21104103D
HOUSE BILL NO. 2147
FLOOR AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by Delegate Jones
on January 29, 2021)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate Herring)
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 5 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 5, consisting of a section numbered 2.2-525, relating to Department of Law; Division of Civil Rights created; duties.

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:

Article 5.
Division of Civil Rights.

§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.