Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 5 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 5, consisting of a section numbered 2.2-525, as follows:
§2.2-525. Division of Civil Rights created; duties.
There is created in the Department of Law a Division of Civil Rights (the Division) that shall have the power and duty to investigate and enforce or refer to proper enforcement authority:
1. Crimes involving the nonpayment of wages under §40.1-29 and the misclassification of workers under §40.1-28.7:7.
2. Violations of the Virginia Human Rights Act (§2.2-3900 et seq.) based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the Division's jurisdiction under this subdivision shall be exclusive.