans into a comprehensive interagency state plan for substance abuse and problem gambling services;

3. To review and comment on annual state agency budget requests regarding substance abuse or problem gambling and on all applications for state or federal funds or services to be used in substance abuse or problem gambling programs;

4. To define responsibilities among state agencies for various programs for persons with substance abuse or problem gambling and to encourage cooperation among agencies; and

5. To make investigations, issue annual reports to the Governor and the General Assembly, and make recommendations relevant to substance abuse and problem gambling upon the request of the Governor.

G. Staff assistance shall be provided to the Council by the Office of Substance Abuse Services of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

1976, c. 767, § 37.1-207; 1977, c. 18; 1978, c. 171; 1979, c. 678; 1980, c. 582; 1984, c. 589; 1990, cc. 1, 288, 317; 1998, c. 724; 1999, c. 614; 2005, cc. 713, 716; 2009, cc. 424, 554, 813, 840; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2012, cc. 803, 835; 2015, cc. 38, 730; 2023, c. 466.

A. On or before December 1, 2005, the Council shall forward to the Governor and the General Assembly a Comprehensive Interagency State Plan identifying for each agency in state government (i) the substance abuse treatment program the agency administers; (ii) the program's objectives, including outcome measures for each program objective; (iii) program actions to achieve the objectives; (iv) the costs necessary to implement the program actions; and (v) an estimate of the extent these programs have met demand for substance abuse treatment services in the Commonwealth. The Council shall develop specific criteria for outcome data collection for all affected agencies, including a comparison of the extent to which the existing outcome measures address applicable federally mandated outcome measures and an identification of common outcome measures across agencies and programs. The plan shall also include an assessment of each agency's capacity to collect, analyze, and report the information required by subsection B.

B. Beginning in 2006, the Comprehensive Interagency State Plan shall include the following analysis for each agency-administered substance abuse treatment program: (i) the amount of funding expended under the program for the prior fiscal year; (ii) the number of individuals served by the program using that funding; (iii) the extent to which program objectives have been accomplished as reflected by an evaluation of outcome measures; (iv) identifying the most effective substance abuse treatment, based on a combination of per person costs and success in meeting program objectives; (v) how effectiveness could be improved; (vi) an estimate of the cost effectiveness of these programs; and (vii) recommendations on the funding of programs based on these analyses.

C. All agencies identified in the Comprehensive Interagency State Plan as administering a substance abuse treatment program shall provide the information and staff support necessary for the Council to complete the Plan. In addition, any agency that captures outcome-related information concerning substance abuse programs identified in subsection B shall make this information available for analysis upon request.

2004, c. 686, § 37.1-207.1; 2005, c. 716.

Article 32. Modeling and Simulation Advisory Council.

A. The Modeling and Simulation Advisory Council (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council shall be to advise the Governor on policy and funding priorities to promote the modeling and simulation industry in the Commonwealth.

B. The Council shall consist of 15 members as follows: three legislative members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; one legislative member of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; and six citizen representatives of the modeling and simulation industry and two citizen members representing Virginia public institutions of higher education with modeling and simulation capabilities to be appointed by the Governor. Two Secretaries as defined in § 2.2-200 to be appointed by the Governor and the Executive Director of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center shall serve ex officio.

Appointments by the Governor shall be for terms of four years, except an appointment to fill a vacancy, which shall be for the unexpired term. Ex officio members and legislative members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. All members shall be eligible for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner of the original appointments.

C. The Council shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman annually from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Council shall meet biannually and at such other times as may be called by the chairman or a majority of the Council. Staff to the Council shall be provided by the office of the Secretary of Administration.

2007, c. 857; 2012, cc. 440, 502; 2020, c. 738.

The Council shall have the power and duty to:

1. Advise the Governor on funding priorities for modeling and simulation programs at the Commonwealth's institutions of higher education.

2. Develop policy initiatives and advise the Governor on strategies to promote the modeling and simulation industry in the Commonwealth.

3. Advise the Virginia Economic Development Partnership regarding (i) attracting new modeling and simulation businesses to the Commonwealth and (ii) assisting the development of the Commonwealth's existing modeling and simulation industry.

4. Develop recommendations in conjunction with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership on how to market the Commonwealth's modeling and simulation capabilities to all businesses and industries, especially those not fully utilizing modeling and simulation applications.

5. Develop recommendations that will assist in making Virginia a national leader in the modeling and simulation industry.

2007, c. 857.

Article 33. Aerospace Advisory Council.

A. The Aerospace Advisory Council (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council shall be to advise the Governor, the Joint Commission on Technology and Science, and the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, and Education on policy and funding priorities with respect to aerospace economic development, workforce training, educational programs, and educational curriculum. The Council shall suggest strategies to attract and promote the development of existing aerospace companies, new aerospace companies, federal aerospace agencies, aerospace research, venture and human capital, and applied research and technology that contribute to the growth and development of the aerospace sector in the Commonwealth.

B. The Council shall have a total membership of 20 members that shall consist of four legislative members, nine nonlegislative citizen members, and seven ex officio members. Members shall be appointed as follows: three members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; one member of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; and nine nonlegislative citizen members, of whom one shall represent the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, one shall represent Old Dominion University, one shall represent the University of Virginia, one shall represent Virginia Tech, and five shall represent aerospace companies or suppliers within the Commonwealth, to be appointed by the Governor, and serve with voting privileges. The Director of the Department of Aviation, Director of the National Institute of Aerospace, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Authority, Director of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, and President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, or their designees, shall serve as ex officio members with voting privileges. A representative of NASA Wallops Flight Facility and a representative of NASA's Langley Research Center shall be requested to serve by the Governor as ex officio members with nonvoting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Council shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

Legislative members and ex officio members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Other members shall be appointed for terms of two years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed.

C. Legislative members of the Council shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12. Nonlegislative citizen members shall serve without compensation or reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses. Funding for compensation and expenses of legislative members shall be provided by the operating budgets of the Clerk of the House of Delegates and the Clerk of the Senate upon approval of the Joint Rules Committee. All other expenses of the Council shall be provided by the Department of Aviation.

D. The Council shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman annually from among its legislative membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Council shall meet at such times as may be called by the chairman or a majority of the Council.

E. Staff to the Council shall be provided by the Department of Aviation. The Division of Legislative Services shall provide additional staff support to legislative members serving on the Council.

2007, c. 891; 2008, c. 745; 2009, cc. 485, 633; 2010, cc. 339, 836; 2011, cc. 540, 691, 714; 2020, c. 738.

The Council shall have the power and duty to:

1. Identify opportunities and recommend actions to use the economic development engine offered by Virginia's aerospace sector to benefit the sector and the Commonwealth, including the attraction to Virginia of launch and other aerospace companies, as well as federal, national, and international investments, such as the FAA's NextGen initiative and emerging NASA and other federal programs;

2. Develop a long-term strategic plan to make the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport the commercial hub for space travel originating or concluding in the United States;

3. Contribute to the continued development of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Development efforts shall include, in part:

a. Identification of any federal or state regulatory impediments, including taxation, to the development of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport;

b. Identification of threats to the spaceport's viability, such as encroachment, zoning, mineral exploration and exploitation, and noncompatible uses of the spaceport; and

c. Identification and recommendation of policy and legislative solutions to potential state legal barriers to human spaceflight;

4. Advise the Governor and the General Assembly on infrastructure and marketing investments needed to achieve the full potential of Virginia's aerospace sector as a whole, including, but not limited to, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport;

5. Identify and recommend policies to support the critical role of baccalaureate institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth in providing human capital and research contributions that significantly impact the economic development of aerospace-related and aerodynamic-dependent industries in the Commonwealth;

6. Identify and recommend policies to support aerospace sector needs for workforce development as provided by the Virginia Community College System and precollege educational system, including suggestions for enhanced development of Virginia's high-tech workforce pipeline in engineering, technology, and science; and

7. Assist the Governor in any aerospace-related events and conferences hosted by the Commonwealth.

2007, c. 891; 2010, cc. 339, 836.

Article 34. Broadband Advisory Council.

A. The Broadband Advisory Council (the Council) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council shall be to advise the Governor on policy and funding priorities to expedite deployment and reduce the cost of broadband access in the Commonwealth.

B. The Council shall have a total membership of 17 members that shall consist of seven legislative members, six nonlegislative citizen members, and four ex officio members. Members shall be appointed as follows: four members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; three members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; and six nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, of whom one shall be a representative of the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association, one shall be a representative of the Virginia Telecommunications Industry Association, one shall be a representative from local government recommended by the Virginia Municipal League and Virginia Association of Counties, one shall be a representative of the Virginia Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, one shall be a representative of a wireless service authority, and one shall be a representative of the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. The executive director of the Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia and three Secretaries as defined in § 2.2-200 to be appointed by the Governor shall serve ex officio. Legislative and ex officio members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Other members shall be appointed for terms of two years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed.

C. Legislative members of the Council shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12. Nonlegislative citizen members shall serve without compensation. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for compensation and expenses of legislative members shall be provided by the operating budgets of the Clerk of the House of Delegates and the Clerk of the Senate upon approval of the Joint Rules Committee. The Governor shall designate the office of one of the secretaries appointed pursuant to subsection B to provide funding for the costs of expenses of the nonlegislative citizen members and all other expenses of the Council.

D. The Council shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman annually from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Council shall meet at such times as may be called by the chairman or a majority of the Council.

E. Staff to the Council shall be provided by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. The Division of Legislative Services shall provide additional staff support to legislative members serving on the Council.

2009, cc. 818, 852; 2012, c. 528; 2015, c. 239; 2019, cc. 709, 710; 2024, cc. 132, 133.

The Council shall have the power and duty to:

1. Monitor the broadband-based development efforts of other states and nations in areas such as business, education, and health;

2. Advise the Governor, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, and the General Assembly on policies and strategies related to making affordable broadband services available to every Virginia home and business;

3. Monitor broadband-related activities at the federal level;

4. Encourage public-private partnerships to increase the deployment and adoption of broadband services and applications;

5. Annually report to the Governor and the Joint Commission on Technology and Science on the progress towards the goal of universal access for businesses and on the assessment of Commonwealth broadband infrastructure investments and utilization of Council-supported resources to promote broadband access;

6. Periodically review and comment on the quality, availability, and accessibility of state-maintained or funded broadband resources and programs, including but not limited to: Virginia Resources Authority Act funding of the "Online Community Toolkit"; the Center for Innovative Technology's mapping and outreach initiatives; investments made through programs administered by the Department of Education, Department of Housing and Community Development, Department of Public Rail and Transportation, and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission; and

7. Monitor regulatory and policy changes for potential impact on broadband deployment and sustainability in the Commonwealth.

2009, cc. 818, 852; 2020, c. 738.

Article 35. Information Technology Advisory Council.

A. The Information Technology Advisory Council (ITAC) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The ITAC shall be responsible for advising, and making recommendations to, the Chief Information Officer of the Commonwealth (CIO) and the Secretary of Administration regarding information technology in the Commonwealth, as detailed in § 2.2-2699.6.

B. The ITAC shall consist of not more than 20 members as follows: (i) the Secretary of Administration, or his designee, the CIO, and another of the Governor's Secretaries as defined in subsection E of § 2.2-200, or his designee, all of whom shall serve ex officio with voting privileges; (ii) four members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; (iii) three members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; and (iv) an even number, not to exceed 10, of nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor and serve with voting privileges.

Legislative members and ex officio members of the ITAC shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Nonlegislative citizen members shall represent a diversity of appropriate experience and expertise and, after an initial staggering of terms, shall be appointed for terms of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. However, no nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. Initial appointment terms of one year or two years and 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. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

C. The ITAC shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually from among the members, except that neither the Secretary of Administration nor the CIO may serve as chairman. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the ITAC shall be held at the call of the chairman, the Secretary of Administration, or the CIO, or whenever the majority of the members so request.

D. Legislative members of the ITAC shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12, and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency.

E. The disclosure requirements of subsection B of § 2.2-3114 of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act shall apply to nonlegislative citizen members of the ITAC.

F. The Virginia Information Technologies Agency shall serve as staff to the ITAC.

2010, cc. 136, 145; 2011, cc. 691, 714; 2013, cc. 161, 227; 2014, cc. 115, 490; 2020, c. 738; 2022, cc. 260, 261.

A. The ITAC shall have the power and duty to:

1. Adopt rules and procedures for the conduct of its business;

2. Advise the CIO regarding cybersecurity policies, standards, and guidelines, for (i) assessing security risks, (ii) determining appropriate security measures, (iii) performing security audits of government electronic information, (iv) strengthening the Commonwealth's cybersecurity, and (v) protecting against and responding to breaches of information technology security;

3. Advise the CIO on strategies and priorities for information technology for executive branch agencies;

4. Advise the CIO on information technology planning and projects;

5. Advise the CIO on policies, standards, and guidelines for information technology and data of the Commonwealth; and

6. Advise the CIO on information technology budgeting, investments, and expenditures.

B. The ITAC may appoint advisory subcommittees consisting of individuals with expertise in particular subject areas and information technology to advise the ITAC on the utilization of nationally recognized technical and data standards in such subject areas. If such a subcommittee is appointed by the ITAC, the CIO, or his designee, shall be an ex officio member and the Secretary of Administration may appoint representatives from other relevant Secretariats or state agencies as may be appropriate. Any such subcommittee may be appointed for a period of two years and may be reappointed by the ITAC at the end of any two-year period.

C. The CIO shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly regarding the work of the ITAC and any advisory subcommittees.

D. As used in this section, "information technology" has the same meaning as set forth in § 2.2-2006.

2010, cc. 136, 145; 2011, cc. 266, 313; 2016, c. 296; 2022, cc. 260, 261.

Repealed by Acts 2022, cc. 260, 261.

Article 36. Virginia Council on Environmental Justice.

For purposes of this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Council" means the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice established pursuant to this article.

"Environmental justice" means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, faith, disability, national origin, or income, regarding the development, implementation, or enforcement of any environmental law, regulation, or policy.

"Fair treatment" means the equitable consideration of all people whereby no group of people bears a disproportionate share of any negative environmental consequence resulting from an industrial, governmental, or commercial operation, program, or policy.

"Meaningful involvement" means the requirements that (i) affected and vulnerable community residents have access and opportunities to participate in the full cycle of the decision-making process about a proposed activity that will affect their environment or health and (ii) decision-makers will seek out and consider such participation, allowing the views and perspectives of community residents to shape and influence the decision.

"Resilience" means, as it pertains to climate change, the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and to withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions through adaptable planning and climate solutions.

2020, cc. 113, 1274.

The Virginia Council on Environmental Justice is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council is to advise the Governor and provide recommendations that maintain a foundation of environmental justice principles intended to protect vulnerable communities from disproportionate impacts of pollution.

2020, cc. 113, 1274.

A. The Council shall have a total membership of 27 members that shall consist of 21 nonlegislative citizen members and six ex officio members. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed by the Governor. The Secretaries of Natural and Historic Resources, Commerce and Trade, Agriculture and Forestry, Health and Human Resources, Education, and Transportation, or their designees, including their agency representatives, shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Council shall be residents of the Commonwealth and shall include representatives of (i) American Indian tribes, (ii) community-based organizations, (iii) the public health sector, (iv) nongovernmental organizations, (v) civil rights organizations, (vi) institutions of higher education, and (vii) communities impacted by an industrial, governmental, or commercial operation, program, or policy.

Ex officio members of the Council shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years.

B. The Council shall elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson annually from among the membership of the Council. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the Council shall be held at the call of the chairperson or whenever the majority of the members so request.

C. The Council shall meet quarterly and shall establish a meeting schedule on an annual basis. When possible, the location of the meetings shall rotate among different geographic regions. When possible, meetings shall be broadcast on the Internet or via teleconference. Each meeting shall include an in-person public comment component.

The Council may provide for the creation of subcommittees. Any subcommittee meetings shall be scheduled with notification to the full Council.

2020, cc. 113, 1274; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401.

A. Members of the Council shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of expenses of the members shall be provided by the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources.

B. The Office of the Governor and the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources shall provide staff support to the Council. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Council, upon request.

2020, cc. 113, 1274; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 401.

The Council shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Advise and provide recommendations to the Governor regarding the development of policies and procedures, focusing on equality and equity, to ensure that environmental justice issues are heard and addressed as the Commonwealth evolves, as impacts of climate change increase, and as new environmental justice issues emerge. The Council shall provide advice and recommendations to the Governor and his cabinet on:

a. Integrating environmental justice considerations throughout the Commonwealth's programs, regulations, policies, and procedures;

b. Strengthening partnerships on environmental justice among governmental agencies, including federal, tribal, and local governments;

c. Incorporating potential solutions to environmental justice issues related to stakeholder communication, local governments, climate change and resilience, transportation, clean energy, outdoor access, and cultural preservation;

d. Enhancing research and assessment approaches related to environmental justice and identifying potential risks or disproportionate public health impacts related to environmental pollution, particularly those that threaten or could threaten low-income and historically underserved communities;

e. Receiving comments, concerns, and recommendations from individuals throughout the Commonwealth; and

f. Recommending statutory, regulatory, or executive action, or relevant improvements or additions, for consideration to better address environmental justice issues.

2. Submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports. The chairperson shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the interim activity and work of the Council no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly starting in 2021. The executive summary shall be submitted as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

3. Apply for, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public, quasi-public, or private sources, including any matching funds designated in an appropriation act, to enable it to better carry out its objectives.

2020, cc. 113, 1274.

Article 37. Plastic Waste Prevention Advisory Council.

Expired June 30, 2023, pursuant to Acts 2020, c. 798, § 2.2-2699.8.

Chapter 27. Foundations and Other Collegial Bodies.

Article 1. Virginia Arts Foundation.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 588, cl. 10, effective October 1, 2016.

Expired.

Repealed by Acts 2016, c. 588, cl. 10, effective October 1, 2016.

Article 2. Virginia War Memorial Foundation.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 112.

Article 3. World Trade Alliance of the Blue Ridge.

Repealed by Acts 2003, c. 885.

Article 4. Boating Advisory Committee.

Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 803 and 835, cl. 95.

Article 5. Debt Capacity Advisory Committee.

A. The Debt Capacity Advisory Committee (the Committee) is established as an advisory committee, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government.

B. The Committee shall consist of the Secretary of Finance; the State Treasurer; the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget; State Comptroller; the Auditor of Public Accounts; the Director of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission; the Staff Director of the House Committee on Appropriations; the Staff Director of the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations; and two citizen members who have expertise in financial matters to be appointed by the Governor.

C. Of the citizen members appointed for terms beginning July 1, 1994, one shall be appointed for an initial term of three years and the other for an initial term of five years. Successors shall be appointed to serve for terms of four years each. Vacancies occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled by appointment of the Governor for the remainder of the unexpired term. All appointments shall be subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Members shall continue to hold office until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

D. The Secretary of Finance shall be the chairperson of the Committee.

E. All members of the Committee shall serve without compensation but shall receive reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825.

F. The Department of the Treasury shall serve as staff to the Committee.

1994, c. 43, § 2.1-304.2; 2001, c. 844; 2010, c. 32.

The Committee shall have the power and duty to:

1. Annually review the size and condition of the Commonwealth's tax-supported debt and submit to the Governor and to the General Assembly an estimate of the maximum amount of new tax-supported debt that prudently may be authorized for the next biennium. The estimate shall be advisory and in no way bind the Governor or the General Assembly;

2. Annually review the amount and condition of bonds, notes, and other security obligations of the Commonwealth's agencies, institutions, boards, and authorities, for which the (i) Commonwealth has a contingent or limited liability or (ii) General Assembly is permitted to replenish reserve funds if deficiencies occur, and submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual report with the Committee's recommendation to ensure the prudent use of such obligations. Such review shall be submitted on or before January 1 of each year; and

3. Conduct ongoing reviews of the amount and condition of bonds, notes, and other security obligations of the Commonwealth's agencies, institutions, boards, and authorities not secured by the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth or for which the General Assembly is not permitted to replenish reserve funds, and when appropriate, shall recommend limits on such additional obligations to the Governor and to the General Assembly.

1994, c. 43, § 2.1-304.3; 1997, c. 187; 2001, c. 844.

Before January 1 of each year, the Committee shall submit to the Governor and to the General Assembly the Committee's estimate of tax-supported debt that prudently may be authorized for the next fiscal year, together with a report explaining the basis for the estimate. In developing its annual estimate and in preparing its annual report, the Committee shall, at a minimum, consider:

1. The amount of tax-supported debt that, during the next fiscal year and annually for the following nine fiscal years (i) will be outstanding and (ii) has been authorized but not yet issued;

2. A projected schedule of affordable, state tax-supported debt authorizations for the next biennium. The assessment of the affordability of the projected authorizations shall include but not be limited to the considerations specified in this section;

3. Projected debt-service requirements during the next fiscal year and annually for the following nine fiscal years based upon (i) existing outstanding debt, (ii) previously authorized but unissued debt, and (iii) projected bond authorizations;

4. The criteria that recognized bond rating agencies use to judge the quality of issues of Commonwealth bonds;

5. Any other factor that is relevant to (i) the ability of the Commonwealth to meet its projected debt service requirements for the next two fiscal years; (ii) the ability of the Commonwealth to support additional debt service in the upcoming biennium; (iii) the requirements of the statewide capital plan; and (iv) the interest rate to be borne by, the credit rating on, or any other factor affecting the marketability of such bonds; and

6. The effect of authorizations of new tax-supported debt on each of the considerations of this section.

1994, c. 43, § 2.1-304.4; 1997, c. 187; 2001, c. 844.

Article 6. Veterans Services Foundation.

A. The Veterans Services Foundation (the Foundation) is established as an independent body politic and corporate agency of the Commonwealth supporting the interests of veterans and their families and contributors through the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and the programs and services of the Department of Veterans Services. The Foundation shall be governed and administered by a board of trustees who may be assisted in the administration of the Foundation by principal staff members, agents, and advisors. The membership of the Foundation shall be composed of the board of trustees, supporting staff, agents, advisors, donors, volunteers, and other interested parties.

B. The Foundation shall (i) administer the Veterans Services Fund (the Fund), (ii) provide funding for veterans services and programs in the Commonwealth through the Fund, and (iii) accept and raise revenue from all sources, including private source fundraising, to support the Fund. The Foundation shall submit a quarterly report to the Commissioner of Veterans Services on the Foundation's funding levels and services and an annual report to the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and the General Assembly on or before November 30 of each year. The quarterly report shall be submitted electronically. The annual report to the General Assembly shall be submitted for publication as a report document as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.

C. The board of trustees of the Foundation shall consist of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and the Chairmen of the Board of Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations or their designees, who shall serve as ex officio voting trustees, and 16 trustees to be appointed as follows: eight nonlegislative citizens appointed by the Governor; five nonlegislative citizens appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and three nonlegislative citizens appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. A majority of the appointed trustees shall be active or retired chairmen, chief executive officers, or chief financial officers for large private corporations or nonprofit organizations or individuals who have extensive fundraising experience in the private sector. Trustees appointed shall, insofar as possible, be veterans. Each appointing authority shall endeavor to ensure a balanced representation of the armed services among the officer and enlisted ranks and geographical representation on the board of trustees to facilitate fundraising efforts across the state.

Trustees shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All trustees may be reappointed. However, no trustee shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a trustee is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the trustee's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. Any trustee may be removed at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

D. Trustees shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses incurred while attending meetings of the trustees or performing other duties. However, such reimbursement shall not exceed the per diem rate established for members of the General Assembly pursuant to § 30-19.12.

E. The Department of Veterans Services shall provide the Foundation with administrative and staff support and other services.

F. The trustees shall adopt bylaws governing their organization and procedures and may amend the same. The trustees shall elect a chairman and such other officers as their bylaws may provide. Ex officio trustees who serve as the chairman of another board shall not be eligible to serve as chairman. The trustees shall meet four times a year at such times as they deem appropriate or on call of the chairman. A majority of the voting trustees of the board of trustees shall constitute a quorum.

G. The Department of Veterans Services shall provide qualified finance and development personnel to perform the duties of the treasurer and secretary of the Foundation in accordance with the Foundation's directives. Individuals appointed to perform the duties of treasurer and secretary pursuant to this subsection shall be ex officio, nonvoting officers of the board of trustees.

H. The provisions of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§ 2.2-3100 et seq.) shall apply to the members of the board of trustees and the employees of the Foundation.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2004, c. 697; 2006, c. 150; 2008, cc. 467, 486, 768, 872; 2009, c. 368; 2010, c. 64; 2011, cc. 780, 795, 858; 2014, cc. 115, 490; 2015, c. 137; 2016, c. 321; 2017, cc. 505, 622; 2020, c. 1128.

A. The Board may hire an Executive Director of the Foundation, who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board, to direct the day-to-day operations and activities of the Foundation and carry out the powers and duties conferred upon him by the trustees. The Executive Director shall also exercise and perform such other powers and duties as may be lawfully delegated to him and such powers and duties as may be conferred or imposed upon him by law.

B. Subject to the approval of the board of trustees, the Executive Director may employ or retain such agents, advisors, volunteers, or employees subordinate to him as necessary to fulfill the duties of the Foundation as conferred upon the Executive Director. Employees of the Foundation, including the Executive Director, shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and participation in all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law.

C. Notwithstanding any law or policy to the contrary, the Board shall exercise personnel authority over the Executive Director and other employees of the Board.

2017, cc. 505, 622; 2020, c. 1128.

The board of trustees has the authority to:

1. Administer the Veterans Services Fund, request appropriations, and make allocations of revenue from the Fund to the Department of Veterans Services to provide supplemental funding for the Department's services and programs;

2. Accept, hold, and administer gifts and bequests of money, securities, or other property, absolutely or in trust, for the purposes for which the Foundation is created;

3. Enter into contracts and execute all instruments necessary and appropriate to carry out the Foundation's purposes;

4. Take such actions as may be reasonably necessary to seek, promote, and stimulate contributions for the Fund;

5. Develop other possible dedicated revenue sources for the Fund;

6. Perform any lawful acts necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Foundation; and

7. Develop policies and procedures applicable to the management and functioning of the Foundation and the Department of Veterans Services relating to (i) administration of the Fund, (ii) provision of funding for veterans services and programs through the Fund, and (iii) acceptance and fundraising to strengthen the structure of the Fund.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2008, cc. 467, 486, 768, 872; 2011, c. 795; 2017, cc. 505, 622; 2020, c. 1128.

The accounts and records of the Foundation showing the receipt and disbursement of funds from whatever source derived shall be established by the Auditor of Public Accounts in a manner similar to other organizations. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his legally authorized representative shall audit the accounts of the Foundation as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts, and the cost of such audit services shall be borne by the Foundation.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2018, cc. 57, 307.

A. There is created the Veterans Services Fund, a special nonreverting trust fund on the books of the Comptroller, to be administered by the Foundation.

B. The Fund shall include such funds as may be appropriated by the General Assembly, revenues transferred to the Fund from other state programs established for the Fund's benefit, and designated gifts, contributions, and bequests of money, securities, or other property of whatsoever character.

C. The Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of carrying out the applicable provisions of this article. The unrestricted portion of the Fund may be used for Foundation expenses, subject to approval by the board of trustees. Allocations and expenditures of donated restricted funds shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (§ 64.2-1100 et seq.). Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written authorization of the Executive Director with the approval of the board of trustees.

D. All money, securities, or other property designated for the Fund and any interest or income therefrom shall remain in the Fund and shall not revert to the general fund.

2003, cc. 657, 670; 2010, c. 369; 2017, cc. 505, 622.

Gifts and bequests of money, securities, or other property to the Fund, and the interest or income therefrom, shall be deemed gifts to the Commonwealth, and the Fund shall be exempt from all state and local taxes. Unless otherwise restricted by the terms of the gift or bequest, the Foundation may sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of such gifts and bequests. The proceeds from such transactions shall be deposited to the credit of the Fund. The Foundation may actively solicit private donations for the Fund.

2003, cc. 657, 670.

Article 7. The Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia.

The Senator Frank M. Ruff, Jr. Center for Rural Virginia, hereinafter referred to as "the Center," is hereby created as an independent nonprofit local entity without political subdivision status, for the purpose of sustaining economic growth in the rural areas of the Commonwealth and lessening the burdens of government through the activities prescribed in subsection B of § 2.2-2723.

2004, cc. 938, 964; 2005, c. 703; 2024, cc. 132, 133.

A. The Center shall be governed by a board of trustees consisting of 21 members that include six legislative members, 12 nonlegislative citizen members, and three ex officio members to be appointed as follows: four members of the House of Delegates, to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; two members of the Senate, to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; six nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; four nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; and two nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The Lieutenant Governor, or his designee, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, or his designee, and the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, or his designee, shall serve ex officio with voting privileges. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

B. Legislative members and ex officio members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Initial appointments of nonlegislative citizen members shall be staggered as follows: four members for a term of three years appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; two members for a term of two years appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; and one member for a term of two years appointed by the Governor. Thereafter, nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates or the Senate Committee on Rules shall be appointed for a term of two years, and nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. However, no nonlegislative citizen member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates or the Senate Committee on Rules shall serve more than four consecutive two-year terms, and no nonlegislative citizen member appointed by the Governor 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. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

C. The Board of Trustees shall elect a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and such other officers as may be necessary from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.

2004, cc. 938, 964; 2010, cc. 259, 628; 2014, cc. 392, 445.

Legislative members of the Board shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12, and nonlegislative citizen members shall receive such compensation for the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2813. All members shall be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided from such funds as may be available to the Center.

2004, cc. 938, 964.

A. The Board of Trustees shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Manage, control, maintain, and operate the Center;

2. Take all actions necessary to qualify the Center as exempt from taxation pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operate the Center in accordance with the provisions governing nonstock corporations as set out in Chapter 10 of Title 13.1, provided that, in the event of the dissolution of the Center, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the Commonwealth or a local government for a public purpose;

3. Establish bylaws as may be necessary for the governance and conduct of business of the Board;

4. Employ and establish the qualifications and duties, and fix salaries and compensation of staff of the Center from such funds as may be available to the Center;

5. Seek federal funds available to state rural development councils, pursuant to the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, P.L. 107-171;

6. Seek, accept, administer, and expend gifts, grants, donations, bequests, and any other funds on behalf of the Center to support and facilitate its work;

7. Accept, administer, and expend donations, bequests, or devises of real and personal property for the endowment of the Center or for any special purpose designated by the donor that is consistent with the purposes of the Center set forth in this article;

8. Have, in addition to its other powers, all the corporate powers given to nonstock corporations by the provisions of Title 13.1. The Board shall also have the power to accept, execute, and administer any trust in which it may have an interest under the terms of the instrument creating the trust;

9. Enter into contracts with respect to the duties and responsibilities imposed upon the Center herein;

10. Report annually concerning the status, needs, and accomplishments of the Center to the Governor and the General Assembly; and

11. Perform any lawful acts necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this article.

B. The Center shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Develop a broad-based constituency to advocate for the interests of rural Virginia in the formulation of the Commonwealth's public policies;

2. Coordinate and facilitate research on rural issues and analyze the effect of public policies and private sector interests on rural communities;

3. Prepare a detailed analysis of rural Virginia economies annually for submission to the Board, together with feasible and appropriate alternatives designed to sustain economic growth in rural areas of the Commonwealth;

4. Facilitate public-private investments in the infrastructure of rural Virginia;

5. Develop programs designed to train local elected officials and community leaders for effective leadership in rural communities;

6. Foster innovative strategies that promote the development and prosperity of rural communities in the Commonwealth;

7. Facilitate the development of incentives and provide a forum for competing interests to allow for job creation and expanded economic opportunities for farm businesses and rural enterprises while ensuring the rights of localities to develop reasonable regulations of such farm businesses and rural enterprises to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents;

8. Provide for the collection, organization, storage, and dissemination of documents, data, and other information concerning issues relevant to the needs and continuous development of Virginia's rural areas, including technical and research assistance to rural localities in the development and implementation of their strategic plans;

9. Identify potential public and private resources for the Board's consideration and review that may be used to generate additional funds to support and facilitate the Center's work and foster the development of rural communities;

10. Submit to the Board of Trustees such reports regarding the Center's work, including, but not limited to, programs, activities, policy analyses, and financial statements, as may be requested by the Board; and

11. Perform such other acts as may be necessary to accomplish the objectives of this article.

2004, cc. 938, 964; 2005, c. 703; 2010, cc. 797, 833.

The Board shall employ an executive director and such other persons as it deems necessary to assist it in performing its duties as set forth in this article, and, at its pleasure, remove such employees. The Board shall determine the duties of all staff and fix the salaries and compensation of such persons within the amounts allocated therefor from such funds as may be available to the Board.

2004, cc. 938, 964.

Article 8. Martin Luther King, Jr Living History and Public Policy Center.

Expired.

Article 9. State Interoperability Executive Committee.

Repealed by Acts 2011, cc. 780 and 858, cl. 2, effective April 6, 2011, and Acts 2011, cc. 594 and 681, cl. 2.

Article 10. Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation.

The Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation (the Foundation) is hereby established as a body politic and corporate. The purpose of the Foundation is to encourage the economic development of Southwest Virginia through the expansion of cultural and natural heritage ventures and initiatives related to tourism and other asset-based enterprises, including the Heartwood: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Center, The Crooked Road, 'Round the Mountain, and other related cultural and natural heritage organizations and venues that promote entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.

2011, cc. 521, 548.

A. The Foundation shall be administered by a board of trustees, consisting of 23 members as follows: two members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; three members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; two nonlegislative citizen members who shall be residents of Southwest Virginia and two nonlegislative citizen members who shall be executive directors of either Planning District Commission 1, 2, 3, 4, or 12 or their designees, to be appointed by the Governor; one nonlegislative citizen member who shall be an elected or appointed official of the Town of Abingdon to be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation, if any, of the Abingdon Town Council; one nonlegislative citizen member who shall be an elected or appointed official of Washington County to be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation, if any, of the Washington County Board of Supervisors; four nonlegislative citizen members who shall be artisans and members of 'Round the Mountain, who shall be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the executive committee of 'Round the Mountain; and one nonlegislative citizen member who shall represent the Ninth Congressional District and serve as a member of the Virginia Commission for the Arts, to be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation, if any, of the Executive Director of the Virginia Commission for the Arts. The President of Virginia Highlands Community College or his designee shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges. The Chairman of The Crooked Road, the Chairman of 'Round the Mountain, the Chairman of the Friends of Southwest Virginia, the Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, the Director of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and the Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center or their designees shall serve ex officio with voting privileges.

B. Legislative members and ex officio members of the Foundation board of trustees shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired term. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. All members may be reappointed.

C. No House member shall serve more than four consecutive two-year terms, no Senate member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms, and 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.

D. Legislative members shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12. All members of the Foundation shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

E. The Foundation shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from among its members and may appoint such other officers as it deems necessary. The Foundation shall appoint an executive committee and such other committees as it deems necessary to oversee personnel and other areas related to operations and the achievement of the goals of the Foundation.

2011, cc. 521, 548; 2013, c. 447.

A. The Foundation shall have the power and duty to:

1. Accept, execute, and administer any trust in which it may have an interest under the terms of the instrument creating the trust;

2. Establish and administer agreements with public or private agencies in order to achieve its goals;

3. Rent, lease, including the execution of leases with option to purchase, buy, own, acquire, and dispose of such property, real and personal, as the Foundation deems proper to carry out any of the purposes and provisions of this article;

4. Finance, fund, plan, establish, construct, enlarge, extend, equip, update, and maintain buildings, structures, and facilities that are necessary or desirable to achieve its goals;

5. Establish a corporation eligible for exemption from income taxation under § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code to assist in carrying out the purposes of the Foundation;

6. Operate, manage, and oversee the retail sales, demonstration, performance, and interpretation of artisan, musical, or other cultural activities, food and visitor services, and other functions as may be necessary or desirable to achieve its goals;

7. Employ and compensate such employees and agents as the Foundation deems necessary. The Foundation may appoint an executive director who shall be authorized to employ such staff as necessary to enable the Foundation to achieve its goals. The Foundation shall determine the duties of such staff and fix salaries and compensation from such funds as may be received;

8. Borrow and seek, accept, and expend gifts, grants, or donations from public or private sources;

9. Manage the operations of any existing or new facility in accordance with the provisions of this article;

10. Facilitate the sustainability of economic development initiatives relating to the cultural and natural heritage of Southwest Virginia by providing financial resources and technical assistance to organizations and venues that contribute to achieving the goals of the Foundation;

11. Serve as a resource and referral center by maintaining and disseminating information about Southwest Virginia cultural and natural heritage efforts and venues;

12. Develop specific goals and initiatives intended to improve the quality of life and entrepreneurial opportunities in Southwest Virginia in coordination with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Southwest Virginia tourism and economic development organizations, local governments, and other entities; and

13. Submit to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly an annual report for publication as a report document in accordance with the procedures established by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for legislative documents and reports.

B. The Foundation may establish nonprofit, nonstock corporations under Chapter 10 (§ 13.1-801 et seq.) of Title 13.1 as public instrumentalities exercising public and essential governmental functions to assist the Foundation in (i) encouraging the economic development of Southwest Virginia through the expansion of cultural and natural heritage ventures and initiatives related to tourism and other asset-based enterprises, including the Southwest Virginia Artisan Center, The Crooked Road, 'Round the Mountain, and related cultural and natural heritage organizations and venues that promote entrepreneurial and employment opportunities and (ii) conducting other activities useful in carrying out the provisions of this article.

The board of directors of any such corporation shall be composed of the chairman of the Foundation and eight persons appointed by the Foundation. The terms of the members of any corporation established shall be four years.

The Foundation shall require any such corporation to report to it at least annually on its activities.

2011, cc. 521, 548.

The Department of Housing and Community Development shall provide additional staff support to the Foundation. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Foundation, upon request.

2011, cc. 521, 548.

Article 11. Virginia International Trade Corporation.

A. The Virginia International Trade Corporation (the Corporation) is established in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Corporation shall be to promote international trade in the Commonwealth.

B. The Corporation shall be governed by a board of directors (the Board) composed of 16 members as follows: the Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce and Trade, Finance, and Transportation, or their designees, serving ex officio with voting privileges, and 12 nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The members appointed by the Governor shall have experience as senior management personnel or leaders in the areas of agriculture, finance, development, international business, manufacturing, and trade with at least two having background and experience specific to agriculture. Ex officio members of the Board shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of six years. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth.

C. The Board shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from among its members. The Secretaries of Agriculture and Forestry, Commerce and Trade, Finance, and Transportation shall not be eligible to serve as chairman or vice-chairman.

D. The Board shall meet at least four times annually and more often if deemed necessary or advisable by the chairman.

E. Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825.

2016, c. 749; 2020, c. 738.

The Governor, in consultation with the Board, shall appoint a Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The Chief Executive Officer shall perform the duties and exercise the functions the Corporation assigns to him. He shall receive a salary for his services to be paid by the Corporation subject to the approval of the Governor. The Chief Executive Officer shall employ or retain such agents or employees subordinate to him as may be necessary to fulfill the duties of the Corporation as conferred upon the Chief Executive Officer. Employees of the Corporation, including the Chief Executive Officer, shall be eligible for membership in the Virginia Retirement System and participation in all of the health and related insurance and other benefits, including premium conversion and flexible benefits, available to state employees as provided by law.

2016, c. 749.

The Corporation shall have the power and duty to:

1. Periodically assess (i) product and services promotion activities with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and (ii) suggestions from relevant industries on ways to increase exports of Virginia products;

2. Ensure the preparation and execution of effective international trade development marketing and promotional programs, inclusive of both international export and international import programs when economic benefit accrues to Virginia's economy and businesses;

3. Make available to businesses across the Commonwealth, in conjunction and cooperation with business trade associations, chambers of commerce, universities, and other public and private groups, international trade development programs and services;

4. Encourage and solicit private sector involvement, support, and funding for international trade development in the Commonwealth;

5. Encourage the coordination of international trade development efforts of public institutions, business associations, chambers of commerce, and private industry and collect and maintain data on the development and utilization of international trade development capabilities;

6. Offer a program for the issuance of international documentation for companies located in the Commonwealth if no federal agency or other regulatory body or issuing entity will provide international documentation in a form deemed necessary for international commerce;

7. Adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws, rules, and regulations, not inconsistent with this article, for the administration and regulation of its affairs, to carry into effect the powers and purposes of the Corporation, and for the conduct of its business;

8. Maintain an office at any place within or without the Commonwealth that it designates;

9. Make and execute contracts and all other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient for the performance of its duties and the exercise of its owners and functions under this article;

10. Employ officers, employees, agents, advisers, and consultants, including without limitation financial advisers and other technical advisers and public accountants, and, the provisions of any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, to determine their duties and compensation without the approval of any other agency or instrumentality;

11. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, transfer, and otherwise dispose of all or any part of its properties and assets;

12. Procure insurance, in amounts and from insurers of its choice, or provide self-insurance, against any loss, cost, or expense in connection with its property, assets, or activities, including insurance or self-insurance against liability for its acts or the acts of its directors, employees, or agents and for the indemnification of the members of its Board and its employees and agents;

13. Establish and revise, amend and repeal, and charge and collect fees and charges in connection with any activities or services of the Corporation;

14. Make grants with any funds of the Corporation available for this purpose;

15. Develop policies and procedures generally applicable to the procurement of goods, services, and construction based on competitive principles;

16. Raise money in the corporate, nonprofit, and nonstate communities to finance the Corporation's activities;

17. Receive and accept from any source aid, grants, and contributions of money, property, labor, or other things of value to be held, used, and applied to carry out the purposes of this article subject to the conditions upon which the aid, grants, or contributions are made;

18. Enter into agreements with any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, the Commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or any state for purposes consistent with its mission;

19. Maintain accounts and records as prescribed by the Auditor of Public Accounts, who shall annually audit the accounts of the Corporation; and

20. Do any acts necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers granted or reasonably implied by this article and not otherwise inconsistent with state law.

2016, c. 749.

The Commonwealth may make grants of money or property to the Corporation for the purpose of enabling it to carry out its purposes and for the exercise of its duties. This section shall not be construed to limit any other power the Commonwealth may have to make grants to the Corporation.

2016, c. 749.

The Corporation shall be performing an essential governmental function in the exercise of the powers conferred upon it by this article. Accordingly, the Corporation shall not be required to pay any taxes or assessments upon any project or any property or upon any operations of the Corporation or the income therefrom. Agents, lessees, sublessees, or users of tangible personal property owned by or leased to the Corporation also shall not be required to pay any sales or use tax upon such property or the revenue derived therefrom.

2016, c. 749.

The provisions of the Virginia Public Procurement Act (§ 2.2-4300 et seq.) and the Virginia Personnel Act (§ 2.2-2900 et seq.) shall not apply to the Corporation.

2016, c. 749.

Chapter 27.1. State-Facilitated IRA Savings Program.

Article . .

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

"Board" means the governing board of the Commonwealth Savers Plan.

"Committee" means the Program Advisory Committee established pursuant to § 2.2-2746.

"Eligible employee" means any individual who is (i) 18 years of age or older, (ii) currently employed at least 30 hours a week, and (iii) receiving wages.

"Eligible employer" means a nongovernmental business, industry, trade, profession, or other enterprise in the Commonwealth, whether conducted on a for-profit or nonprofit basis, that employed 25 or more eligible employees, as reported to the Virginia Employment Commission pursuant to 16VAC5-32-20, or any successor regulation, for the quarter ending December 31 and the preceding three quarters of the preceding calendar year and has been operating for at least two years prior to Program implementation. "Eligible employer" does not include an employer that sponsors, maintains, or contributes to an automatic enrollment payroll deduction IRA or a qualified retirement plan in compliance with federal law for its employees, including plans qualified under § 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408(k), or 408(p) of the Internal Revenue Code. An employer shall become an eligible employer at any time if it meets the eligibility requirements under this chapter.

"Fee" means any investment management charges, administrative charges, investment advice charges, trading fees, marketing and sales fees, revenue sharing, broker fees, and other costs necessary to run the Program.

"Individual retirement account" or "IRA" means a Roth or traditional individual retirement account or annuity under § 408 or 408A of the Internal Revenue Code.

"Participating employee" means any eligible employee who is enrolled in the Program.

"Participating employer" means an employer that facilitates a payroll deposit retirement savings agreement pursuant to this chapter for its eligible employees.

"Participating individual" means any individual who enrolls in the Program independent of an employment relationship with an eligible employer, maintains an account in the Program, and is not a participating employee.

"Payroll deposit retirement savings agreement" means an arrangement by which an employer allows employees to remit payroll deduction contributions to the Program.

"Plan" means the Commonwealth Savers Plan.

"Program" means the state-facilitated IRA savings program established in this chapter and administered by the Plan.

"Program Trust" means the Program trust fund established by § 2.2-2752.

"Wages" means any compensation, as such term is defined in § 219(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, that is paid to an eligible employee by his employer during the calendar year.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556; 2024, c. 217.

To promote greater voluntary retirement savings for private-sector workers in a convenient and portable manner, the Plan is authorized, in accordance with this chapter, to establish a state-facilitated IRA savings program for private-sector workers. The Program shall be sponsored and administered by the Plan. In addition to the provisions of this chapter, the Program shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 7 (§ 23.1-700 et seq.) of Title 23.1.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

A. In order to assist the Board in fulfilling its duties under § 23.1-704 and this chapter and to assist the Plan's chief executive officer in directing, managing, and administering the Program, the Board shall appoint the Program Advisory Committee to provide sophisticated, objective, and prudent administrative and investment advice and direction, as requested by the Board. The Committee may develop Program recommendations for the Board and perform such other duties as the Board may delegate to the Committee.

B. The Board shall develop requirements, procedures, and guidelines regarding Committee membership.

C. Members of the Committee shall demonstrate extensive experience in one or more of the following areas: retirement plan design, retirement plan investments, domestic or international equity or fixed-income securities, cash management, alternative investments, institutional real estate investments, or managed futures.

D. Members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board and may be removed by a majority vote of the Board.

E. Members of the Committee shall receive no compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

F. The recommendations of the Committee shall not be binding upon the Board.

G. The disclosure requirements of subsection B of § 2.2-3114 shall apply to each member of the Committee who is not also a Board member.

H. The Board may appoint such other advisory committees as it deems necessary and shall set the qualifications for members of any such advisory committee by resolution.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

The Board shall:

1. Administer the Program authorized by this chapter;

2. Invest moneys in the Program in any instruments, obligations, securities, or property deemed appropriate by the Board;

3. Develop requirements, procedures, and guidelines for the Program, including:

a. Eligibility requirements for employers and employees, in accordance with this chapter;

b. Procedures for enrollment and disenrollment of participating employees;

c. Selecting whether to offer Roth IRAs, traditional IRAs, or both, and if both, which type of IRA shall be the default IRA;

d. Default contribution rates;

e. Default annual escalation rates;

f. Selecting one or more investment funds in which Program participants may elect to invest their savings and a default investment fund for participants who do not make an affirmative investment election;

g. Minimum and maximum contribution levels in accordance with applicable limits established by the Internal Revenue Code;

h. A fee structure;

i. Procedures for noncompliance with this chapter, including development of enforcement mechanisms and penalties not to exceed $200 per eligible employee annually;

j. Education and outreach campaigns to eligible employers and eligible employees; and

k. Procedures for enrollment and disenrollment of participating individuals;

4. Enter into all contractual agreements, including contracts for legal, financial, program management, and consulting services necessary to develop and administer the Program;

5. Procure insurance as determined appropriate by the Board (i) against any loss in connection with the Program's property, assets, or activities and (ii) indemnifying Board and Committee members from personal loss, accountability, or liability arising from any action or inaction as a Board or Committee member;

6. Adopt regulations and procedures and perform any act or function consistent with the purposes of this chapter;

7. Explore and, as appropriate, establish incentives to encourage participation in the Program by eligible employers and eligible employees, including a grant program to incentivize compliance with the Program and to defray the costs of small businesses;

8. Assess the feasibility of multistate or regional agreements to administer the Program through shared administrative and operational resources and enter into those agreements if deemed beneficial to the Program;

9. Establish procedures for receiving and providing data relevant to Program administration. This shall include information collected from other state agencies, including the Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Taxation, and the Virginia Employment Commission, as appropriate;

10. Accept any funds appropriated to the Program and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf, including any funds made available for use in facilitating education and outreach initiatives for the Program; and

11. Design and operate the Program in a manner that will cause it not to be an employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall cooperate as requested by the Plan in the performance of its duties under this chapter, including, unless otherwise prohibited, the sharing of relevant data as the parties shall mutually agree.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

No act or undertaking of the Board is a debt or pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision of the Commonwealth, and all such acts and undertakings are payable solely from the Program. The Commonwealth shall have no obligation for payment of benefits arising from this chapter.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

The provisions of § 23.1-706 relating to the standard of care and the investment and administration of the Plan shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the Program authorized under this chapter.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

A. 1. Any employer that is not an eligible employer may facilitate the participation of its eligible employees in the Program. However, such employer shall take all steps necessary to ensure that such facilitation does not constitute an employee benefit plan regulated under Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

2. Any eligible employee whose employer does not facilitate his participation in the Program pursuant to subdivision 1 or any self-employed individual may participate in the Program under terms and conditions prescribed by the Board.

3. No eligible employee or self-employed individual shall be permitted to participate in the Program unless such individual has Virginia taxable income, as defined in Article 2 (§ 58.1-320 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 58.1.

B. The Program shall be established and enrollment of eligible employers shall begin on July 1, 2023, or as soon thereafter as practicable. The Board shall establish an implementation timeline under which eligible employers shall enroll their eligible employees in the Program.

C. The Board shall develop a Program rollout timeline, including deadlines for the enrollment of eligible employers. The Board may alter the rollout timeline in its discretion, though in all instances any alterations of established rollout dates shall include reasonable notice to affected eligible employers.

D. Participation in the Program shall be mandatory for eligible employers. Eligible employers shall enroll in the Program in accordance with the timeline established by the Plan. Eligible employers shall facilitate a payroll deposit retirement savings agreement pursuant to this chapter for their eligible employees.

E. Each eligible employee of an eligible employer shall be enrolled in the Program unless the employee elects not to participate in the Program in a manner prescribed by the Board.

F. A participating employee may also terminate his participation in the Program at any time in a manner prescribed by the Board.

G. Participating employers shall not have any liability for a participating employee's decision to participate in or opt out of the Program or for the investment decisions of participating employees whose assets are deposited in the Program.

H. Participating employers shall not be a fiduciary, or considered to be a fiduciary, over the Program. The Program is a state-administered program, not an employer-sponsored program. If the Program is subsequently found to be preempted by any federal law or regulation, participating employers shall not be liable as Program sponsors. A participating employer shall not bear responsibility for the administration, investment, or investment performance of the Program. A participating employer shall not be liable with regard to investment returns, Program design, and benefits paid to Program participants.

I. A participating employer shall not have civil liability, and no cause of action shall arise against a participating employer, for acting pursuant to this chapter.

J. The Board shall develop and provide to participating employees and participating individuals Program summaries and other information concerning participation in the Program, including information on Program investments and fees, and the consequences of contributing to an IRA, and a statement that the Program is not an employer-sponsored retirement plan, as required by applicable law and as otherwise determined by the Board.

K. Participating employers shall retain the option at all times to set up any type of employer retirement plan, including plans qualified under § 401(a), 403(a), 403(b), 408(k), or 408(p), of the Internal Revenue Code, in which event such employer shall no longer be considered an eligible employer and shall cease facilitating contributions to the Program in accordance with such procedures as shall be established by the Board.

L. No employer shall be permitted to contribute to the Program or to endorse or otherwise promote the Program.

M. The Program shall be exempt from the provisions of subsection C of § 40.1-29.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

A. There is hereby established a permanent and perpetual fund to be known as the Program Trust Fund (the Fund). The moneys in the Fund shall be (i) deemed separate and independent trust funds, (ii) segregated and accounted for separately from all other funds of the Commonwealth, and (iii) administered solely in the interests of the individuals who are participants in the Program established pursuant to this chapter.

B. The assets of IRAs established for Program participants shall be allocated to the Fund and combined for investment purposes. Fund assets shall be managed and administered for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to Program participants and defraying reasonable expenses of administering, maintaining, and managing investments of the IRAs and the Program Trust. No property rights in Fund assets shall exist in favor of the Commonwealth or any participating employer.

C. The Board shall establish within the Fund one or more investment funds, each pursuing an investment strategy and policy established by the Board in accordance with § 2.2-2747.

D. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary, the Fund shall be exempt from the securities registration requirements provided in Chapter 5 (§ 13.1-501 et seq.) of Title 13.1.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

The Program shall be subject to the reporting requirements set forth in § 23.1-709. The Program shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Commonwealth Savers Plan Oversight Act (§ 30-330 et seq.).

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556; 2024, c. 217.

The provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) applicable to the Plan shall also apply to the Program.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

Nothing in this chapter or any payroll deposit retirement savings agreement entered into pursuant to this chapter shall be construed as a promise or guarantee that the expenses associated with a participating employee's or participating individual's retirement will be covered in full by contributions to or earnings on any account, nor that the contributions to or earnings on any account will be sufficient to fund any particular level of benefit upon retirement. In no event shall the Commonwealth, the Program, the Board, any Board member, or any participating employer be liable for any losses incurred by Program Trust investments or otherwise by any employee or other person as a result of participating in the Program.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

A. The Commonwealth shall have no duty or liability to any party for the payment of any retirement savings benefits accrued by any individual under the Program. Any financial liability for the payment of retirement savings benefits in excess of funds available under the Program shall be borne solely by the entities with whom the Board contracts to provide insurance to protect the value of the Program, if applicable.

B. No Commonwealth board, commission, political subdivision, or agency, or any officer, employee, or member thereof, is liable for any loss or deficiency resulting from particular investments selected under this chapter, except for any liability that arises out of a breach of fiduciary duty.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

Insofar as the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with the provisions of any other general, special, or local law, the provisions of this chapter shall control. This chapter constitutes full and complete authority, without regard to the provisions of any other law, for performing the acts authorized in this chapter and shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes of this chapter.

2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 556.

Chapter 27.2. Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Fund and Program.

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

"Authority" means the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority.

"Commission" means the MEI Project Approval Commission established by § 30-309.

"Department" means the Department of General Services.

"Development" means improvements designed to prepare a site for construction or higher use than was possible in the site's natural state or its state at the time of acquisition.

"Due diligence" means undertaking (i) necessary land title, valuation, environmental, engineering, or technical studies; (ii) professional or consulting services related to a site or site selection; or (iii) any other similar activities.

"Eligible acquisition site" means a site suitable to be marketed for economic development purposes. An eligible acquisition site shall meet, or be expected to meet, each of the following criteria: (i) the site is at least 500 contiguous acres and (ii) the site presents a significant opportunity for the Commonwealth to attract a large-scale economic development project. An eligible acquisition site need not be zoned for an economic development use to be considered an eligible acquisition site.

"Fund" means the Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Fund established by § 2.2-2762.

"Large-scale economic development project" means an economic development project that involves a capital investment of at least $250 million and that creates at least 250 new jobs.

"Program" means the Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Program established by § 2.2-2761.

"Project development agreement" means an agreement by which the Authority sells, leases, transfers, or otherwise disposes of an eligible acquisition site to a private employer for a large-scale economic development project. A project development agreement shall require that the new jobs created by the large-scale economic development project pay at least 100 percent of the prevailing wage for the locality in which the project is located.

"Region" means the same as that term is defined in § 2.2-2484.

"Site acquisition activities" means the completion of due diligence activities, as well as the purchasing or optioning of an eligible acquisition site for purposes of the Program.

"Site development activities" means development of a site. Site development activities include clearing, grading, improving drainage, constructing pads, mitigating environmental concerns, providing road or rail access to the site, securing rights-of-way and easements, extending utilities to the site, and undertaking other similar activities.

2023, c. 779.

A. There is hereby established the Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Program for the purpose of disbursing moneys from the Fund to (i) acquire or option eligible acquisition sites for the purpose of creating and maintaining a portfolio of project-ready sites to promote economic development in all regions of the Commonwealth, (ii) conduct site development activities to improve such sites in order to increase their marketability for large-scale economic development projects, or (iii) enter into project development agreements with private employers for large-scale economic development projects. Eligible acquisition sites may be acquired from public or private owners, provided that any such acquisition shall be a bona fide arm's length transaction freely entered into by the parties and that such acquisition shall not involve any property or interests owned by a member of the General Assembly or by local government officials in the proposed site locality. Site acquisition activities, site development activities, and project development agreements shall be conducted in accordance with the guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria established pursuant to subsection C and the objective of the Program established in § 2.2-2763.

B. Administration of the Program shall be conducted by the Authority in cooperation with the Department in the manner provided by this subsection and subject to review by the Commission pursuant to § 2.2-2764.

1. The Authority, in cooperation with the Department, shall be responsible for identifying potential eligible acquisition sites and initiating, on behalf of the Commonwealth and in a manner that protects the Commonwealth's economic interests, the process of negotiating the purchase or option of a site. Any proposal for the purchase or option of a site shall be reviewed by the Department and approved by the Governor pursuant to § 2.2-1149 prior to review of such proposal by the Commission pursuant to § 2.2-2764 and prior to completing any such purchase or option of a site.

2. The Department shall be responsible for completing the purchase or option of a site and holding the property or option on behalf of the Commonwealth. The Department shall be responsible for conducting all site development activities, in cooperation with the Authority.

3. The Authority shall be responsible for marketing sites to private employers to enter into project development agreements for large-scale economic development projects.

C. The Authority, in consultation with the Department and the Office of the Attorney General, shall establish guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria for conducting the activities described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of subsection A and the division of responsibilities described in subsection B. Such guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria shall be designed to meet the objective of the Program described in § 2.2-2763, shall include an overview of eligible expenses and payment schedules, including a detailed listing of administrative expenses eligible for reimbursement from the Fund, and shall be submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations and the House Committee on Appropriations, which may provide feedback on such guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria before they are established. The preparation of the guidelines shall be exempt from the requirements of Article 2 (§ 2.2-4006 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.

D. Any funds received from the sale or long-term lease of properties purchased pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited to the general fund.

E. Prior to the acquisition or optioning of any site pursuant to subsection B, the Authority and the Department shall notify the locality in which the site is located of the Commonwealth's interest in purchasing or optioning the site. Upon receipt of such notice, the locality or its economic development authority may elect, within 14 days of receipt of such notice, to attempt to purchase or option such site in lieu of the Department. If the locality or its economic development authority elects to attempt to purchase or option such site, but does not within 90 days of such election either (i) purchase or option such site or (ii) have a contract in place indicating an intent to purchase or option such site, the Department may purchase the site pursuant to subsection B.

F. The Authority shall report annually by November 1 on site acquisition activities, site development activities, and project development agreements. The report shall include total appropriations made or transferred to the Fund, an itemized list of administrative costs incurred by the Program, total acquisitions made, number and performance of project development agreements, cash balances, and balances available for future commitments. The Authority shall prepare the report required by this subsection in conjunction with the reports required under § 2.2-2237.1.

G. The Auditor of Public Accounts or his authorized representative shall audit the accounts of the Fund in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards as determined necessary by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The cost of such audit services shall be borne by the Fund.

2023, c. 779.

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys appropriated by the General Assembly for the Fund, and from any other sources, public or private, 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 solely for the purposes of this chapter, which may include administrative costs for due diligence, site acquisition activities, or site development activities, as those terms are defined in § 2.2-2760. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Director of the Department, pursuant to subdivision B 2 of § 2.2-2761, or the Authority, pursuant to subdivision B 1 or 3 of § 2.2-2761.

2023, c. 779.

The objective of the Program shall be to identify and fill gaps in the Commonwealth's current portfolio of industrial properties available for large-scale economic development projects in order to accelerate economic growth in all regions of the Commonwealth. In evaluating sites to acquire, option, develop, or market for purposes of the Program, the Authority shall consider (i) the potential of the site to fill a gap in the inventory of needed project-ready sites in the Commonwealth, (ii) the scope and cost of the work required to make the site project ready, (iii) the potential return on investment for the Commonwealth for the cost of acquiring and developing the site, and (iv) the type of industry or business for which the site would be suitable.

2023, c. 779.

A. 1. Before entering into an agreement to acquire, option, or develop any site, the Authority and the Department shall jointly submit a proposal detailing their plans for acquisition and development to the Commission. The Commission shall review such proposal and determine whether the plan is consistent with the objective described in § 2.2-2763, addresses a demonstrated need of the Commonwealth, and was approved by the Governor after a recommendation from the Department pursuant to § 2.2-1149. If the Commission finds that the proposal meets such objective, addresses such need, and was approved pursuant to § 2.2-1149, the Commission shall certify the proposal. If the Commission finds that such proposal does not meet the objective of the Program, does not address such need, or was not approved pursuant to § 2.2-1149, (i) the Commission shall communicate its findings to the Governor and to the General Assembly and (ii) the Authority shall not implement the proposal unless the proposal, either in its original or revised form, is authorized by the General Assembly at its next session and enacted into law.

2. Before entering into any project development agreement, the Authority shall submit a proposal detailing such agreement to the Commission. The Commission shall review such proposal and determine whether the proposal is consistent with the objective described in § 2.2-2763. If the Commission finds that the proposal meets such objective, the Commission shall certify the proposal. If the Commission finds that such proposal does not meet the objective of the Program, (i) the Commission shall communicate its findings to the Governor and to the General Assembly and (ii) the Authority shall not implement the proposal unless either (a) the Authority resubmits a revised proposal to the Commission and receives a favorable recommendation or (b) the proposal, either in its original or revised form, is authorized by the General Assembly at its next session and enacted into law.

B. The Authority shall submit the guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria required by subsection C of § 2.2-2761, and any subsequent changes to such policies, to the Commission. The Commission may provide feedback on such guidelines, procedures, and objective criteria and recommend proposed changes to the Authority.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B of § 30-310, an affirmative vote by a simple majority of the legislative members of the Commission shall be sufficient to render a decision of the Commission for purposes of subsection A or B.

D. A project development agreement subject to review pursuant to this section shall also be subject to review pursuant to Chapter 47 (§ 30-309 et seq.) of Title 30 if the project development agreement provides incentives that exceed the review thresholds prescribed by that chapter. The value of any property sold, leased, transferred, or otherwise provided to a private employer at below fair market value as part of a project development agreement shall be included in calculating the amount of incentives for purposes of review under Chapter 47 (§ 30-309 et seq.) of Title 30.

E. The chairman of the Commission shall report annually by the first day of each regular session of the General Assembly on all decisions made by the Commission in the previous year.

2023, c. 779.