Bill Text: VA SB1406 | 2021 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Marijuana; legalization of simple possession, penalties.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2021-02-08 - Continued to Special Session 1 in General Laws by voice vote [SB1406 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-SB1406-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§1-404, 2.2-221, 2.2-507, 2.2-509.1, 2.2-511, 2.2-1119, 2.2-2696, 2.2-2818, 2.2-2905, 2.2-3114, 2.2-3705.3, 2.2-3711, 2.2-3802, 2.2-4024, 2.2-4345, 3.2-1010, 3.2-3008, 3.2-3906, 3.2-4112, 3.2-4113, 3.2-4114, 3.2-4114.2, 3.2-4116, 4.1-100, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 4.1-101, 4.1-116, 4.1-121, 4.1-124, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 4.1-225, 5.1-13, 9.1-101, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 9.1-102, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 9.1-400, 9.1-500, 9.1-801, 9.1-1101, 15.2-1627, 15.2-2288.3, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 15.2-2288.3:1, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 15.2-2288.3:2, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 15.2-2820, 16.1-69.40:1, 16.1-69.48:1, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 16.1-228, 16.1-260, 16.1-273, 16.1-278.8:01, 16.1-278.9, 17.1-276, 18.2-46.1, 18.2-57, 18.2-246.6, 18.2-247, 18.2-248, 18.2-248.01, 18.2-251, 18.2-251.02, 18.2-251.03, 18.2-251.1:1, 18.2-251.1:2, 18.2-251.1:3, 18.2-252, 18.2-254, 18.2-255, 18.2-255.1, 18.2-255.2, 18.2-258, 18.2-258.02, 18.2-258.1, 18.2-265.1, 18.2-265.2, 18.2-265.3, 18.2-287.2, 18.2-308.03, 18.2-308.09, 18.2-308.012, 18.2-308.016, 18.2-308.1:5, 18.2-308.4, 18.2-371.2, 18.2-460, 18.2-474.1, 19.2-66, 19.2-81, 19.2-81.1, 19.2-83.1, 19.2-188.1, 19.2-303, 19.2-303.01, 19.2-386.21 through 19.2-386.25, 19.2-389, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 19.2-392.02, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 19.2-392.1, 19.2-392.2, 19.2-392.4, 22.1-206, 22.1-277.08, 23.1-609, 23.1-1301, 24.2-233, 32.1-357, 33.2-613, 46.2-105.2, 46.2-347, 48-17.1, 51.1-212, 53.1-231.2, 54.1-2903, 54.1-3408.3, 54.1-3442.6, 54.1-3442.8, 58.1-3, 58.1-623.2, 58.1-1007, 58.1-1017.4, 58.1-3651, 59.1-148.3, 65.2-107, 65.2-402, and 65.2-402.1 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 29 consisting of sections numbered 2.2-2499.1 through 2.2-2499.4, by adding sections numbered 3.2-4117.1 and 3.2-4117.2, by adding in Chapter 41.1 of Title 3.2 a section numbered 3.2-4122, by adding in Chapter 51 of Title 3.2 an article numbered 6 consisting of sections numbered 3.2-5145.6 through 3.2-5145.9, by adding in Title 4.1 a chapter numbered 6, containing articles numbered 1 through 10, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-600 through 4.1-696, by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 6.2 a section numbered 6.2-107.1, by adding a section numbered 19.2-392.2:1, and by adding a section numbered 46.2-341.20:7 as follows:
§1-404. Licensing sale of mixed alcoholic beverages on lands ceded to or owned by United States.
The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority may license the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages as defined in Chapter 1 (§4.1-100 et seq.) of Title 4.1 at places primarily engaged in the sale of meals on lands ceded by the Commonwealth to the United States or owned by the government of the United States or any agency thereof provided that such lands are used as ports of entry or egress to and from the United States, and provided that such lands lie within or partly within the boundaries of any county in this Commonwealth which permits the lawful dispensing of mixed alcoholic beverages. The Board of Directors of the Authority may adopt rules and regulations governing the sale of such spirits, and to fix the fees for such licenses, within the limits fixed by general law.
§2.2-221. Position established; agencies for which responsible; additional powers and duties.
A. The position of Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security (the Secretary) is created. The Secretary shall be responsible to the Governor for the following agencies: the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority, Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Criminal Justice Services, Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Parole Board, Department of Emergency Management, Department of State Police, Department of Fire Programs, and Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council. The Governor may, by executive order, assign any other state executive agency to the Secretary, or reassign any agency listed above to another Secretary.
B. The Secretary shall by reason of professional background have knowledge of law enforcement, public safety, or emergency management and preparedness issues, in addition to familiarity with the structure and operations of the federal government and of the Commonwealth.
Unless the Governor expressly reserves such power to himself, the Secretary shall:
1. Work with and through others, including federal, state, and local officials as well as the private sector, to develop a seamless, coordinated security and preparedness strategy and implementation plan.
2. Serve as the point of contact with the federal Department of Homeland Security.
3. Provide oversight, coordination, and review of all disaster, emergency management, and terrorism management plans for the state and its agencies in coordination with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and other applicable state agencies.
4. Work with federal officials to obtain additional federal resources and coordinate policy development and information exchange.
5. Work with and through appropriate members of the Governor's Cabinet to coordinate working relationships between state agencies and take all actions necessary to ensure that available federal and state resources are directed toward safeguarding Virginia and its citizens.
6. Designate a Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator to ensure that all communications-related preparedness federal grant requests from state agencies and localities are used to enhance interoperability. The Secretary shall ensure that the annual review and update of the statewide interoperability strategic plan is conducted as required in §2.2-222.2. The Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator shall establish an advisory group consisting of representatives of state and local government and constitutional offices, broadly distributed across the Commonwealth, who are actively engaged in activities and functions related to communications interoperability.
7. Serve as one of the Governor's representatives on regional efforts to develop a coordinated security and preparedness strategy, including the National Capital Region Senior Policy Group organized as part of the federal Urban Areas Security Initiative.
8. Serve as a direct liaison between the Governor and local governments and first responders on issues of emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
9. Educate the public on homeland security and overall preparedness issues in coordination with applicable state agencies.
10. Serve as chairman of the Secure and Resilient Commonwealth Panel.
11. Encourage homeland security volunteer efforts throughout the state.
12. Coordinate the development of an allocation formula for State Homeland Security Grant Program funds to localities and state agencies in compliance with federal grant guidance and constraints. The formula shall be, to the extent permissible under federal constraints, based on actual risk, threat, and need.
13. Work with the appropriate state agencies to ensure that regional working groups are meeting regularly and focusing on regional initiatives in training, equipment, and strategy to ensure ready access to response teams in times of emergency and facilitate testing and training exercises for emergencies and mass casualty preparedness.
14. Provide oversight and review of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's annual statewide assessment of local and regional capabilities, including equipment, training, personnel, response times, and other factors.
15. Employ, as needed, consultants, attorneys, architects, engineers, accountants, financial experts, investment bankers, superintendents, managers, and such other employees and agents as may be necessary, and fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available for that purpose.
16. Receive and accept from any federal or private agency, foundation, corporation, association, or person grants, donations of money, real property, or personal property for the benefit of the Commonwealth, and receive and accept from the Commonwealth or any state, any municipality, county, or other political subdivision thereof, or any other source, aid or contributions of 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.
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 these requirements subject to the conditions upon which the aid, grants, or contributions are made.
18. Make grants to local governments, state and federal agencies, and private entities with any funds of the Secretary available for such purpose.
19. Provide oversight and review of the law-enforcement operations of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority.
20. Take any actions necessary or convenient to the exercise of the powers granted or reasonably implied to this Secretary and not otherwise inconsistent with the law of the Commonwealth.
§2.2-507. Legal service in civil matters.
A. All legal service in civil matters for the Commonwealth, the Governor, and every state department, institution, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, entity, official, court, or judge, including the conduct of all civil litigation in which any of them are interested, shall be rendered and performed by the Attorney General, except as provided in this chapter and except for any litigation concerning a justice or judge initiated by the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission. No regular counsel shall be employed for or by the Governor or any state department, institution, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, entity, or official. The Attorney General may represent personally or through one or more of his assistants any number of state departments, institutions, divisions, commissions, boards, bureaus, agencies, entities, officials, courts, or judges that are parties to the same transaction or that are parties in the same civil or administrative proceeding and may represent multiple interests within the same department, institution, division, commission, board, bureau, agency, or entity. The soil and water conservation district directors or districts may request legal advice from local, public, or private sources; however, upon request of the soil and water conservation district directors or districts, the Attorney General shall provide legal service in civil matters for such district directors or districts.
B. The Attorney General may represent personally or through one of his assistants any of the following persons who are made defendant in any civil action for damages arising out of any matter connected with their official duties:
1. Members, agents, or employees of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority;
2. Agents inspecting or investigators appointed by the State Corporation Commission;
3. Agents, investigators, or auditors employed by the Department of Taxation;
4. Members, agents, or employees of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the State Board of Health, the State Department of Health, the Department of General Services, the State Board of Social Services, the Department of Social Services, the State Board of Local and Regional Jails, the Department of Corrections, the State Board of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Virginia Parole Board, or the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;
5. Persons employed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the Department of Transportation, or the Department of Rail and Public Transportation;
6. Persons employed by the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles;
7. Persons appointed by the Commissioner of Marine Resources;
8. Police officers appointed by the Superintendent of State Police;
9. Conservation police officers appointed by the Department of Wildlife Resources;
10. Hearing officers appointed to hear a teacher's grievance pursuant to §22.1-311;
11. Staff members or volunteers participating in a court-appointed special advocate program pursuant to Article 5 (§9.1-151 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1;
12. Any emergency medical services agency that is a licensee of the Department of Health in any civil matter and any guardian ad litem appointed by a court in a civil matter brought against him for alleged errors or omissions in the discharge of his court-appointed duties;
13. Conservation officers of the Department of Conservation and Recreation; or
14. A person appointed by written order of a circuit court judge to run an existing corporation or company as the judge's representative, when that person is acting in execution of a lawful order of the court and the order specifically refers to this section and appoints such person to serve as an agent of the Commonwealth.
Upon request of the affected individual, the Attorney General may represent personally or through one of his assistants (i) any basic or advanced emergency medical care attendant or technician possessing a valid certificate issued by authority of the State Board of Health in any civil matter in which a defense of immunity from liability is raised pursuant to §8.01-225 or (ii) any member of the General Assembly in any civil matter alleging that such member in his official capacity violated the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) pursuant to §2.2-3713 or 2.2-3714.
C. If, in the opinion of the Attorney General, it is impracticable or uneconomical for such legal service to be rendered by him or one of his assistants, he may employ special counsel for this purpose, whose compensation shall be fixed by the Attorney General. The compensation for such special counsel shall be paid out of the funds appropriated for the administration of the board, commission, division, or department being represented or whose members, officers, inspectors, investigators, or other employees are being represented pursuant to this section. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, the Supreme Court may employ its own counsel in any matter arising out of its official duties in which it, or any justice, is a party.
D. Nothing herein shall limit the powers granted in § 16.1-88.03.
§2.2-509.1. Powers of investigators; enforcement of certain tobacco laws.
Investigators with the Office of the Attorney General as designated by the Attorney General shall be authorized to seize cigarettes as defined in §3.2-4200, which are sold, possessed, distributed, transported, imported, or otherwise held in violation of §3.2-4207 or 58.1-1037. In addition, such investigators shall be authorized to accompany and participate with special agents of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority or other law-enforcement officials engaging in an enforcement action under §3.2-4207 or 58.1-1037.
§2.2-511. Criminal cases.
A. Unless specifically requested by the Governor to do so, the Attorney General shall have no authority to institute or conduct criminal prosecutions in the circuit courts of the Commonwealth except in cases involving (i) violations of the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Act (§4.1-100 et seq.), (ii) violation of laws relating to elections and the electoral process as provided in §24.2-104, (iii) violation of laws relating to motor vehicles and their operation, (iv) the handling of funds by a state bureau, institution, commission or department, (v) the theft of state property, (vi) violation of the criminal laws involving child pornography and sexually explicit visual material involving children, (vii) the practice of law without being duly authorized or licensed or the illegal practice of law, (viii) violations of §3.2-4212 or 58.1-1008.2, (ix) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, violations of the Virginia Computer Crimes Act (§18.2-152.1 et seq.), (x) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, violations of the Air Pollution Control Law (§ 10.1-1300 et seq.), the Virginia Waste Management Act (§10.1-1400 et seq.), and the State Water Control Law (§62.1-44.2 et seq.), (xi) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, violations of Chapters 2 (§18.2-18 et seq.), 3 (§18.2-22 et seq.), and 10 (§18.2-434 et seq.) of Title 18.2, if such crimes relate to violations of law listed in clause (x) of this subsection, (xii) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, criminal violations by Medicaid providers or their employees in the course of doing business, or violations of Chapter 13 (§18.2-512 et seq.) of Title 18.2, in which cases the Attorney General may leave the prosecution to the local attorney for the Commonwealth, or he may institute proceedings by information, presentment or indictment, as appropriate, and conduct the same, (xiii) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, violations of Article 9 (§18.2-246.1 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2, (xiv) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, assisting in the prosecution of violations of §§18.2-186.3 and 18.2-186.4, (xv) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, assisting in the prosecution of violations of §18.2-46.2, 18.2-46.3, or 18.2-46.5 when such violations are committed on the grounds of a state correctional facility, and (xvi) with the concurrence of the local attorney for the Commonwealth, assisting in the prosecution of violations of Article 10 (§18.2-246.6 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 18.2.
In all other criminal cases in the circuit courts, except where the law provides otherwise, the authority of the Attorney General to appear or participate in the proceedings shall not attach unless and until a petition for appeal has been granted by the Court of Appeals or a writ of error has been granted by the Supreme Court. In all criminal cases before the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court in which the Commonwealth is a party or is directly interested, the Attorney General shall appear and represent the Commonwealth. In any criminal case in which a petition for appeal has been granted by the Court of Appeals, the Attorney General shall continue to represent the Commonwealth in any further appeal of a case from the Court of Appeals to the Supreme Court.
B. The Attorney General shall, upon request of a person who was the victim of a crime and subject to such reasonable procedures as the Attorney General may require, ensure that such person is given notice of the filing, of the date, time and place and of the disposition of any appeal or habeas corpus proceeding involving the cases in which such person was a victim. For the purposes of this section, a victim is an individual who has suffered physical, psychological or economic harm as a direct result of the commission of a crime; a spouse, child, parent or legal guardian of a minor or incapacitated victim; or a spouse, child, parent or legal guardian of a victim of a homicide. Nothing in this subsection shall confer upon any person a right to appeal or modify any decision in a criminal, appellate or habeas corpus proceeding; abridge any right guaranteed by law; or create any cause of action for damages against the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, the Attorney General or any of his employees or agents, any other officer, employee or agent of the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, or any officer of the court.
§2.2-1119. Cases in which purchasing through Division not mandatory.
A. Unless otherwise ordered by the Governor, the purchasing of materials, equipment, supplies, and nonprofessional services through the Division shall not be mandatory in the following cases:
1. Materials, equipment and supplies incident to the performance of a contract for labor or for labor and materials;
2. Manuscripts, maps, audiovisual materials, books, pamphlets and periodicals purchased for the use of The Library of Virginia or any other library in the Commonwealth supported in whole or in part by state funds;
3. Perishable articles, provided that no article except fresh vegetables, fish, eggs or milk shall be considered perishable within the meaning of this subdivision, unless so classified by the Division;
4. Materials, equipment and supplies needed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board; however, this exception may include, office stationery and supplies, office equipment, janitorial equipment and supplies, and coal and fuel oil for heating purposes shall not be included except when authorized in writing by the Division;
5. Materials, equipment, and supplies needed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority, including office stationery and supplies, office equipment, and janitorial equipment and supplies; however, coal and fuel oil for heating purposes shall not be included except when authorized in writing by the Division;
6. Binding and rebinding of the books and other literary materials of libraries operated by the Commonwealth or under its authority;
7. Printing of the records of the Supreme Court; and
8. Financial services, including without limitation, underwriters, financial advisors, investment advisors and banking services.
B. Telecommunications and information technology goods and services of every description shall be procured as provided by §2.2-2012.
§2.2-2499.1. Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board; purpose; membership; quorum; meetings.
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 by the Governor. Nonlegislative citizen members of the Board shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and shall include (i) a person who has been previously incarcerated or convicted of a marijuana-related crime; (ii) an expert in the field of public health with experience in trauma-informed care, if possible; (iii) an expert in education with a focus on access to opportunities for youth in underserved communities; (iv) an expert on Virginia's foster care system; (v) an expert in workforce development; (vi) a representative from one of Virginia's historically black colleges and universities; (vii) a veteran; (viii) an entrepreneur with expertise in emerging industries or access to capital for small businesses; (ix) a representative from the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission; and (x) four 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.
The Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Director of the Office 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 Alcoholic Beverage and 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 the Office 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.
§2.2-2499.2. Compensation; expenses.
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.
§2.2-2499.3. Powers and duties of the Board.
The Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board shall have the following powers and duties:
1. Develop and implement scholarship programs and educational and vocational resources for historically marginalized youth, including youth in foster care, who have been adversely impacted by substance use individually, in their families, or in their communities.
2. Develop and implement a program to award grants to support workforce development programs, youth mentoring programs, job training and placement services, and reentry services that serve communities historically and disproportionately targeted by drug enforcement.
3. Administer the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund established pursuant to §2.2-2499.4.
4. Collaborate with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as necessary to implement programs and provide recommendations in line with the purpose of this article.
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 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.
6. Perform such other activities and functions as the Governor and General Assembly may direct.
§2.2-2499.4. Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund.
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. Making whole again families and communities historically and disproportionately targeted and affected by drug enforcement;
2. Providing scholarships for the historically marginalized population of youth, particularly in underserved communities, who have been adversely impacted by substance abuse individually or within their families or communities, including the experience of incarceration of a family member convicted of a marijuana offense;
3. Awarding grants to support workforce development, youth mentoring programs, job training and placement efforts, and reentry services that serve persons residing in areas disproportionately impacted by drug enforcement;
4. Contributing to the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission established pursuant to §19.2-163.01; and
5. Contribute to the Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan Fund established pursuant to § 4.1-694.
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.
§2.2-2696. Substance Abuse Services Council.
A. The Substance Abuse Services 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.
B. The Council shall consist of 29 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, 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 and Cannabis 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 services;
3. To review and comment on annual state agency budget requests regarding substance abuse and on all applications for state or federal funds or services to be used in substance abuse programs;
4. To define responsibilities among state agencies for various programs for persons with substance abuse 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 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.
§2.2-2818. Health and related insurance for state employees.
A. The Department of Human Resource Management shall establish a plan, subject to the approval of the Governor, for providing health insurance coverage, including chiropractic treatment, hospitalization, medical, surgical and major medical coverage, for state employees and retired state employees with the Commonwealth paying the cost thereof to the extent of the coverage included in such plan. The same plan shall be offered to all part-time state employees, but the total cost shall be paid by such part-time employees. The Department of Human Resource Management shall administer this section. The plan chosen shall provide means whereby coverage for the families or dependents of state employees may be purchased. Except for part-time employees, the Commonwealth may pay all or a portion of the cost thereof, and for such portion as the Commonwealth does not pay, the employee, including a part-time employee, may purchase the coverage by paying the additional cost over the cost of coverage for an employee.
Such contribution shall be financed through appropriations provided by law.
B. The plan shall:
1. Include coverage for low-dose screening mammograms for determining the presence of occult breast cancer. Such coverage shall make available one screening mammogram to persons age 35 through 39, one such mammogram biennially to persons age 40 through 49, and one such mammogram annually to persons age 50 and over and may be limited to a benefit of $50 per mammogram subject to such dollar limits, deductibles, and coinsurance factors as are no less favorable than for physical illness generally.
The term "mammogram" shall mean an X-ray examination of the breast using equipment dedicated specifically for mammography, including but not limited to the X-ray tube, filter, compression device, screens, film, and cassettes, with an average radiation exposure of less than one rad mid-breast, two views of each breast.
In order to be considered a screening mammogram for which coverage shall be made available under this section:
a. The mammogram shall be (i) ordered by a health care practitioner acting within the scope of his licensure and, in the case of an enrollee of a health maintenance organization, by the health maintenance organization provider; (ii) performed by a registered technologist; (iii) interpreted by a qualified radiologist; and (iv) performed under the direction of a person licensed to practice medicine and surgery and certified by the American Board of Radiology or an equivalent examining body. A copy of the mammogram report shall be sent or delivered to the health care practitioner who ordered it;
b. The equipment used to perform the mammogram shall meet the standards set forth by the Virginia Department of Health in its radiation protection regulations; and
c. The mammography film shall be retained by the radiologic facility performing the examination in accordance with the American College of Radiology guidelines or state law.
2. Include coverage for postpartum services providing inpatient care and a home visit or visits that shall be in accordance with the medical criteria, outlined in the most current version of or an official update to the "Guidelines for Perinatal Care" prepared by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or the "Standards for Obstetric-Gynecologic Services" prepared by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Such coverage shall be provided incorporating any changes in such Guidelines or Standards within six months of the publication of such Guidelines or Standards or any official amendment thereto.
3. Include an appeals process for resolution of complaints that shall provide reasonable procedures for the resolution of such complaints and shall be published and disseminated to all covered state employees. The appeals process shall be compliant with federal rules and regulations governing nonfederal, self-insured governmental health plans. The appeals process shall include a separate expedited emergency appeals procedure that shall provide resolution within time frames established by federal law. For appeals involving adverse decisions as defined in §32.1-137.7, the Department shall contract with one or more independent review organizations to review such decisions. Independent review organizations are entities that conduct independent external review of adverse benefit determinations. The Department shall adopt regulations to assure that the independent review organization conducting the reviews has adequate standards, credentials and experience for such review. The independent review organization shall examine the final denial of claims to determine whether the decision is objective, clinically valid, and compatible with established principles of health care. The decision of the independent review organization shall (i) be in writing, (ii) contain findings of fact as to the material issues in the case and the basis for those findings, and (iii) be final and binding if consistent with law and policy.
Prior to assigning an appeal to an independent review organization, the Department shall verify that the independent review organization conducting the review of a denial of claims has no relationship or association with (i) the covered person or the covered person's authorized representative; (ii) the treating health care provider, or any of its employees or affiliates; (iii) the medical care facility at which the covered service would be provided, or any of its employees or affiliates; or (iv) the development or manufacture of the drug, device, procedure or other therapy that is the subject of the final denial of a claim. The independent review organization shall not be a subsidiary of, nor owned or controlled by, a health plan, a trade association of health plans, or a professional association of health care providers. There shall be no liability on the part of and no cause of action shall arise against any officer or employee of an independent review organization for any actions taken or not taken or statements made by such officer or employee in good faith in the performance of his powers and duties.
4. Include coverage for early intervention services. For purposes of this section, "early intervention services" means medically necessary speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and assistive technology services and devices for dependents from birth to age three who are certified by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services as eligible for services under Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §1471 et seq.). Medically necessary early intervention services for the population certified by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services shall mean those services designed to help an individual attain or retain the capability to function age-appropriately within his environment, and shall include services that enhance functional ability without effecting a cure.
For persons previously covered under the plan, there shall be no denial of coverage due to the existence of a preexisting condition. The cost of early intervention services shall not be applied to any contractual provision limiting the total amount of coverage paid by the insurer to or on behalf of the insured during the insured's lifetime.
5. Include coverage for prescription drugs and devices approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use as contraceptives.
6. Not deny coverage for any drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of cancer on the basis that the drug has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of the specific type of cancer for which the drug has been prescribed, if the drug has been recognized as safe and effective for treatment of that specific type of cancer in one of the standard reference compendia.
7. Not deny coverage for any drug prescribed to treat a covered indication so long as the drug has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for at least one indication and the drug is recognized for treatment of the covered indication in one of the standard reference compendia or in substantially accepted peer-reviewed medical literature.
8. Include coverage for equipment, supplies and outpatient self-management training and education, including medical nutrition therapy, for the treatment of insulin-dependent diabetes, insulin-using diabetes, gestational diabetes and noninsulin-using diabetes if prescribed by a health care professional legally authorized to prescribe such items under law. To qualify for coverage under this subdivision, diabetes outpatient self-management training and education shall be provided by a certified, registered or licensed health care professional.
9. Include coverage for reconstructive breast surgery. For purposes of this section, "reconstructive breast surgery" means surgery performed on and after July 1, 1998, (i) coincident with a mastectomy performed for breast cancer or (ii) following a mastectomy performed for breast cancer to reestablish symmetry between the two breasts. For persons previously covered under the plan, there shall be no denial of coverage due to preexisting conditions.
10. Include coverage for annual pap smears, including coverage, on and after July 1, 1999, for annual testing performed by any FDA-approved gynecologic cytology screening technologies.
11. Include coverage providing a minimum stay in the hospital of not less than 48 hours for a patient following a radical or modified radical mastectomy and 24 hours of inpatient care following a total mastectomy or a partial mastectomy with lymph node dissection for treatment of breast cancer. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as requiring the provision of inpatient coverage where the attending physician in consultation with the patient determines that a shorter period of hospital stay is appropriate.
12. Include coverage (i) to persons age 50 and over and (ii) to persons age 40 and over who are at high risk for prostate cancer, according to the most recent published guidelines of the American Cancer Society, for one PSA test in a 12-month period and digital rectal examinations, all in accordance with American Cancer Society guidelines. For the purpose of this subdivision, "PSA testing" means the analysis of a blood sample to determine the level of prostate specific antigen.
13. Permit any individual covered under the plan direct access to the health care services of a participating specialist (i) authorized to provide services under the plan and (ii) selected by the covered individual. The plan shall have a procedure by which an individual who has an ongoing special condition may, after consultation with the primary care physician, receive a referral to a specialist for such condition who shall be responsible for and capable of providing and coordinating the individual's primary and specialty care related to the initial specialty care referral. If such an individual's care would most appropriately be coordinated by such a specialist, the plan shall refer the individual to a specialist. For the purposes of this subdivision, "special condition" means a condition or disease that is (i) life-threatening, degenerative, or disabling and (ii) requires specialized medical care over a prolonged period of time. Within the treatment period authorized by the referral, such specialist shall be permitted to treat the individual without a further referral from the individual's primary care provider and may authorize such referrals, procedures, tests, and other medical services related to the initial referral as the individual's primary care provider would otherwise be permitted to provide or authorize. The plan shall have a procedure by which an individual who has an ongoing special condition that requires ongoing care from a specialist may receive a standing referral to such specialist for the treatment of the special condition. If the primary care provider, in consultation with the plan and the specialist, if any, determines that such a standing referral is appropriate, the plan or issuer shall make such a referral to a specialist. Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the plan from requiring a participating specialist to provide written notification to the covered individual's primary care physician of any visit to such specialist. Such notification may include a description of the health care services rendered at the time of the visit.
14. Include provisions allowing employees to continue receiving health care services for a period of up to 90 days from the date of the primary care physician's notice of termination from any of the plan's provider panels. The plan shall notify any provider at least 90 days prior to the date of termination of the provider, except when the provider is terminated for cause.
For a period of at least 90 days from the date of the notice of a provider's termination from any of the plan's provider panels, except when a provider is terminated for cause, a provider shall be permitted by the plan to render health care services to any of the covered employees who (i) were in an active course of treatment from the provider prior to the notice of termination and (ii) request to continue receiving health care services from the provider.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, any provider shall be permitted by the plan to continue rendering health services to any covered employee who has entered the second trimester of pregnancy at the time of the provider's termination of participation, except when a provider is terminated for cause. Such treatment shall, at the covered employee's option, continue through the provision of postpartum care directly related to the delivery.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, any provider shall be permitted to continue rendering health services to any covered employee who is determined to be terminally ill (as defined under § 1861(dd)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act) at the time of a provider's termination of participation, except when a provider is terminated for cause. Such treatment shall, at the covered employee's option, continue for the remainder of the employee's life for care directly related to the treatment of the terminal illness.
A provider who continues to render health care services pursuant to this subdivision shall be reimbursed in accordance with the carrier's agreement with such provider existing immediately before the provider's termination of participation.
15. Include coverage for patient costs incurred during participation in clinical trials for treatment studies on cancer, including ovarian cancer trials.
The reimbursement for patient costs incurred during participation in clinical trials for treatment studies on cancer shall be determined in the same manner as reimbursement is determined for other medical and surgical procedures. Such coverage shall have durational limits, dollar limits, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance factors that are no less favorable than for physical illness generally.
For purposes of this subdivision:
"Cooperative group" means a formal network of facilities that collaborate on research projects and have an established NIH-approved peer review program operating within the group. "Cooperative group" includes (i) the National Cancer Institute Clinical Cooperative Group and (ii) the National Cancer Institute Community Clinical Oncology Program.
"FDA" means the Federal Food and Drug Administration.
"Multiple project assurance contract" means a contract between an institution and the federal Department of Health and Human Services that defines the relationship of the institution to the federal Department of Health and Human Services and sets out the responsibilities of the institution and the procedures that will be used by the institution to protect human subjects.
"NCI" means the National Cancer Institute.
"NIH" means the National Institutes of Health.
"Patient" means a person covered under the plan established pursuant to this section.
"Patient cost" means the cost of a medically necessary health care service that is incurred as a result of the treatment being provided to a patient for purposes of a clinical trial. "Patient cost" does not include (i) the cost of nonhealth care services that a patient may be required to receive as a result of the treatment being provided for purposes of a clinical trial, (ii) costs associated with managing the research associated with the clinical trial, or (iii) the cost of the investigational drug or device.
Coverage for patient costs incurred during clinical trials for treatment studies on cancer shall be provided if the treatment is being conducted in a Phase II, Phase III, or Phase IV clinical trial. Such treatment may, however, be provided on a case-by-case basis if the treatment is being provided in a Phase I clinical trial.
The treatment described in the previous paragraph shall be provided by a clinical trial approved by:
a. The National Cancer Institute;
b. An NCI cooperative group or an NCI center;
c. The FDA in the form of an investigational new drug application;
d. The federal Department of Veterans Affairs; or
e. An institutional review board of an institution in the Commonwealth that has a multiple project assurance contract approved by the Office of Protection from Research Risks of the NCI.
The facility and personnel providing the treatment shall be capable of doing so by virtue of their experience, training, and expertise.
Coverage under this subdivision shall apply only if:
(1) There is no clearly superior, noninvestigational treatment alternative;
(2) The available clinical or preclinical data provide a reasonable expectation that the treatment will be at least as effective as the noninvestigational alternative; and
(3) The patient and the physician or health care provider who provides services to the patient under the plan conclude that the patient's participation in the clinical trial would be appropriate, pursuant to procedures established by the plan.
16. Include coverage providing a minimum stay in the hospital of not less than 23 hours for a covered employee following a laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and 48 hours for a covered employee following a vaginal hysterectomy, as outlined in Milliman & Robertson's nationally recognized guidelines. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed as requiring the provision of the total hours referenced when the attending physician, in consultation with the covered employee, determines that a shorter hospital stay is appropriate.
17. Include coverage for biologically based mental illness.
For purposes of this subdivision, a "biologically based mental illness" is any mental or nervous condition caused by a biological disorder of the brain that results in a clinically significant syndrome that substantially limits the person's functioning; specifically, the following diagnoses are defined as biologically based mental illness as they apply to adults and children: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and drug and alcoholism addiction.
Coverage for biologically based mental illnesses shall neither be different nor separate from coverage for any other illness, condition or disorder for purposes of determining deductibles, benefit year or lifetime durational limits, benefit year or lifetime dollar limits, lifetime episodes or treatment limits, copayment and coinsurance factors, and benefit year maximum for deductibles and copayment and coinsurance factors.
Nothing shall preclude the undertaking of usual and customary procedures to determine the appropriateness of, and medical necessity for, treatment of biologically based mental illnesses under this option, provided that all such appropriateness and medical necessity determinations are made in the same manner as those determinations made for the treatment of any other illness, condition or disorder covered by such policy or contract.
18. Offer and make available coverage for the treatment of morbid obesity through gastric bypass surgery or such other methods as may be recognized by the National Institutes of Health as effective for the long-term reversal of morbid obesity. Such coverage shall have durational limits, dollar limits, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance factors that are no less favorable than for physical illness generally. Access to surgery for morbid obesity shall not be restricted based upon dietary or any other criteria not approved by the National Institutes of Health. For purposes of this subdivision, "morbid obesity" means (i) a weight that is at least 100 pounds over or twice the ideal weight for frame, age, height, and gender as specified in the 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance tables, (ii) a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 35 kilograms per meter squared with comorbidity or coexisting medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiopulmonary conditions, sleep apnea, or diabetes, or (iii) a BMI of 40 kilograms per meter squared without such comorbidity. As used herein, "BMI" equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.
19. Include coverage for colorectal cancer screening, specifically screening with an annual fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, or in appropriate circumstances radiologic imaging, in accordance with the most recently published recommendations established by the American College of Gastroenterology, in consultation with the American Cancer Society, for the ages, family histories, and frequencies referenced in such recommendations. The coverage for colorectal cancer screening shall not be more restrictive than or separate from coverage provided for any other illness, condition or disorder for purposes of determining deductibles, benefit year or lifetime durational limits, benefit year or lifetime dollar limits, lifetime episodes or treatment limits, copayment and coinsurance factors, and benefit year maximum for deductibles and copayments and coinsurance factors.
20. On and after July 1, 2002, require that a prescription benefit card, health insurance benefit card, or other technology that complies with the requirements set forth in §38.2-3407.4:2 be issued to each employee provided coverage pursuant to this section, and shall upon any changes in the required data elements set forth in subsection A of §38.2-3407.4:2, either reissue the card or provide employees covered under the plan such corrective information as may be required to electronically process a prescription claim.
21. Include coverage for infant hearing screenings and all necessary audiological examinations provided pursuant to §32.1-64.1 using any technology approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and as recommended by the national Joint Committee on Infant Hearing in its most current position statement addressing early hearing detection and intervention programs. Such coverage shall include follow-up audiological examinations as recommended by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or audiologist and performed by a licensed audiologist to confirm the existence or absence of hearing loss.
22. Notwithstanding any provision of this section to the contrary, every plan established in accordance with this section shall comply with the provisions of §2.2-2818.2.
C. Claims incurred during a fiscal year but not reported during that fiscal year shall be paid from such funds as shall be appropriated by law. Appropriations, premiums and other payments shall be deposited in the employee health insurance fund, from which payments for claims, premiums, cost containment programs and administrative expenses shall be withdrawn from time to time. The funds of the health insurance fund shall be deemed separate and independent trust funds, shall be segregated from all other funds of the Commonwealth, and shall be invested and administered solely in the interests of the employees and their beneficiaries. Neither the General Assembly nor any public officer, employee, or agency shall use or authorize the use of such trust funds for any purpose other than as provided in law for benefits, refunds, and administrative expenses, including but not limited to legislative oversight of the health insurance fund.
D. For the purposes of this section:
"Peer-reviewed medical literature" means a scientific study published only after having been critically reviewed for scientific accuracy, validity, and reliability by unbiased independent experts in a journal that has been determined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors to have met the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals. Peer-reviewed medical literature does not include publications or supplements to publications that are sponsored to a significant extent by a pharmaceutical manufacturing company or health carrier.
"Standard reference compendia" means:
1. American Hospital Formulary Service — Drug Information;
2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Drugs & Biologics Compendium; or
3. Elsevier Gold Standard's Clinical Pharmacology.
"State employee" means state employee as defined in §51.1-124.3; employee as defined in §51.1-201; the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General; judge as defined in §51.1-301 and judges, clerks and deputy clerks of regional juvenile and domestic relations, county juvenile and domestic relations, and district courts of the Commonwealth; interns and residents employed by the School of Medicine and Hospital of the University of Virginia, and interns, residents, and employees of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority as provided in §23.1-2415; and employees of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority as provided in §4.1-101.05.
E. Provisions shall be made for retired employees to obtain coverage under the above plan, including, as an option, coverage for vision and dental care. The Commonwealth may, but shall not be obligated to, pay all or any portion of the cost thereof.
F. Any self-insured group health insurance plan established by the Department of Human Resource Management that utilizes a network of preferred providers shall not exclude any physician solely on the basis of a reprimand or censure from the Board of Medicine, so long as the physician otherwise meets the plan criteria established by the Department.
G. The plan shall include, in each planning district, at least two health coverage options, each sponsored by unrelated entities. No later than July 1, 2006, one of the health coverage options to be available in each planning district shall be a high deductible health plan that would qualify for a health savings account pursuant to §223 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
In each planning district that does not have an available health coverage alternative, the Department shall voluntarily enter into negotiations at any time with any health coverage provider who seeks to provide coverage under the plan.
This subsection shall not apply to any state agency authorized by the Department to establish and administer its own health insurance coverage plan separate from the plan established by the Department.
H. Any self-insured group health insurance plan established by the Department of Human Resource Management that includes coverage for prescription drugs on an outpatient basis may apply a formulary to the prescription drug benefits provided by the plan if the formulary is developed, reviewed at least annually, and updated as necessary in consultation with and with the approval of a pharmacy and therapeutics committee, a majority of whose members are actively practicing licensed (i) pharmacists, (ii) physicians, and (iii) other health care providers.
If the plan maintains one or more drug formularies, the plan shall establish a process to allow a person to obtain, without additional cost-sharing beyond that provided for formulary prescription drugs in the plan, a specific, medically necessary nonformulary prescription drug if, after reasonable investigation and consultation with the prescriber, the formulary drug is determined to be an inappropriate therapy for the medical condition of the person. The plan shall act on such requests within one business day of receipt of the request.
Any plan established in accordance with this section shall be authorized to provide for the selection of a single mail order pharmacy provider as the exclusive provider of pharmacy services that are delivered to the covered person's address by mail, common carrier, or delivery service. As used in this subsection, "mail order pharmacy provider" means a pharmacy permitted to conduct business in the Commonwealth whose primary business is to dispense a prescription drug or device under a prescriptive drug order and to deliver the drug or device to a patient primarily by mail, common carrier, or delivery service.
I. Any plan established in accordance with this section requiring preauthorization prior to rendering medical treatment shall have personnel available to provide authorization at all times when such preauthorization is required.
J. Any plan established in accordance with this section shall provide to all covered employees written notice of any benefit reductions during the contract period at least 30 days before such reductions become effective.
K. No contract between a provider and any plan established in accordance with this section shall include provisions that require a health care provider or health care provider group to deny covered services that such provider or group knows to be medically necessary and appropriate that are provided with respect to a covered employee with similar medical conditions.
L. The Department of Human Resource Management shall appoint an Ombudsman to promote and protect the interests of covered employees under any state employee's health plan.
The Ombudsman shall:
1. Assist covered employees in understanding their rights and the processes available to them according to their state health plan.
2. Answer inquiries from covered employees by telephone and electronic mail.
3. Provide to covered employees information concerning the state health plans.
4. Develop information on the types of health plans available, including benefits and complaint procedures and appeals.
5. Make available, either separately or through an existing Internet web site utilized by the Department of Human Resource Management, information as set forth in subdivision 4 and such additional information as he deems appropriate.
6. Maintain data on inquiries received, the types of assistance requested, any actions taken and the disposition of each such matter.
7. Upon request, assist covered employees in using the procedures and processes available to them from their health plan, including all appeal procedures. Such assistance may require the review of health care records of a covered employee, which shall be done only in accordance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy rules. The confidentiality of any such medical records shall be maintained in accordance with the confidentiality and disclosure laws of the Commonwealth.
8. Ensure that covered employees have access to the services provided by the Ombudsman and that the covered employees receive timely responses from the Ombudsman or his representatives to the inquiries.
9. Report annually on his activities to the standing committees of the General Assembly having jurisdiction over insurance and over health and the Joint Commission on Health Care by December 1 of each year.
M. The plan established in accordance with this section shall not refuse to accept or make reimbursement pursuant to an assignment of benefits made to a dentist or oral surgeon by a covered employee.
For purposes of this subsection, "assignment of benefits" means the transfer of dental care coverage reimbursement benefits or other rights under the plan. The assignment of benefits shall not be effective until the covered employee notifies the plan in writing of the assignment.
N. Beginning July 1, 2006, any plan established pursuant to this section shall provide for an identification number, which shall be assigned to the covered employee and shall not be the same as the employee's social security number.
O. Any group health insurance plan established by the Department of Human Resource Management that contains a coordination of benefits provision shall provide written notification to any eligible employee as a prominent part of its enrollment materials that if such eligible employee is covered under another group accident and sickness insurance policy, group accident and sickness subscription contract, or group health care plan for health care services, that insurance policy, subscription contract or health care plan may have primary responsibility for the covered expenses of other family members enrolled with the eligible employee. Such written notification shall describe generally the conditions upon which the other coverage would be primary for dependent children enrolled under the eligible employee's coverage and the method by which the eligible enrollee may verify from the plan that coverage would have primary responsibility for the covered expenses of each family member.
P. Any plan established by the Department of Human Resource Management pursuant to this section shall provide that coverage under such plan for family members enrolled under a participating state employee's coverage shall continue for a period of at least 30 days following the death of such state employee.
Q. The plan established in accordance with this section that follows a policy of sending its payment to the covered employee or covered family member for a claim for services received from a nonparticipating physician or osteopath shall (i) include language in the member handbook that notifies the covered employee of the responsibility to apply the plan payment to the claim from such nonparticipating provider, (ii) include this language with any such payment sent to the covered employee or covered family member, and (iii) include the name and any last known address of the nonparticipating provider on the explanation of benefits statement.
R. The Department of Human Resource Management shall report annually, by November 30 of each year, on cost and utilization information for each of the mandated benefits set forth in subsection B, including any mandated benefit made applicable, pursuant to subdivision B 22, to any plan established pursuant to this section. The report shall be in the same detail and form as required of reports submitted pursuant to §38.2-3419.1, with such additional information as is required to determine the financial impact, including the costs and benefits, of the particular mandated benefit.
§2.2-2905. Certain officers and employees exempt from chapter.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
1. Officers and employees for whom the Constitution specifically directs the manner of selection;
2. Officers and employees of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals;
3. Officers appointed by the Governor, whether confirmation by the General Assembly or by either house thereof is required or not;
4. Officers elected by popular vote or by the General Assembly or either house thereof;
5. Members of boards and commissions however selected;
6. Judges, referees, receivers, arbiters, masters and commissioners in chancery, commissioners of accounts, and any other persons appointed by any court to exercise judicial functions, and jurors and notaries public;
7. Officers and employees of the General Assembly and persons employed to conduct temporary or special inquiries, investigations, or examinations on its behalf;
8. The presidents and teaching and research staffs of state educational institutions;
9. Commissioned officers and enlisted personnel of the National Guard;
10. Student employees at institutions of higher education and patient or inmate help in other state institutions;
11. Upon general or special authorization of the Governor, laborers, temporary employees, and employees compensated on an hourly or daily basis;
12. County, city, town, and district officers, deputies, assistants, and employees;
13. The employees of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission;
14. The officers and employees of the Virginia Retirement System;
15. Employees whose positions are identified by the State Council of Higher Education and the boards of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The Science Museum of Virginia, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the New College Institute, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, and The Library of Virginia, and approved by the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management as requiring specialized and professional training;
16. Employees of the Virginia Lottery;
17. Employees of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired's rehabilitative manufacturing and service industries who have a human resources classification of industry worker;
18. Employees of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority;
19. Employees of the University of Virginia Medical Center. Any changes in compensation plans for such employees shall be subject to the review and approval of the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia. The University of Virginia shall ensure that its procedures for hiring University of Virginia Medical Center personnel are based on merit and fitness. Such employees shall remain subject to the provisions of the State Grievance Procedure (§2.2-3000 et seq.);
20. In executive branch agencies the employee who has accepted serving in the capacity of chief deputy, or equivalent, and the employee who has accepted serving in the capacity of a confidential assistant for policy or administration. An employee serving in either one of these two positions shall be deemed to serve on an employment-at-will basis. An agency may not exceed two employees who serve in this exempt capacity;
21. Employees of Virginia Correctional Enterprises. Such employees shall remain subject to the provisions of the State Grievance Procedure (§2.2-3000 et seq.);
22. Officers and employees of the Virginia Port Authority;
23. Employees of the Virginia College Savings Plan;
24. Directors of state facilities operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services employed or reemployed by the Commissioner after July 1, 1999, under a contract pursuant to §37.2-707. Such employees shall remain subject to the provisions of the State Grievance Procedure (§2.2-3000 et seq.);
25. Employees of the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Such employees 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;
26. Employees of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission;
27. Any chief of a campus police department that has been designated by the governing body of a public institution of higher education as exempt, pursuant to §23.1-809;
28. The Chief Executive Officer, agents, officers, and employees of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority; and
29. Officers and employees of the Fort Monroe Authority.
§2.2-3114. Disclosure by state officers and employees.
A. In accordance with the requirements set forth in § 2.2-3118.2, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, judges of any circuit court, judges and substitute judges of any district court, members of the State Corporation Commission, members of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, members of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System, members of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority, members of the Board of the Virginia College Savings Plan, and members of the Virginia Lottery Board and other persons occupying such offices or positions of trust or employment in state government, including members of the governing bodies of authorities, as may be designated by the Governor, or officers or employees of the legislative branch, as may be designated by the Joint Rules Committee of the General Assembly, shall file with the Council, as a condition to assuming office or employment, a disclosure statement of their personal interests and such other information as is required on the form prescribed by the Council pursuant to §2.2-3117 and thereafter shall file such a statement annually on or before February 1.
B. In accordance with the requirements set forth in § 2.2-3118.2, nonsalaried citizen members of all policy and supervisory boards, commissions and councils in the executive branch of state government, other than the Commonwealth Transportation Board, members of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System, members of the Board of the Virginia College Savings Plan, and the Virginia Lottery Board, shall file with the Council, as a condition to assuming office, a disclosure form of their personal interests and such other information as is required on the form prescribed by the Council pursuant to §2.2-3118 and thereafter shall file such form annually on or before February 1. Nonsalaried citizen members of other boards, commissions and councils, including advisory boards and authorities, may be required to file a disclosure form if so designated by the Governor, in which case the form shall be that prescribed by the Council pursuant to §2.2-3118.
C. The disclosure forms required by subsections A and B shall be made available by the Council at least 30 days prior to the filing deadline. Disclosure forms shall be filed electronically with the Council in accordance with the standards approved by it pursuant to §30-356. All forms shall be maintained as public records for five years in the office of the Council. Such forms shall be made public no later than six weeks after the filing deadline.
D. Candidates for the offices of Governor, Lieutenant Governor or Attorney General shall file a disclosure statement of their personal interests as required by §24.2-502.
E. Any officer or employee of state government who has a personal interest in any transaction before the governmental or advisory agency of which he is an officer or employee and who is disqualified from participating in that transaction pursuant to subsection A of §2.2-3112, or otherwise elects to disqualify himself, shall forthwith make disclosure of the existence of his interest, including the full name and address of the business and the address or parcel number for the real estate if the interest involves a business or real estate, and his disclosure shall also be reflected in the public records of the agency for five years in the office of the administrative head of the officer's or employee's governmental agency or advisory agency or, if the agency has a clerk, in the clerk's office.
F. An officer or employee of state government who is required to declare his interest pursuant to subdivision B 1 of §2.2-3112, shall declare his interest by stating (i) the transaction involved, (ii) the nature of the officer's or employee's personal interest affected by the transaction, (iii) that he is a member of a business, profession, occupation, or group the members of which are affected by the transaction, and (iv) that he is able to participate in the transaction fairly, objectively, and in the public interest. The officer or employee shall either make his declaration orally to be recorded in written minutes for his agency or file a signed written declaration with the clerk or administrative head of his governmental or advisory agency, as appropriate, who shall, in either case, retain and make available for public inspection such declaration for a period of five years from the date of recording or receipt. If reasonable time is not available to comply with the provisions of this subsection prior to participation in the transaction, the officer or employee shall prepare and file the required declaration by the end of the next business day.
G. An officer or employee of state government who is required to declare his interest pursuant to subdivision B 2 of §2.2-3112, shall declare his interest by stating (i) the transaction involved, (ii) that a party to the transaction is a client of his firm, (iii) that he does not personally represent or provide services to the client, and (iv) that he is able to participate in the transaction fairly, objectively, and in the public interest. The officer or employee shall either make his declaration orally to be recorded in written minutes for his agency or file a signed written declaration with the clerk or administrative head of his governmental or advisory agency, as appropriate, who shall, in either case, retain and make available for public inspection such declaration for a period of five years from the date of recording or receipt. If reasonable time is not available to comply with the provisions of this subsection prior to participation in the transaction, the officer or employee shall prepare and file the required declaration by the end of the next business day.
H. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, chairs of departments at a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth shall not be required to file the disclosure form prescribed by the Council pursuant to §2.2-3117 or 2.2-3118.
§2.2-3705.3. Exclusions to application of chapter; records relating to administrative investigations.
The following information contained in a public record is excluded from the mandatory disclosure provisions of this chapter but may be disclosed by the custodian in his discretion, except where such disclosure is prohibited by law. Redaction of information excluded under this section from a public record shall be conducted in accordance with §2.2-3704.01.
1. Information relating to investigations of applicants for licenses and permits, and of all licensees and permittees, made by or submitted to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority, the Virginia Lottery, the Virginia Racing Commission, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to investigations and applications pursuant to Article 1.1:1 (§18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2, or the Private Security Services Unit of the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
2. Records of active investigations being conducted by the Department of Health Professions or by any health regulatory board in the Commonwealth pursuant to §54.1-108.
3. Investigator notes, and other correspondence and information, furnished in confidence with respect to an active investigation of individual employment discrimination complaints made to the Department of Human Resource Management, to such personnel of any local public body, including local school boards, as are responsible for conducting such investigations in confidence, or to any public institution of higher education. However, nothing in this subdivision shall prevent the disclosure of information taken from inactive reports in a form that does not reveal the identity of charging parties, persons supplying the information, or other individuals involved in the investigation.
4. Records of active investigations being conducted by the Department of Medical Assistance Services pursuant to Chapter 10 (§32.1-323 et seq.) of Title 32.1.
5. Investigative notes and other correspondence and information furnished in confidence with respect to an investigation or conciliation process involving an alleged unlawful discriminatory practice under the Virginia Human Rights Act (§2.2-3900 et seq.) or under any local ordinance adopted in accordance with the authority specified in §2.2-524, or adopted pursuant to §15.2-965, or adopted prior to July 1, 1987, in accordance with applicable law, relating to local human rights or human relations commissions. However, nothing in this subdivision shall prevent the distribution of information taken from inactive reports in a form that does not reveal the identity of the parties involved or other persons supplying information.
6. Information relating to studies and investigations by the Virginia Lottery of (i) lottery agents, (ii) lottery vendors, (iii) lottery crimes under §§58.1-4014 through 58.1-4018, (iv) defects in the law or regulations that cause abuses in the administration and operation of the lottery and any evasions of such provisions, or (v) the use of the lottery as a subterfuge for organized crime and illegal gambling where such information has not been publicly released, published or copyrighted. All studies and investigations referred to under clauses (iii), (iv), and (v) shall be open to inspection and copying upon completion of the study or investigation.
7. Investigative notes, correspondence and information furnished in confidence, and records otherwise exempted by this chapter or any Virginia statute, provided to or produced by or for (i) the Auditor of Public Accounts; (ii) the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission; (iii) an appropriate authority as defined in §2.2-3010 with respect to an allegation of wrongdoing or abuse under the Fraud and Abuse Whistle Blower Protection Act (§ 2.2-3009 et seq.); (iv) the Office of the State Inspector General with respect to an investigation initiated through the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline or an investigation initiated pursuant to Chapter 3.2 (§2.2-307 et seq.); (v) internal auditors appointed by the head of a state agency or by any public institution of higher education; (vi) the committee or the auditor with respect to an investigation or audit conducted pursuant to §15.2-825; or (vii) the auditors, appointed by the local governing body of any county, city, or town or a school board, who by charter, ordinance, or statute have responsibility for conducting an investigation of any officer, department, or program of such body. Information contained in completed investigations shall be disclosed in a form that does not reveal the identity of the complainants or persons supplying information to investigators. Unless disclosure is excluded by this subdivision, the information disclosed shall include the agency involved, the identity of the person who is the subject of the complaint, the nature of the complaint, and the actions taken to resolve the complaint. If an investigation does not lead to corrective action, the identity of the person who is the subject of the complaint may be released only with the consent of the subject person. Local governing bodies shall adopt guidelines to govern the disclosure required by this subdivision.
8. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of complainants furnished in confidence with respect to an investigation of individual zoning enforcement complaints or complaints relating to the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§36-97 et seq.) or the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (§27-94 et seq.) made to a local governing body.
9. Records of active investigations being conducted by the Department of Criminal Justice Services pursuant to Article 4 (§9.1-138 et seq.), Article 4.1 (§9.1-150.1 et seq.), Article 11 (§9.1-185 et seq.), and Article 12 (§9.1-186 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1.
10. Information furnished to or prepared by the Board of Education pursuant to subsection D of §22.1-253.13:3 in connection with the review or investigation of any alleged breach in security, unauthorized alteration, or improper administration of tests by local school board employees responsible for the distribution or administration of the tests. However, this section shall not prohibit the disclosure of such information to (i) a local school board or division superintendent for the purpose of permitting such board or superintendent to consider or to take personnel action with regard to an employee or (ii) any requester, after the conclusion of a review or investigation, in a form that (a) does not reveal the identity of any person making a complaint or supplying information to the Board on a confidential basis and (b) does not compromise the security of any test mandated by the Board.
11. Information contained in (i) an application for licensure or renewal of a license for teachers and other school personnel, including transcripts or other documents submitted in support of an application, and (ii) an active investigation conducted by or for the Board of Education related to the denial, suspension, cancellation, revocation, or reinstatement of teacher and other school personnel licenses including investigator notes and other correspondence and information, furnished in confidence with respect to such investigation. However, this subdivision shall not prohibit the disclosure of such (a) application information to the applicant at his own expense or (b) investigation information to a local school board or division superintendent for the purpose of permitting such board or superintendent to consider or to take personnel action with regard to an employee. Information contained in completed investigations shall be disclosed in a form that does not reveal the identity of any complainant or person supplying information to investigators. The completed investigation information disclosed shall include information regarding the school or facility involved, the identity of the person who was the subject of the complaint, the nature of the complaint, and the actions taken to resolve the complaint. If an investigation fails to support a complaint or does not lead to corrective action, the identity of the person who was the subject of the complaint may be released only with the consent of the subject person. No personally identifiable information regarding a current or former student shall be released except as permitted by state or federal law.
12. Information provided in confidence and related to an investigation by the Attorney General under Article 1 (§3.2-4200 et seq.) or Article 3 (§3.2-4204 et seq.) of Chapter 42 of Title 3.2, Article 10 (§ 18.2-246.6 et seq.) of Chapter 6 or Chapter 13 (§18.2-512 et seq.) of Title 18.2, or Article 1 (§58.1-1000) of Chapter 10 of Title 58.1. However, information related to an investigation that has been inactive for more than six months shall, upon request, be disclosed provided such disclosure is not otherwise prohibited by law and does not reveal the identity of charging parties, complainants, persons supplying information, witnesses, or other individuals involved in the investigation.
13. Records of active investigations being conducted by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services pursuant to Chapter 4 (§37.2-400 et seq.) of Title 37.2.
§2.2-3711. Closed meetings authorized for certain limited purposes.
A. Public bodies may hold closed meetings only for the following purposes:
1. Discussion, consideration, or interviews of prospective candidates for employment; assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of specific public officers, appointees, or employees of any public body; and evaluation of performance of departments or schools of public institutions of higher education where such evaluation will necessarily involve discussion of the performance of specific individuals. Any teacher shall be permitted to be present during a closed meeting in which there is a discussion or consideration of a disciplinary matter that involves the teacher and some student and the student involved in the matter is present, provided the teacher makes a written request to be present to the presiding officer of the appropriate board. Nothing in this subdivision, however, shall be construed to authorize a closed meeting by a local governing body or an elected school board to discuss compensation matters that affect the membership of such body or board collectively.
2. Discussion or consideration of admission or disciplinary matters or any other matters that would involve the disclosure of information contained in a scholastic record concerning any student of any public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth or any state school system. However, any such student, legal counsel and, if the student is a minor, the student's parents or legal guardians shall be permitted to be present during the taking of testimony or presentation of evidence at a closed meeting, if such student, parents, or guardians so request in writing and such request is submitted to the presiding officer of the appropriate board.
3. Discussion or consideration of the acquisition of real property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body.
4. The protection of the privacy of individuals in personal matters not related to public business.
5. Discussion concerning a prospective business or industry or
the expansion of an existing business or industry where no previous announcement
has been made of the business' business's
or industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the
community.
6. Discussion or consideration of the investment of public funds where competition or bargaining is involved, where, if made public initially, the financial interest of the governmental unit would be adversely affected.
7. Consultation with legal counsel and briefings by staff members or consultants pertaining to actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body. For the purposes of this subdivision, "probable litigation" means litigation that has been specifically threatened or on which the public body or its legal counsel has a reasonable basis to believe will be commenced by or against a known party. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter.
8. Consultation with legal counsel employed or retained by a public body regarding specific legal matters requiring the provision of legal advice by such counsel. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to permit the closure of a meeting merely because an attorney representing the public body is in attendance or is consulted on a matter.
9. Discussion or consideration by governing boards of public institutions of higher education of matters relating to gifts, bequests and fund-raising activities, and of grants and contracts for services or work to be performed by such institution. However, the terms and conditions of any such gifts, bequests, grants, and contracts made by a foreign government, a foreign legal entity, or a foreign person and accepted by a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth shall be subject to public disclosure upon written request to the appropriate board of visitors. For the purpose of this subdivision, (i) "foreign government" means any government other than the United States government or the government of a state or a political subdivision thereof, (ii) "foreign legal entity" means any legal entity (a) created under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof if a majority of the ownership of the stock of such legal entity is owned by foreign governments or foreign persons or if a majority of the membership of any such entity is composed of foreign persons or foreign legal entities or (b) created under the laws of a foreign government, and (iii) "foreign person" means any individual who is not a citizen or national of the United States or a trust territory or protectorate thereof.
10. Discussion or consideration by the boards of trustees of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of Natural History, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the Fort Monroe Authority, and The Science Museum of Virginia of matters relating to specific gifts, bequests, and grants from private sources.
11. Discussion or consideration of honorary degrees or special awards.
12. Discussion or consideration of tests, examinations, or other information used, administered, or prepared by a public body and subject to the exclusion in subdivision 4 of §2.2-3705.1.
13. Discussion, consideration, or review by the appropriate House or Senate committees of possible disciplinary action against a member arising out of the possible inadequacy of the disclosure statement filed by the member, provided the member may request in writing that the committee meeting not be conducted in a closed meeting.
14. Discussion of strategy with respect to the negotiation of a hazardous waste siting agreement or to consider the terms, conditions, and provisions of a hazardous waste siting agreement if the governing body in open meeting finds that an open meeting will have an adverse effect upon the negotiating position of the governing body or the establishment of the terms, conditions and provisions of the siting agreement, or both. All discussions with the applicant or its representatives may be conducted in a closed meeting.
15. Discussion by the Governor and any economic advisory board reviewing forecasts of economic activity and estimating general and nongeneral fund revenues.
16. Discussion or consideration of medical and mental health records subject to the exclusion in subdivision 1 of §2.2-3705.5.
17. Deliberations of the Virginia Lottery Board in a licensing appeal action conducted pursuant to subsection D of §58.1-4007 regarding the denial or revocation of a license of a lottery sales agent; and discussion, consideration or review of Virginia Lottery matters related to proprietary lottery game information and studies or investigations excluded from disclosure under subdivision 6 of §2.2-3705.3 and subdivision 11 of §2.2-3705.7.
18. Those portions of meetings in which the State Board of Local and Regional Jails discusses or discloses the identity of, or information tending to identify, any prisoner who (i) provides information about crimes or criminal activities, (ii) renders assistance in preventing the escape of another prisoner or in the apprehension of an escaped prisoner, or (iii) voluntarily or at the instance of a prison official renders other extraordinary services, the disclosure of which is likely to jeopardize the prisoner's life or safety.
19. Discussion of plans to protect public safety as it relates to terrorist activity or specific cybersecurity threats or vulnerabilities and briefings by staff members, legal counsel, or law-enforcement or emergency service officials concerning actions taken to respond to such matters or a related threat to public safety; discussion of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 2 or 14 of §2.2-3705.2, where discussion in an open meeting would jeopardize the safety of any person or the security of any facility, building, structure, information technology system, or software program; or discussion of reports or plans related to the security of any governmental facility, building or structure, or the safety of persons using such facility, building or structure.
20. Discussion by the Board of the Virginia Retirement System, acting pursuant to §51.1-124.30, or of any local retirement system, acting pursuant to §51.1-803, or by a local finance board or board of trustees of a trust established by one or more local public bodies to invest funds for postemployment benefits other than pensions, acting pursuant to Article 8 (§ 15.2-1544 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of Title 15.2, or by the board of visitors of the University of Virginia, acting pursuant to §23.1-2210, or by the Board of the Virginia College Savings Plan, acting pursuant to §23.1-706, regarding the acquisition, holding or disposition of a security or other ownership interest in an entity, where such security or ownership interest is not traded on a governmentally regulated securities exchange, to the extent that such discussion (i) concerns confidential analyses prepared for the board of visitors of the University of Virginia, prepared by the retirement system, or a local finance board or board of trustees, or the Virginia College Savings Plan or provided to the retirement system, a local finance board or board of trustees, or the Virginia College Savings Plan under a promise of confidentiality, of the future value of such ownership interest or the future financial performance of the entity, and (ii) would have an adverse effect on the value of the investment to be acquired, held, or disposed of by the retirement system, a local finance board or board of trustees, the board of visitors of the University of Virginia, or the Virginia College Savings Plan. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to prevent the disclosure of information relating to the identity of any investment held, the amount invested or the present value of such investment.
21. Those portions of meetings in which individual child death cases are discussed by the State Child Fatality Review Team established pursuant to §32.1-283.1, those portions of meetings in which individual child death cases are discussed by a regional or local child fatality review team established pursuant to §32.1-283.2, those portions of meetings in which individual death cases are discussed by family violence fatality review teams established pursuant to §32.1-283.3, those portions of meetings in which individual adult death cases are discussed by the state Adult Fatality Review Team established pursuant to §32.1-283.5, those portions of meetings in which individual adult death cases are discussed by a local or regional adult fatality review team established pursuant to §32.1-283.6, those portions of meetings in which individual death cases are discussed by overdose fatality review teams established pursuant to §32.1-283.7, those portions of meetings in which individual maternal death cases are discussed by the Maternal Mortality Review Team pursuant to §32.1-283.8, and those portions of meetings in which individual death cases of persons with developmental disabilities are discussed by the Developmental Disabilities Mortality Review Committee established pursuant to §37.2-314.1.
22. Those portions of meetings of the board of visitors of the University of Virginia or the Eastern Virginia Medical School Board of Visitors, as the case may be, and those portions of meetings of any persons to whom management responsibilities for the University of Virginia Medical Center or Eastern Virginia Medical School, as the case may be, have been delegated, in which there is discussed proprietary, business-related information pertaining to the operations of the University of Virginia Medical Center or Eastern Virginia Medical School, as the case may be, including business development or marketing strategies and activities with existing or future joint venturers, partners, or other parties with whom the University of Virginia Medical Center or Eastern Virginia Medical School, as the case may be, has formed, or forms, any arrangement for the delivery of health care, if disclosure of such information would adversely affect the competitive position of the Medical Center or Eastern Virginia Medical School, as the case may be.
23. Discussion or consideration by the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority or the board of visitors of Virginia Commonwealth University of any of the following: the acquisition or disposition by the Authority of real property, equipment, or technology software or hardware and related goods or services, where disclosure would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the Authority; matters relating to gifts or bequests to, and fund-raising activities of, the Authority; grants and contracts for services or work to be performed by the Authority; marketing or operational strategies plans of the Authority where disclosure of such strategies or plans would adversely affect the competitive position of the Authority; and members of the Authority's medical and teaching staffs and qualifications for appointments thereto.
24. Those portions of the meetings of the Health Practitioners' Monitoring Program Committee within the Department of Health Professions to the extent such discussions identify any practitioner who may be, or who actually is, impaired pursuant to Chapter 25.1 (§54.1-2515 et seq.) of Title 54.1.
25. Meetings or portions of meetings of the Board of the Virginia College Savings Plan wherein personal information, as defined in § 2.2-3801, which has been provided to the Board or its employees by or on behalf of individuals who have requested information about, applied for, or entered into prepaid tuition contracts or savings trust account agreements pursuant to Chapter 7 (§23.1-700 et seq.) of Title 23.1 is discussed.
26. Discussion or consideration, by the former Wireless Carrier E-911 Cost Recovery Subcommittee created pursuant to former § 56-484.15, of trade secrets submitted by CMRS providers, as defined in § 56-484.12, related to the provision of wireless E-911 service.
27. Those portions of disciplinary proceedings by any regulatory board within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Department of Health Professions, or the Board of Accountancy conducted pursuant to §2.2-4019 or 2.2-4020 during which the board deliberates to reach a decision or meetings of health regulatory boards or conference committees of such boards to consider settlement proposals in pending disciplinary actions or modifications to previously issued board orders as requested by either of the parties.
28. Discussion or consideration of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 11 of §2.2-3705.6 by a responsible public entity or an affected locality or public entity, as those terms are defined in § 33.2-1800, or any independent review panel appointed to review information and advise the responsible public entity concerning such records.
29. Discussion of the award of a public contract involving the expenditure of public funds, including interviews of bidders or offerors, and discussion of the terms or scope of such contract, where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body.
30. Discussion or consideration of grant or loan application information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 17 of §2.2-3705.6 by the Commonwealth Health Research Board.
31. Discussion or consideration by the Commitment Review Committee of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 5 of § 2.2-3705.2 relating to individuals subject to commitment as sexually violent predators under Chapter 9 (§37.2-900 et seq.) of Title 37.2.
32. Discussion or consideration of confidential proprietary information and trade secrets developed and held by a local public body providing certain telecommunication services or cable television services and subject to the exclusion in subdivision 18 of §2.2-3705.6. However, the exemption provided by this subdivision shall not apply to any authority created pursuant to the BVU Authority Act (§15.2-7200 et seq.).
33. Discussion or consideration by a local authority created in accordance with the Virginia Wireless Service Authorities Act (§15.2-5431.1 et seq.) of confidential proprietary information and trade secrets subject to the exclusion in subdivision 19 of §2.2-3705.6.
34. Discussion or consideration by the State Board of Elections or local electoral boards of voting security matters made confidential pursuant to §24.2-410.2 or 24.2-625.1.
35. Discussion or consideration by the Forensic Science Board or the Scientific Advisory Committee created pursuant to Article 2 (§9.1-1109 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 9.1 of criminal investigative files subject to the exclusion in subdivision B 1 of §2.2-3706.
36. Discussion or consideration by the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Committee of information or confidential matters subject to the exclusion in subdivision A 3 of §2.2-3705.4, and meetings of the Committee to deliberate concerning the annual maximum scholarship award, review and consider scholarship applications and requests for scholarship award renewal, and cancel, rescind, or recover scholarship awards.
37. Discussion or consideration by the Virginia Port Authority of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 1 of §2.2-3705.6 related to certain proprietary information gathered by or for the Virginia Port Authority.
38. Discussion or consideration by the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System acting pursuant to §51.1-124.30, by the Investment Advisory Committee appointed pursuant to §51.1-124.26, by any local retirement system, acting pursuant to §51.1-803, by the Board of the Virginia College Savings Plan acting pursuant to §23.1-706, or by the Virginia College Savings Plan's Investment Advisory Committee appointed pursuant to §23.1-702 of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 24 of §2.2-3705.7.
39. Discussion or consideration of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 3 of §2.2-3705.6 related to economic development.
40. Discussion or consideration by the Board of Education of information relating to the denial, suspension, or revocation of teacher licenses subject to the exclusion in subdivision 11 of §2.2-3705.3.
41. Those portions of meetings of the Virginia Military Advisory Council or any commission created by executive order for the purpose of studying and making recommendations regarding preventing closure or realignment of federal military and national security installations and facilities located in Virginia and relocation of such facilities to Virginia, or a local or regional military affairs organization appointed by a local governing body, during which there is discussion of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 8 of §2.2-3705.2.
42. Discussion or consideration by the Board of Trustees of the Veterans Services Foundation of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 28 of §2.2-3705.7 related to personally identifiable information of donors.
43. Discussion or consideration by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 23 of §2.2-3705.6 related to certain information contained in grant applications.
44. Discussion or consideration by the board of directors of the Commercial Space Flight Authority of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 24 of §2.2-3705.6 related to rate structures or charges for the use of projects of, the sale of products of, or services rendered by the Authority and certain proprietary information of a private entity provided to the Authority.
45. Discussion or consideration of personal and proprietary information related to the resource management plan program and subject to the exclusion in (i) subdivision 25 of §2.2-3705.6 or (ii) subsection E of § 10.1-104.7. This exclusion shall not apply to the discussion or consideration of records that contain information that has been certified for release by the person who is the subject of the information or transformed into a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow identification of the person who supplied, or is the subject of, the information.
46. Discussion or consideration by the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 1 of § 2.2-3705.3 related to investigations of applicants for licenses and permits and of licensees and permittees.
47. Discussion or consideration of grant, loan, or investment application records subject to the exclusion in subdivision 28 of §2.2-3705.6 for a grant, loan, or investment pursuant to Article 11 (§2.2-2351 et seq.) of Chapter 22.
48. Discussion or development of grant proposals by a regional council established pursuant to Article 26 (§2.2-2484 et seq.) of Chapter 24 to be submitted for consideration to the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board.
49. Discussion or consideration of (i) individual sexual assault cases by a sexual assault response team established pursuant to § 15.2-1627.4, (ii) individual child abuse or neglect cases or sex offenses involving a child by a child sexual abuse response team established pursuant to §15.2-1627.5, or (iii) individual cases involving abuse, neglect, or exploitation of adults as defined in §63.2-1603 pursuant to §§15.2-1627.5 and 63.2-1605.
50. Discussion or consideration by the Board of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, or any subcommittees thereof, of the portions of the strategic plan, marketing plan, or operational plan exempt from disclosure pursuant to subdivision 33 of §2.2-3705.7.
51. Those portions of meetings of the subcommittee of the Board of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority established pursuant to subsection F of §2.2-2237.3 to review and discuss information received from the Virginia Employment Commission pursuant to subdivision C 2 of §60.2-114.
52. Discussion or consideration by the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority (the Authority), an advisory committee of the Authority, or any other entity designated by the Authority, of information subject to the exclusion in subdivision 35 of §2.2-3705.7.
53. Deliberations of the Virginia Lottery Board in a licensing appeal action conducted pursuant to §58.1-4105 regarding the denial or revocation of a license of a casino gaming operator and discussion, consideration, or review of matters related to investigations exempt from disclosure under subdivision 1 of §2.2-3705.3.
54. Deliberations of the Virginia Lottery Board in an appeal conducted pursuant to §58.1-4007 regarding the denial of, revocation of, suspension of, or refusal to renew a permit related to sports betting and any discussion, consideration, or review of matters related to investigations excluded from mandatory disclosure under subdivision 1 of §2.2-3705.3.
B. No resolution, ordinance, rule, contract, regulation or motion adopted, passed or agreed to in a closed meeting shall become effective unless the public body, following the meeting, reconvenes in open meeting and takes a vote of the membership on such resolution, ordinance, rule, contract, regulation, or motion that shall have its substance reasonably identified in the open meeting.
C. Public officers improperly selected due to the failure of the public body to comply with the other provisions of this section shall be de facto officers and, as such, their official actions are valid until they obtain notice of the legal defect in their election.
D. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the holding of conferences between two or more public bodies, or their representatives, but these conferences shall be subject to the same procedures for holding closed meetings as are applicable to any other public body.
E. This section shall not be construed to (i) require the disclosure of any contract between the Department of Health Professions and an impaired practitioner entered into pursuant to Chapter 25.1 (§54.1-2515 et seq.) of Title 54.1 or (ii) require the board of directors of any authority created pursuant to the Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act (§ 15.2-4900 et seq.), or any public body empowered to issue industrial revenue bonds by general or special law, to identify a business or industry to which subdivision A 5 applies. However, such business or industry shall be identified as a matter of public record at least 30 days prior to the actual date of the board's authorization of the sale or issuance of such bonds.
§2.2-3802. Systems to which chapter inapplicable.
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to personal information systems:
1. Maintained by any court of the Commonwealth;
2. Which may exist in publications of general circulation;
3. Contained in the Criminal Justice Information System as defined in §§9.1-126 through 9.1-137 or in the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry maintained by the Department of State Police pursuant to Chapter 9 (§9.1-900 et seq.) of Title 9.1, except to the extent that information is required to be posted on the Internet pursuant to §9.1-913;
4. Contained in the Virginia Juvenile Justice Information System as defined in §§16.1-222 through 16.1-225;
5. Maintained by agencies concerning persons required by law to be licensed in the Commonwealth to engage in the practice of any profession, in which case the names and addresses of persons applying for or possessing the license may be disseminated upon written request to a person engaged in the profession or business of offering professional educational materials or courses for the sole purpose of providing the licensees or applicants for licenses with informational materials relating solely to available professional educational materials or courses, provided the disseminating agency is reasonably assured that the use of the information will be so limited;
6. Maintained by the Parole Board, the Crime Commission, the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission, the Virginia Racing Commission, and the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority;
7. Maintained by any of the following and that deal with investigations and intelligence gathering related to criminal activity:
a. The Department of State Police;
b. The police department of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission;
c. Police departments of cities, counties, and towns;
d. Sheriff's departments of counties and cities;
e. Campus police departments of public institutions of higher education as established by Article 3 (§23.1-809 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 23.1; and
f. The Division of Capitol Police.
8. Maintained by local departments of social services regarding alleged cases of child abuse or neglect while such cases are also subject to an ongoing criminal prosecution;
9. Maintained by the Virginia Port Authority as provided in § 62.1-132.4 or 62.1-134.1;
10. Maintained by the Virginia Tourism Authority in connection with or as a result of the promotion of travel or tourism in the Commonwealth, in which case names and addresses of persons requesting information on those subjects may be disseminated upon written request to a person engaged in the business of providing travel services or distributing travel information, provided the Virginia Tourism Authority is reasonably assured that the use of the information will be so limited;
11. Maintained by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services of the Department of General Services and the Department of Forensic Science, which deal with scientific investigations relating to criminal activity or suspected criminal activity, except to the extent that §9.1-1104 may apply;
12. Maintained by the Department of Corrections or the Office of the State Inspector General that deal with investigations and intelligence gathering by persons acting under the provisions of Chapter 3.2 (§2.2-307 et seq.);
13. Maintained by (i) the Office of the State Inspector General or internal audit departments of state agencies or institutions that deal with communications and investigations relating to the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline or (ii) an auditor appointed by the local governing body of any county, city, or town or a school board that deals with local investigations required by §15.2-2511.2;
14. Maintained by the Department of Social Services or any local department of social services relating to public assistance fraud investigations;
15. Maintained by the Department of Social Services related to child welfare or public assistance programs when requests for personal information are made to the Department of Social Services. Requests for information from these systems shall be made to the appropriate local department of social services that is the custodian of that record. Notwithstanding the language in this section, an individual shall not be prohibited from obtaining information from the central registry in accordance with the provisions of § 63.2-1515; and
16. Maintained by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services related to adult services, adult protective services, or auxiliary grants when requests for personal information are made to the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Requests for information from these systems shall be made to the appropriate local department of social services that is the custodian of that record.
§2.2-4024. Hearing officers.
A. In all formal hearings conducted in accordance with § 2.2-4020, the hearing shall be presided over by a hearing officer selected from a list prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court and maintained in the Office of the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. Parties to informal fact-finding proceedings conducted pursuant to §2.2-4019 may agree at the outset of the proceeding to have a hearing officer preside at the proceeding, such agreement to be revoked only by mutual consent. The Executive Secretary may promulgate rules necessary for the administration of the hearing officer system and shall have the authority to establish the number of hearing officers necessary to preside over administrative hearings in the Commonwealth.
Prior to being included on the list, all hearing officers shall meet the following minimum standards:
1. Active membership in good standing in the Virginia State Bar;
2. Active practice of law for at least five years; and
3. Completion of a course of training approved by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court. In order to comply with the demonstrated requirements of the agency requesting a hearing officer, the Executive Secretary may require additional training before a hearing officer shall be assigned to a proceeding before that agency.
B. On request from the head of an agency, the Executive Secretary shall name a hearing officer from the list, selected on a rotation system administered by the Executive Secretary. Lists reflecting geographic preference and specialized training or knowledge shall be maintained by the Executive Secretary if an agency demonstrates the need.
C. A hearing officer appointed in accordance with this section shall be subject to disqualification as provided in §2.2-4024.1. If the hearing officer denies a petition for disqualification pursuant to § 2.2-4024.1, the petitioning party may request reconsideration of the denial by filing a written request with the Executive Secretary along with an affidavit, prior to the taking of evidence at a hearing, stating with particularity the grounds upon which it is claimed that a fair and impartial hearing cannot be accorded, or the applicable rule of practice requiring disqualification.
The issue shall be determined not less than 10 days prior to the hearing by the Executive Secretary.
D. Any hearing officer empowered by the agency to provide a recommendation or conclusion in a case decision matter shall render that recommendation or conclusion as follows:
1. If the agency's written regulations or procedures require the hearing officer to render a recommendation or conclusion within a specified time period, the hearing officer shall render the recommendation or conclusion on or before the expiration of the specified period; and
2. In all other cases, the hearing officer shall render the recommendation or conclusion within 90 days from the date of the case decision proceeding or from a later date agreed to by the named party and the agency.
If the hearing officer does not render a decision within the time required by this subsection, then the agency or the named party to the case decision may provide written notice to the hearing officer and the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court that a decision is due. If no decision is made within 30 days from receipt by the hearing officer of the notice, then the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court shall remove the hearing officer from the hearing officer list and report the hearing officer to the Virginia State Bar for possible disciplinary action, unless good cause is shown for the delay.
E. The Executive Secretary shall remove hearing officers from the list, upon a showing of cause after written notice and an opportunity for a hearing. When there is a failure by a hearing officer to render a decision as required by subsection D, the burden shall be on the hearing officer to show good cause for the delay. Decisions to remove a hearing officer may be reviewed by a request to the Executive Secretary for reconsideration, followed by judicial review in accordance with this chapter.
F. This section shall not apply to hearings conducted by (i) any commission or board where all of the members, or a quorum, are present; (ii) the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority, the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, the State Corporation Commission, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Department of Motor Vehicles under Title 46.2 (§46.2-100 et seq.), §58.1-2409, or Chapter 27 (§58.1-2700 et seq.) of Title 58.1, or the Motor Vehicle Dealer Board under Chapter 15 (§46.2-1500 et seq.) of Title 46.2; or (iii) any panel of a health regulatory board convened pursuant to §54.1-2400, including any panel having members of a relevant advisory board to the Board of Medicine. All employees hired after July 1, 1986, pursuant to §§65.2-201 and 65.2-203 by the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission to conduct hearings pursuant to its basic laws shall meet the minimum qualifications set forth in subsection A. Agency employees who are not licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth, and are presiding as hearing officers in proceedings pursuant to clause (ii) shall participate in periodic training courses.
G. Notwithstanding the exemptions of subsection A of § 2.2-4002, this article shall apply to hearing officers conducting hearings of the kind described in §2.2-4020 for the Department of Wildlife Resources, the Virginia Housing Development Authority, the Milk Commission, and the Virginia Resources Authority pursuant to their basic laws.
§2.2-4345. Exemptions from competitive sealed bidding and competitive negotiation for certain transactions; limitations.
A. The following public bodies may enter into contracts without competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation:
1. The Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services for special services provided for eligible recipients pursuant to subsection H of §32.1-325, provided that the Director has made a determination in advance after reasonable notice to the public and set forth in writing that competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation for such services is not fiscally advantageous to the public, or would constitute an imminent threat to the health or welfare of such recipients. The writing shall document the basis for this determination.
2. The State Health Commissioner for the compilation, storage, analysis, evaluation, and publication of certain data submitted by health care providers and for the development of a methodology to measure the efficiency and productivity of health care providers pursuant to Chapter 7.2 (§32.1-276.2 et seq.) of Title 32.1, if the Commissioner has made a determination in advance, after reasonable notice to the public and set forth in writing, that competitive sealed bidding or competitive negotiation for such services is not fiscally advantageous to the public. The writing shall document the basis for this determination. Such agreements and contracts shall be based on competitive principles.
3. The Virginia Code Commission when procuring the services of a publisher, pursuant to §§30-146 and 30-148, to publish the Code of Virginia or the Virginia Administrative Code.
4. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
5. The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, for the administration of elder rights programs, with (i) nonprofit Virginia corporations granted tax-exempt status under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code with statewide experience in Virginia in conducting a state long-term care ombudsman program or (ii) designated area agencies on aging.
6. The Department of Health for (a) (i)
child restraint devices, pursuant to §46.2-1097; (b) (ii)
health care services with Virginia corporations granted tax-exempt status under
§501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operating as clinics for the indigent
and uninsured that are organized for the delivery of primary health care
services in a community (i) (a) as
federally qualified health centers designated by the Health Care Financing
Administration or (ii) (b) at a
reduced or sliding fee scale or without charge; or (c) (iii)
contracts with laboratories providing cytology and related services if
competitive sealed bidding and competitive negotiations are not fiscally
advantageous to the public to provide quality control as prescribed in writing
by the Commissioner of Health.
7. Virginia Correctional Enterprises, when procuring materials, supplies, or services for use in and support of its production facilities, provided the procurement is accomplished using procedures that ensure as efficient use of funds as practicable and, at a minimum, includes obtaining telephone quotations. Such procedures shall require documentation of the basis for awarding contracts under this section.
8. The Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority for the operation of any facilities developed under the provisions of Chapter 58 (§15.2-5800 et seq.) of Title 15.2, including contracts or agreements with respect to the sale of food, beverages and souvenirs at such facilities.
9. With the consent of the Governor, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation for the promotion of tourism through marketing with private entities provided a demonstrable cost savings, as reviewed by the Secretary of Education, can be realized by the Foundation and such agreements or contracts are based on competitive principles.
10. The Chesapeake Hospital Authority in the exercise of any power conferred under Chapter 271, as amended, of the Acts of Assembly of 1966, provided that it does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, or disability in the procurement of goods and services.
11. Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital Authority, any authorities created under Chapter 53 (§15.2-5300 et seq.) of Title 15.2 and any hospital or health center commission created under Chapter 52 (§15.2-5200 et seq.) of Title 15.2 in the exercise of any power conferred under their respective authorizing legislation, provided that these entities shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, or disability in the procurement of goods and services.
12. The Patrick Hospital Authority sealed in the exercise of any power conferred under the Acts of Assembly of 2000, provided that it does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, or disability in the procurement of goods and services.
13. Public bodies for insurance or electric utility services if purchased through an association of which it is a member if the association was formed and is maintained for the purpose of promoting the interest and welfare of and developing close relationships with similar public bodies, provided such association has procured the insurance or electric utility services by use of competitive principles and provided that the public body has made a determination in advance after reasonable notice to the public and set forth in writing that competitive sealed bidding and competitive negotiation are not fiscally advantageous to the public. The writing shall document the basis for this determination.
14. Public bodies administering public assistance and social services programs as defined in §63.2-100, community services boards as defined in §37.2-100, or any public body purchasing services under the Children's Services Act (§2.2-5200 et seq.) or the Virginia Juvenile Community Crime Control Act (§16.1-309.2 et seq.) for goods or personal services for direct use by the recipients of such programs if the procurement is made for an individual recipient. Contracts for the bulk procurement of goods or services for the use of recipients shall not be exempted from the requirements of § 2.2-4303.
15. The Eastern Virginia Medical School in the exercise of any power conferred pursuant to Chapter 471, as amended, of the Acts of Assembly of 1964.
B. No contract for the construction of any building or for an addition to or improvement of an existing building by any local government or subdivision of local government for which state funds of not more than $50,000 in the aggregate or for the sum of all phases of a contract or project either by appropriation, grant-in-aid or loan, are used or are to be used for all or part of the cost of construction shall be let except after competitive sealed bidding or after competitive negotiation as provided under subsection D of §2.2-4303 or Chapter 43.1 (§2.2-4378 et seq.). The procedure for the advertising for bids or for proposals and for letting of the contract shall conform, mutatis mutandis, to this chapter.
§3.2-1010. Enforcement of chapter; summons.
Any conservation police officer or law-enforcement officer as defined in §9.1-101, excluding certain members of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority, may enforce the provisions of this chapter and the regulations adopted hereunder as well as those who are so designated by the Commissioner. Those designated by the Commissioner may issue a summons to any person who violates any provision of this chapter to appear at a time and place to be specified in such summons.
§3.2-3008. Virginia Spirits Board; purpose; composition and appointment of members; quorum; meeting.
A. The Virginia Spirits Board is established within the Department. The purpose of the Board is to foster the development of the Virginia spirits industry by expanding spirits research, increasing education, and promoting the production of ingredients necessary for alcohol distillation and the production of spirits in the Commonwealth.
B. The Board shall consist of 11 members as follows: the Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority, both of whom shall serve ex officio without voting privileges, or their designees, and nine voting nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, three of whom shall be coopers or maltsters and six of whom shall be owners or operators of a distillery in the Commonwealth. Nonlegislative citizen members shall be citizens of the Commonwealth. The Governor shall make his appointments upon consideration of the recommendations made by any cooper or maltster or any owner or operator of a distillery. Each entity or person shall submit two or more recommendations for each available position at least 90 days before the expiration of the member's term for which the recommendation is being provided. If such entities or persons fail to provide the nominations at least 90 days before the expiration date pursuant to this section, the Governor may appoint other nominees that meet the foregoing criteria.
C. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum, but a two-thirds vote of the members present shall be required for passage of items taken up by the Board. The Board shall meet at least four times each year. The meetings of the Board shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of the members so request.
§3.2-3906. Board to adopt regulations.
The Board may adopt regulations pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.), including:
1. Licensing of businesses that manufacture, sell, store, recommend for use, mix, or apply pesticides;
2. Registration of pesticides for manufacture, distribution, sale, storage, or use;
3. Requiring reporting and record keeping related to licensing and registration;
4. Establishing training, testing and standards for certification of commercial applicators, registered technicians, and private applicators;
5. Revoking, suspending or denying licenses (business), registration (products), and certification or certificate (applicators or technicians);
6. Requiring licensees and certificate holders to inform the public when using pesticides in and around structures;
7. Establishing a fee structure for licensure, registration and certification to defray the costs of implementing this chapter;
8. Classifying or subclassifying certification or certificates to be issued under this chapter. Such classifications may include agricultural, forest, ornamental, aquatic, right-of-way or industrial, institutional, structural or health-related pest control;
9. Restricting or prohibiting the sale or use and disposal of
any pesticide or pesticide container or residuals that: (i) undesirably
persists in the environment or increases due to biological amplification or
unreasonable adverse effects on the environment; or (ii) because of toxicity or
inordinate hazard to man, animal, bird or plant may be contrary to the public
interest; and
10. Establishing criteria for or a list of pesticides that may be used on cannabis cultivated in compliance with Chapter 6 (§4.1-600 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or Chapter 41.1 (§3.2-4112 et seq.) of Title 3.2; and
11. Other regulations necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
§3.2-4112. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Cannabis sativa product" means a product made from any part of the plant Cannabis sativa, including seeds thereof and any derivative, extract, cannabinoid, isomer, acid, salt, or salt of an isomer, whether growing or not, with a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol that is greater than that allowed by federal law.
"Deal" means to buy industrial hemp grown in compliance with state or federal law and to sell such industrial hemp to a person who (i) processes industrial hemp in compliance with state or federal law or (ii) sells industrial hemp to a person who processes industrial hemp in compliance with state or federal law.
"Dealer" means any person who is registered pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 to deal in industrial hemp. "Dealer" does not include (i) a grower, (ii) a processor, or (iii) any person who buys industrial hemp for personal use or retail sale in Virginia.
"Dealership" means the location at which a dealer stores or intends to store the industrial hemp in which he deals.
"Grow" means to plant, cultivate, or harvest a plant or crop.
"Grower" means any person registered pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 to grow industrial hemp.
"Hemp product" means any finished a
product that is otherwise lawful and that
contains industrial hemp, including rope, building materials, automobile
parts, animal bedding, animal feed, cosmetics, oil containing an industrial
hemp extract, or food or food additives for human consumption and
has completed all stages of processing needed for the product.
"Hemp product intended for smoking" means any hemp product intended to be consumed by inhalation.
"Hemp testing laboratory" means a laboratory licensed pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4117.1 to test hemp products or a marijuana testing facility as defined in §4.1-600.
"Industrial hemp" means any part of the plant
Cannabis sativa, including seeds thereof and any derivative,
extract, cannabinoid, isomer, acid, salt, or salt of an isomer,
whether growing or not, with a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol that is no
greater than that allowed by federal law. "Industrial
hemp" includes an industrial hemp extract that has not completed all
stages of processing needed to convert the extract into a hemp product.
"Process" means to convert industrial hemp into a hemp product.
"Processor" means a person registered pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 to process industrial hemp.
"Process site" means the location at which a processor processes or intends to process industrial hemp.
"Production field" means the land or area on which a grower is growing or intends to grow industrial hemp.
§3.2-4113. Production of industrial hemp lawful.
A. It is lawful for a grower or his agent to grow, a dealer or
his agent to deal in, or a processor or his agent to process industrial hemp in
the Commonwealth for any lawful purpose. No grower or his agent, dealer or his
agent, or processor or his agent shall be prosecuted under Article 6 (§4.1-644 et
seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 4.1 or § 18.2-247,
18.2-248, 18.2-248.01, 18.2-248.1, or
18.2-250, or 18.2-250.1 for the possession,
growing, dealing, or processing of industrial hemp. In any complaint,
information, or indictment, and in any action or proceeding brought for the
enforcement of any provision of Article 1 (§18.2-247 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of
Title 18.2 or the Drug Control Act (§54.1-3400 et seq.), it shall not be
necessary to negate any exception, excuse, proviso, or exemption contained in
this chapter or the Drug Control Act, and the burden of proof of any such exception,
excuse, proviso, or exemption shall be on the defendant.
B. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize any person to violate any federal law or regulation.
C. No person shall be prosecuted under Article 6 (§4.1-644 et
seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 4.1 or § 18.2-247,
18.2-248, 18.2-248.01, 18.2-248.1, or
18.2-250, or 18.2-250.1 for the involuntary
growth of industrial hemp through the inadvertent natural spread of seeds or
pollen as a result of proximity to a production field, dealership, or process
site.
§3.2-4114. Regulations.
A. The Board may adopt regulations pursuant to this chapter as necessary to register persons to grow, deal in, or process industrial hemp or implement the provisions of this chapter.
B. Upon publication by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Federal Register of any final rule regarding industrial hemp that materially expands opportunities for growing, producing, or dealing in industrial hemp in the Commonwealth, the Board shall immediately adopt amendments conforming Department regulations to such federal final rule. Such adoption of regulations by the Board shall be exempt from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.).
C. The Board shall adopt regulations (i) establishing acceptable testing practices for a hemp product intended for smoking, (ii) identifying the contaminants for which a hemp product intended for smoking shall be tested, and (iii) establishing the maximum level of allowable contamination for each contaminant.
D. The Board shall adopt regulations establishing (i) labeling and packaging requirements for a hemp product intended for smoking and a hemp product that is an industrial hemp extract intended for human consumption and (ii) advertising requirements for a hemp product intended for smoking and a hemp product that is an industrial hemp extract intended for human consumption.
E. With the exception of §2.2-4031, neither the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) nor public participation guidelines adopted pursuant thereto shall apply to the regulations adopted pursuant to subsections C or D. Prior to adopting any regulation pursuant to subsections C or D, the Board shall publish a notice of opportunity to comment in the Virginia Register of Regulations and post the action on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. Such notice of opportunity to comment shall contain (i) a summary of the proposed regulation; (ii) the text of the proposed regulation; and (iii) the name, address, and telephone number of the agency contact person responsible for receiving public comments. Such notice shall be made at least 60 days in advance of the last date prescribed in such notice for submittals of public comment. The legislative review provisions of subsections A and B of §2.2-4014 shall apply to the promulgation or final adoption process for regulations adopted pursuant to subsections C or D. The Board shall consider and keep on file all public comments received for any regulation adopted pursuant to subsections C or D.
§3.2-4114.2. Authority of Commissioner; notice to law enforcement; report.
A. The Commissioner may charge a nonrefundable fee not to exceed $50 for any application for registration or license or renewal of registration or license allowed under this chapter. The Commissioner may charge a nonrefundable fee for the tetrahydrocannabinol testing allowed under this chapter. All fees collected by the Commissioner shall be deposited in the state treasury.
B. The Commissioner shall notify the Superintendent of State
Police of the locations of all industrial hemp production fields, dealerships, and
process sites, and hemp testing laboratories.
C. The Commissioner shall forward a copy or appropriate electronic record of each registration or license issued by the Commissioner under this chapter to the chief law-enforcement officer of the county or city where industrial hemp will be grown, dealt, or processed or where a hemp testing laboratory will be located.
D. The Commissioner shall be responsible for monitoring the industrial hemp grown, dealt, or processed by a person registered pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 and shall provide for random testing of the industrial hemp, at the cost of the grower, dealer, or processor, for compliance with tetrahydrocannabinol limits and for other appropriate purposes established pursuant to §3.2-4114. In addition to any routine inspection and sampling, the Commissioner may inspect and sample the industrial hemp at any production field, dealership, or process site during normal business hours without advance notice if he has reason to believe a violation of this chapter is occurring or has occurred.
E. The Commissioner may require a grower, dealer, or processor to destroy, at the cost of the grower, dealer, or processor and in a manner approved of and verified by the Commissioner, any Cannabis sativa that the grower grows, in which the dealer deals, or that the processor processes that has been tested and is found to have a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol that is greater than that allowed by federal law, or any Cannabis sativa product that the processor produces.
F. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection E, if the provisions of subdivisions 1 and 2 are included in a plan that (i) is submitted by the Department pursuant to §10113 of the federal Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, P.L. 115-334, (ii) requires the Department to monitor and regulate the production of industrial hemp in the Commonwealth, and (iii) is approved by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture:
1. The Commissioner may require a grower, dealer, or processor to destroy, at the cost of the grower, dealer, or processor and in a manner approved of and verified by the Commissioner, any Cannabis sativa that the grower grows, in which the dealer deals, or that the processor processes that has been tested and is found to have a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol that is greater than 0.6 percent.
2. If such a test of Cannabis sativa indicates a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol that is greater than 0.6 percent but less than one percent, the Commissioner shall allow the grower, dealer, or processor to request that the Cannabis sativa be sampled and tested again before he requires its destruction.
G. The Commissioner shall advise the Attorney General of the United States and the Superintendent of State Police or the chief law-enforcement officer of the appropriate county or city when, with a culpable mental state greater than negligence, a grower grows, a dealer deals in, or a processor processes any Cannabis sativa with a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol that is greater than that allowed by federal law or a processor produces a Cannabis sativa product.
H. The Commissioner may pursue any permits or waivers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or appropriate federal agency that he determines to be necessary for the advancement of the industrial hemp industry.
I. The Commissioner may establish a corrective action plan to address a negligent violation of any provision of this chapter.
§3.2-4116. Registration conditions.
A. A person shall obtain a registration pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 prior to growing, dealing in, or processing any industrial hemp in the Commonwealth.
B. A person issued a registration pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 shall:
1. Maintain records that reflect compliance with this chapter and with all other state or federal laws regulating the growing, dealing in, or processing of industrial hemp;
2. Retain all industrial hemp growing, dealing, or processing records for at least three years;
3. Allow his production field, dealership, or process site to be inspected by and at the discretion of the Commissioner or his designee, the Department of State Police, or the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality in which the production field or dealership or process site exists;
4. Allow the Commissioner or his designee to monitor and test the grower's, dealer's, or processor's industrial hemp for compliance with tetrahydrocannabinol levels and for other appropriate purposes established pursuant to §3.2-4114, at the cost of the grower, dealer, or processor; and
5. If required by the Commissioner, destroy, at the cost of the grower, dealer, or processor and in a manner approved of and verified by the Commissioner, any Cannabis sativa that the grower grows, the dealer deals in, or the processor processes that has been tested and, following any re-sampling and retesting as authorized pursuant to the provisions of § 3.2-4114.2, is found to have a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol that is greater than that allowed by federal law, or any Cannabis sativa product that the processor produces.
C. A processor that processes a hemp product intended for smoking shall make available the results of the testing conducted in accordance with §3.2-4122 to each retail establishment that offers for sale the processor's hemp product intended for smoking.
§3.2-4117.1. Hemp testing laboratory license.
A. The Commissioner shall establish a licensure program to allow a laboratory to test industrial hemp or hemp products in the Commonwealth.
B. Any laboratory seeking to test industrial hemp or hemp products in the Commonwealth shall apply to the Commissioner for a license on a form provided by the Commissioner. At a minimum, the application shall include:
1. The name and address of the laboratory.
2. The address of each location at which the laboratory intends to test industrial hemp or hemp products.
3. The name of the person who will oversee and be responsible for the testing and documentation that such person has earned from a college or university accredited by a national or regional certifying authority at least (i) a master's degree in chemical or biological sciences and a minimum of two years of post-degree laboratory experience or (ii) a bachelor's degree in chemical or biological sciences and a minimum of four years of post-degree laboratory experience.
4. A signed statement that the applicant has no direct or indirect financial interest in a grower, processor, or dealer or in any other entity that may benefit from the production, manufacture, sale, purchase, or use of industrial hemp or a hemp product. Additionally, no person with a direct or indirect financial interest in the laboratory shall have a direct or indirect financial interest in a grower, processor, or dealer or in any other entity that may benefit from the production, manufacture, sale, purchase, or use of industrial hemp or a hemp product.
5. Documentation that the laboratory is accredited pursuant to standard ISO/IEC 17025 of the International Organization for Standardization by a third-party accrediting body.
6. Any other information required by the Commissioner.
7. The payment of a nonrefundable application fee.
C. Each license issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance and may be renewed in successive years. Each annual renewal shall require the payment of a license renewal fee.
D. Notwithstanding subsection B, a marijuana testing facility, as defined in §4.1-600, shall not be required to apply to the Commissioner for a license to test industrial hemp or hemp products in the Commonwealth.
§3.2-4117.2. Hemp testing laboratory license.
A. A laboratory shall obtain a license issued pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4117.1 prior to testing any industrial hemp or hemp product in the Commonwealth. However, a marijuana testing facility, as defined in §4.1-600, shall not be required to obtain a license issued pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4117.1 prior to testing industrial hemp or hemp products in the Commonwealth.
B. A laboratory issued a license pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4117.1 shall:
1. Maintain accreditation pursuant to standard ISO/IEC 17025 of the International Organization for Standardization by a third-party accrediting body.
2. Employ a person who will oversee and be responsible for testing hemp products and who has earned from a college or university accredited by a national or regional certifying authority at least (i) a master's degree in chemical or biological sciences and a minimum of two years of post-degree laboratory experience of (ii) a bachelor's degree in chemical or biological sciences and a minimum of four years of post-degree laboratory experience.
3. Allow the Commissioner or his designee to inspect each location at which the laboratory tests hemp products.
C. If the results of a test required by (i) §3.2-4122, (ii) regulations adopted pursuant to subsection C of §3.2-4114, or (iii) regulations adopted pursuant to §3.2-5145.4 indicate that the tested hemp product exceeds the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant for which testing is required, a hemp testing laboratory shall, within 30 days of completing the test, notify the Commissioner of the test results.
D. For each day any violation of this section occurs, the Commissioner may assess a penalty not to exceed (i) $100 for a first violation, (ii) $200 for a second violation, and (iii) $500 for a third or subsequent violation. All penalties collected by the Commissioner pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the state treasury.
§3.2-4122. Hemp products.
A. Any hemp product intended for smoking that is distributed, offered for sale, or sold in the Commonwealth shall be:
1. Tested in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to subsection C o §3.2-4114
2. Labeled and packaged in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to subsection D of §3.2-4114.
3. Advertised in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to subsection D of §3.2-4114.
B. Any hemp product that is or includes an industrial hemp extract intended for human consumption that is distributed, offered for sale, or sold in the Commonwealth shall be:
1. Labeled and packaged in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to subsection D of §3.2-4114.
2. Advertised in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to subsection D of §3.2-4114.
C. A processor shall destroy the batch of hemp product intended for smoking whose testing sample exceeds the maximum level of allowable contamination for each contaminant established in regulations adopted pursuant to subsection C of §3.2-4114, unless remedial measures can bring the hemp product intended for smoking into compliance with such regulation.
D. For any violation of subsection A or B by a processor or by a retail establishment, the Commissioner may assess a penalty not to exceed (i) $100 for a first violation, (ii) $200 for a second violation, and (iii) $500 for a third or subsequent violation. For any violation of subsection C by a processor, the Commissioner may assess a penalty not to exceed (a) $100 for a first violation, (b) $200 for a second violation, and (c) $500 for a third or subsequent violation. All penalties collected by the Commissioner pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in the state treasury.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, any hemp product intended for smoking that is produced prior to the initial effective date of the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection C or D of §3.2-4114 may be distributed, offered for sale, or sold. Any person who distributed, offers for sale, or sells a hemp product intended for smoking pursuant to this subsection shall provide to the Commissioner, upon request, documentation of the date on which the product was processed.
F. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B, any hemp product that is an industrial hemp extract that is intended for human consumption and that is produced prior to the initial effective date of the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection D of §3.2-4114 may be distributed, offered for sale, or sold. Any person who distributes, offers for sale, or sells a hemp product that is an industrial hemp extract intended for human consumption pursuant to this subsection shall provide to the Commissioner, upon request, documentation of the date on which the product was processed.
§3.2-5145.6. Definitions.
As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Edible marijuana product" means the same as that term is defined in §4.1-600.
"Food" means any article that is intended for human consumption and introduction into commerce, whether the article is simple, mixed, or compound, and all substances or ingredients used in the preparation thereof. "Food" does not mean drug as defined in § 54.1-3401.
§3.2-5145.7. Edible marijuana products; approved food; adulterated food.
A. An edible marijuana product is a food and is subject to the requirements of this chapter and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter.
B. An edible marijuana product that does not comply with the provisions of §4.1-690 or health and safety regulations adopted pursuant thereto shall be deemed to be adulterated.
§3.2-5145.8. Manufacturer of edible marijuana products.
A manufacturer of an edible marijuana product shall be an approved source if the manufacturer operates:
1. Under inspection by the Commissioner in the location in which such manufacturing occurs; and
2. In compliance with the laws, regulations, or criteria that pertain to the manufacturer of edible marijuana products in the location in which such manufacturing occurs.
§3.2-5145.9. Regulations.
A. The Board is authorized to adopt regulations for the efficient enforcement of this article.
B. With the exception of §2.2-4031, neither the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.) nor public participation guidelines adopted pursuant thereto shall apply to the adoption of any regulation pursuant to this section. Prior to adopting any regulation pursuant to this section, the Board shall publish a notice of opportunity to comment in the Virginia Register of Regulations and post the action on the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. Such notice of opportunity to comment shall contain (i) a summary of the proposed regulation; (ii) the text of the proposed regulation; and (iii) the name, address, and telephone number of the agency contact person responsible for receiving public comments. Such notice shall be made at least 60 days in advance of the last date prescribed in such notice for submittals of public comment. The legislative review provisions of subsections A and B of §2.2-4014 shall apply to the promulgation or final adoption process for regulations adopted pursuant to this section. The Board shall consider and keep on file all public comments received for any regulation adopted pursuant to this section.
§4.1-100. (Effective until July 1, 2021) Definitions.
As used in this title unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Alcohol" means the product known as ethyl or grain alcohol obtained by distillation of any fermented liquor, rectified either once or more often, whatever the origin, and shall include synthetic ethyl alcohol, but shall not include methyl alcohol and alcohol completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the government of the United States.
"Alcohol vaporizing device" means any device, machine, or process that mixes any alcoholic beverages with pure oxygen or other gas to produce a vaporized product for the purpose of consumption by inhalation.
"Alcoholic beverages" includes alcohol, spirits, wine, and beer, and any one or more of such varieties containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, including mixed alcoholic beverages, and every liquid or solid, powder or crystal, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer and capable of being consumed by a human being. Any liquid or solid containing more than one of the four varieties shall be considered as belonging to that variety which has the higher percentage of alcohol, however obtained, according to the order in which they are set forth in this definition; except that beer may be manufactured to include flavoring materials and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol, as long as no more than 49 percent of the overall alcohol content of the finished product is derived from the addition of flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol for products with an alcohol content of no more than six percent by volume; or, in the case of products with an alcohol content of more than six percent by volume, as long as no more than one and one-half percent of the volume of the finished product consists of alcohol derived from added flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol.
"Art instruction studio" means any commercial establishment that provides to its customers all required supplies and step-by-step instruction in creating a painting or other work of art during a studio instructional session.
"Arts venue" means a commercial or nonprofit establishment that is open to the public and in which works of art are sold or displayed.
"Authority" means the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority created pursuant to this title.
"Barrel" means any container or vessel having a capacity of more than 43 ounces.
"Bed and breakfast establishment" means any establishment (i) having no more than 15 bedrooms; (ii) offering to the public, for compensation, transitory lodging or sleeping accommodations; and (iii) offering at least one meal per day, which may but need not be breakfast, to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided. For purposes of the licensing requirements of this title, "bed and breakfast establishment" includes any property offered to the public for short-term rental, as that term is defined in §15.2-983, other than a hotel as defined in this section, regardless of whether a meal is offered to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided.
"Beer" means any alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of an infusion or decoction of barley, malt, and hops or of any similar products in drinkable water and containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume.
"Bespoke clothier establishment" means a permanent retail establishment that offers, by appointment only, custom made apparel and that offers a membership program to customers. Such establishment shall be a permanent structure where measurements and fittings are performed on-site but apparel is produced offsite and delivered directly to the customer. Such establishment shall have facilities to properly secure any stock of alcoholic beverages.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority.
"Bottle" means any vessel intended to contain liquids and having a capacity of not more than 43 ounces.
"Canal boat operator" means any nonprofit organization that operates tourism-oriented canal boats for recreational purposes on waterways declared nonnavigable by the United States Congress pursuant to 33 U.S.C. §59ii.
"Club" means any private nonprofit corporation or association which is the owner, lessee, or occupant of an establishment operated solely for a national, social, patriotic, political, athletic, or other like purpose, but not for pecuniary gain, the advantages of which belong to all of the members. It also means the establishment so operated. A corporation or association shall not lose its status as a club because of the conduct of charitable gaming conducted pursuant to Article 1.1:1 (§18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2 in which nonmembers participate frequently or in large numbers, provided that no alcoholic beverages are served or consumed in the room where such charitable gaming is being conducted while such gaming is being conducted and that no alcoholic beverages are made available upon the premises to any person who is neither a member nor a bona fide guest of a member.
Any such corporation or association which has been declared exempt from federal and state income taxes as one which is not organized and operated for pecuniary gain or profit shall be deemed a nonprofit corporation or association.
"Commercial lifestyle center" means a mixed-use commercial development covering a minimum of 10 acres of land and having at least 100,000 square feet of retail space featuring national specialty chain stores and a combination of dining, entertainment, office, residential, or hotel establishments located in a physically integrated outdoor setting that is pedestrian friendly and that is governed by a commercial owners' association that is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of the common areas thereof.
"Container" means any barrel, bottle, carton, keg, vessel or other receptacle used for holding alcoholic beverages.
"Contract winemaking facility" means the premises of a licensed winery or farm winery that obtains grapes, fruits, and other agricultural products from a person holding a farm winery license and crushes, processes, ferments, bottles, or provides any combination of such services pursuant to an agreement with the farm winery licensee. For all purposes of this title, wine produced by a contract winemaking facility for a farm winery shall be considered to be wine owned and produced by the farm winery that supplied the grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products used in the production of the wine. The contract winemaking facility shall have no right to sell the wine so produced, unless the terms of payment have not been fulfilled in accordance with the contract. The contract winemaking facility may charge the farm winery for its services.
"Convenience grocery store" means an establishment which (i) has an enclosed room in a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and (ii) maintains an inventory of edible items intended for human consumption consisting of a variety of such items of the types normally sold in grocery stores.
"Coworking establishment" means a facility that has at least 100 members, a majority of whom are 21 years of age or older, to whom it offers shared office space and related amenities, including desks, conference rooms, Internet access, printers, copiers, telephones, and fax machines.
"Culinary lodging resort" means a facility (i) having not less than 13 overnight guest rooms in a building that has at least 20,000 square feet of indoor floor space; (ii) located on a farm in the Commonwealth with at least 1,000 acres of land zoned agricultural; (iii) equipped with a full-service kitchen; and (iv) offering to the public, for compensation, at least one meal per day, lodging, and recreational and educational activities related to farming, livestock, and other rural activities.
"Day spa" means any commercial establishment that offers to the public both massage therapy, performed by persons licensed in accordance with §54.1-3029, and barbering or cosmetology services performed by persons licensed in accordance with Chapter 7 (§54.1-700 et seq.) of Title 54.1.
"Designated area" means a room or area approved by the Board for on-premises licensees.
"Dining area" means a public room or area in which meals are regularly served.
"Establishment" means, except for purposes of Chapter 6, any place where alcoholic beverages of one or more varieties are lawfully manufactured, sold, or used.
"Farm winery" means (i) an establishment (a) located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (b) located in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area or agreements for purchasing grapes or other fruits from agricultural growers within the Commonwealth, and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (ii) an accredited public or private institution of higher education, provided that (a) no wine manufactured by the institution shall be sold, (b) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be used solely for research and educational purposes, (c) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be stored on the premises of such farm winery that shall be separate and apart from all other facilities of the institution, and (d) such farm winery is operated in strict conformance with the requirements of this clause (ii) and Board regulations. As used in this definition, the terms "owner" and "lessee" shall include a cooperative formed by an association of individuals for the purpose of manufacturing wine. In the event that such cooperative is licensed as a farm winery, the term "farm" as used in this definition includes all of the land owned or leased by the individual members of the cooperative as long as such land is located in the Commonwealth. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" means (1) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (2) land otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery use. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in the definition of "land zoned agricultural" shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority.
"Gift shop" means any bona fide retail store selling, predominantly, gifts, books, souvenirs, specialty items relating to history, original and handmade arts and products, collectibles, crafts, and floral arrangements, which is open to the public on a regular basis. Such shop shall be a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and which has facilities to properly secure any stock of wine or beer. Such shop may be located (i) on the premises or grounds of a government registered national, state or local historic building or site or (ii) within the premises of a museum. The Board shall consider the purpose, characteristics, nature, and operation of the shop in determining whether it shall be considered a gift shop.
"Gourmet brewing shop" means an establishment which sells to persons to whom wine or beer may lawfully be sold, ingredients for making wine or brewing beer, including packaging, and rents to such persons facilities for manufacturing, fermenting and bottling such wine or beer.
"Gourmet shop" means an establishment provided with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, substantial amounts of domestic and imported wines and beers of various types and sizes and related products such as cheeses and gourmet foods are habitually furnished to persons.
"Government store" means a store established by the Authority for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
"Historic cinema house" means a nonprofit establishment exempt from taxation under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that was built prior to 1970 and that exists for the primary purpose of showing motion pictures to the public.
"Hotel" means any duly licensed establishment, provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, food and lodging are habitually furnished to persons, and which has four or more bedrooms. It shall also mean the person who operates such hotel.
"Interdicted person" means a person to whom the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by order pursuant to this title.
"Internet beer retailer" means a person who owns or operates an establishment with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, Internet or telephone orders are taken and shipped directly to consumers and which establishment is not a retail store open to the public.
"Internet wine retailer" means a person who owns or operates an establishment with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, internet or telephone orders are taken and shipped directly to consumers and which establishment is not a retail store open to the public.
"Intoxicated" means a condition in which a person has drunk enough alcoholic beverages to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance or behavior.
"Licensed" means the holding of a valid license granted by the Authority. For purposes of Chapter 6, "licensed" means the holding of a valid license granted by the Authority pursuant to that chapter.
"Licensee" means any person to whom a license has been granted by the Authority. For purposes of Chapter 6, "licensee" means any person to whom a license has been granted by the Authority pursuant to that chapter.
"Liqueur" means any of a class of highly flavored alcoholic beverages that do not exceed an alcohol content of 25 percent by volume.
"Low alcohol beverage cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, but not more than seven and one-half percent alcohol by volume, and consisting of spirits mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials; it may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, preservatives or other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Low alcohol beverage coolers shall be treated as wine for all purposes of this title, except that low alcohol beverage coolers may be manufactured by a licensed distiller or a distiller located outside the Commonwealth.
"Marijuana" means any part of a plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not, its seeds or resin; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds, its resin, or any extract containing one or more cannabinoids. "Marijuana" does not include the mature stalks of such plant, fiber produced from such stalk, or oil or cake made from the seed of such plant, unless such stalks, fiber, oil, or cake is combined with other parts of plants of the genus Cannabis. "Marijuana" does not include (i) industrial hemp, as defined in §3.2-4112, that is possessed by a person registered pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 or his agent or (ii) a hemp product, as defined in §3.2-4112, containing a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no greater than 0.3 percent that is derived from industrial hemp, as defined in § 3.2-4112, that is grown, dealt, or processed in compliance with state or federal law. "Marijuana" and "cannabis" are interchangeable and identical in meaning.
"Meal-assembly kitchen" means any commercial establishment that offers its customers, for off-premises consumption, ingredients for the preparation of meals and entrees in professional kitchen facilities located at the establishment.
"Meals" means, for a mixed beverage license, an assortment of foods commonly ordered in bona fide, full-service restaurants as principal meals of the day. Such restaurants shall include establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Member of a bespoke clothier establishment" means a person who maintains a membership in the bespoke clothier establishment for a period of not less than one month by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules of the bespoke clothier establishment. The minimum membership fee shall be not less than $25 for any term of membership.
"Member of a club" means (i) a person who maintains his membership in the club by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules and regulations thereof or (ii) a person who is a member of a bona fide auxiliary, local chapter, or squadron composed of direct lineal descendants of a bona fide member, whether alive or deceased, of a national or international organization to which an individual lodge holding a club license is an authorized member in the same locality. It shall also mean a lifetime member whose financial contribution is not less than 10 times the annual dues of resident members of the club, the full amount of such contribution being paid in advance in a lump sum.
"Member of a coworking establishment" means a person who maintains a membership in the coworking establishment for a period of not less than one month by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules of the coworking establishment. "Member of a coworking establishment" does not include an employee or any person with an ownership interest in the coworking establishment.
"Mixed beverage" or "mixed alcoholic beverage" means a drink composed in whole or in part of spirits.
"Mixer" means any prepackaged ingredients containing beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives which are not commonly consumed unless combined with alcoholic beverages, whether or not such ingredients contain alcohol. Such specialty beverage product shall be manufactured or distributed by a Virginia corporation.
"Municipal golf course" means any golf course that is owned by any town incorporated in 1849 and which is the county seat of Smyth County.
"Place or premises" means, except for purposes of Chapter 6, the real estate, together with any buildings or other improvements thereon, designated in the application for a license as the place at which the manufacture, bottling, distribution, use or sale of alcoholic beverages shall be performed, except that portion of any such building or other improvement actually and exclusively used as a private residence.
"Principal stockholder" means any person who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family members beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the equity ownership of any person that is a licensee of the Authority, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family members has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of any such equity ownership. "Principal stockholder" does not include a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a publicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the Authority.
"Public place" means any place, building, or conveyance to which the public has, or is permitted to have, access, including restaurants, soda fountains, hotel dining areas, lobbies and corridors of hotels, and any park, place of public resort or amusement, highway, street, lane, or sidewalk adjoining any highway, street, or lane.
"Public place" does not include (i) hotel or restaurant dining areas or ballrooms while in use for private meetings or private parties limited in attendance to members and guests of a particular group, association or organization; (ii) restaurants licensed by the Authority in office buildings or industrial or similar facilities while such restaurant is closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; (iii) offices, office buildings or industrial facilities while closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; or (iv) private recreational or chartered boats which are not licensed by the Board and on which alcoholic beverages are not sold.
"Residence" means any building or part of a building or structure where a person resides, but does not include any part of a building which is not actually and exclusively used as a private residence, nor any part of a hotel or club other than a private guest room thereof.
"Resort complex" means a facility (i) with a hotel owning year-round sports and recreational facilities located contiguously on the same property; (ii) owned by a nonstock, nonprofit, taxable corporation with voluntary membership which, as its primary function, makes available golf, ski, and other recreational facilities both to its members and the general public; or (iii) operated by a corporation that operates as a management company which, as its primary function, makes available (a) vacation accommodations, guest rooms, or dwelling units and (b) golf, ski, and other recreational facilities to members of the managed entities and the general public. The hotel or corporation shall have or manage a minimum of 140 private guest rooms or dwelling units contained on not less than 50 acres, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises; if the guest rooms or dwelling units are located on property that is not contiguous to the licensed premises, such guest rooms and dwelling units shall be located within the same locality. The Authority may consider the purpose, characteristics, and operation of the applicant establishment in determining whether it shall be considered as a resort complex. All other pertinent qualifications established by the Board for a hotel operation shall be observed by such licensee.
"Restaurant" means, for a beer, or wine and beer license or a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, any establishment provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, meals or other foods prepared on the premises are regularly sold.
"Restaurant" means, for a mixed beverage license other than a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, an established place of business (i) where meals with substantial entrees are regularly sold and (ii) which has adequate facilities and sufficient employees for cooking, preparing, and serving such meals for consumption at tables in dining areas on the premises, and includes establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Retail marijuana" means marijuana that is cultivated, manufactured, or sold by a licensed marijuana establishment.
"Retail marijuana products" means marijuana products that are manufactured and sold by a licensed marijuana establishment.
"Sale" and "sell" includes soliciting or receiving an order for; keeping, offering or exposing for sale; peddling, exchanging or bartering; or delivering otherwise than gratuitously, by any means, (i) alcoholic beverages or (ii) for purposes of Chapter 6, marijuana.
"Sangria" means a drink consisting of red or white wine mixed with some combination of sweeteners, fruit, fruit juice, soda, or soda water that may also be mixed with brandy, triple sec, or other similar spirits.
"Special agent" means an employee of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority whom the Board has designated as a law-enforcement officer pursuant to §4.1-105.
"Special event" means an event sponsored by a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association and conducted for an athletic, charitable, civic, educational, political, or religious purpose.
"Spirits" means any beverage that contains alcohol obtained by distillation mixed with drinkable water and other substances, in solution, and includes, among other things, brandy, rum, whiskey, and gin, or any one or more of the last four named ingredients, but shall not include any such liquors completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the United States government.
"Wine" means any alcoholic beverage, including cider, obtained by the fermentation of the natural sugar content of fruits or other agricultural products containing (i) sugar, including honey and milk, either with or without additional sugar; (ii) one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume; and (iii) no product of distillation. "Wine" includes any wine to which wine spirits have been added, as provided in the Internal Revenue Code, to make products commonly known as "fortified wine" which do not exceed an alcohol content of 21 percent by volume.
"Wine cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, and not more than three and two-tenths percent of alcohol by weight or four percent by volume consisting of wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives and shall include other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Wine coolers and similar fermented fruit juice beverages shall be treated as wine for all purposes except for taxation under §4.1-236.
"With or without meals" means the selling and serving of alcoholic beverages by retail licensees for on-premises consumption whether or not accompanied by food so long as the total food-beverage ratio required by §4.1-210, or the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulation, is met by such retail licensee.
§4.1-100. (Effective July 1, 2021) Definitions.
As used in this title unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Alcohol" means the product known as ethyl or grain alcohol obtained by distillation of any fermented liquor, rectified either once or more often, whatever the origin, and shall include synthetic ethyl alcohol, but shall not include methyl alcohol and alcohol completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the government of the United States.
"Alcohol vaporizing device" means any device, machine, or process that mixes any alcoholic beverages with pure oxygen or other gas to produce a vaporized product for the purpose of consumption by inhalation.
"Alcoholic beverages" includes alcohol, spirits, wine, and beer, and any one or more of such varieties containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, including mixed alcoholic beverages, and every liquid or solid, powder or crystal, patented or not, containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer and capable of being consumed by a human being. Any liquid or solid containing more than one of the four varieties shall be considered as belonging to that variety which has the higher percentage of alcohol, however obtained, according to the order in which they are set forth in this definition; except that beer may be manufactured to include flavoring materials and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol, as long as no more than 49 percent of the overall alcohol content of the finished product is derived from the addition of flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol for products with an alcohol content of no more than six percent by volume; or, in the case of products with an alcohol content of more than six percent by volume, as long as no more than one and one-half percent of the volume of the finished product consists of alcohol derived from added flavors and other nonbeverage ingredients containing alcohol.
"Arts venue" means a commercial or nonprofit establishment that is open to the public and in which works of art are sold or displayed.
"Authority" means the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority created pursuant to this title.
"Barrel" means any container or vessel having a capacity of more than 43 ounces.
"Bed and breakfast establishment" means any establishment (i) having no more than 15 bedrooms; (ii) offering to the public, for compensation, transitory lodging or sleeping accommodations; and (iii) offering at least one meal per day, which may but need not be breakfast, to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided. For purposes of the licensing requirements of this title, "bed and breakfast establishment" includes any property offered to the public for short-term rental, as that term is defined in §15.2-983, other than a hotel as defined in this section, regardless of whether a meal is offered to each person to whom overnight lodging is provided.
"Beer" means any alcoholic beverage obtained by the fermentation of an infusion or decoction of barley, malt, and hops or of any similar products in drinkable water and containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority.
"Bottle" means any vessel intended to contain liquids and having a capacity of not more than 43 ounces.
"Bus" means a motor vehicle that (i) is operated by a common carrier licensed under Chapter 20 (§46.2-2000 et seq.) of Title 46.2 to transport passengers for compensation over the highways of the Commonwealth on regular or irregular routes of not less than 100 miles, (ii) seats no more than 24 passengers, (iii) is 40 feet in length or longer, (iv) offers wireless Internet services, (v) is equipped with charging stations at every seat for cellular phones or other portable devices, and (vi) during the transportation of passengers, is staffed by an attendant who has satisfied all training requirements set forth in this title or Board regulation.
"Club" means any private nonprofit corporation or association which is the owner, lessee, or occupant of an establishment operated solely for a national, social, patriotic, political, athletic, or other like purpose, but not for pecuniary gain, the advantages of which belong to all of the members. It also means the establishment so operated. A corporation or association shall not lose its status as a club because of the conduct of charitable gaming conducted pursuant to Article 1.1:1 (§18.2-340.15 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2 in which nonmembers participate frequently or in large numbers, provided that no alcoholic beverages are served or consumed in the room where such charitable gaming is being conducted while such gaming is being conducted and that no alcoholic beverages are made available upon the premises to any person who is neither a member nor a bona fide guest of a member.
Any such corporation or association which has been declared exempt from federal and state income taxes as one which is not organized and operated for pecuniary gain or profit shall be deemed a nonprofit corporation or association.
"Commercial lifestyle center" means a mixed-use commercial development covering a minimum of 10 acres of land and having at least 100,000 square feet of retail space featuring national specialty chain stores and a combination of dining, entertainment, office, residential, or hotel establishments located in a physically integrated outdoor setting that is pedestrian friendly and that is governed by a commercial owners' association that is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of the common areas thereof.
"Container" means any barrel, bottle, carton, keg, vessel, or other receptacle used for holding alcoholic beverages.
"Contract winemaking facility" means the premises of a licensed winery or farm winery that obtains grapes, fruits, and other agricultural products from a person holding a farm winery license and crushes, processes, ferments, bottles, or provides any combination of such services pursuant to an agreement with the farm winery licensee. For all purposes of this title, wine produced by a contract winemaking facility for a farm winery shall be considered to be wine owned and produced by the farm winery that supplied the grapes, fruits, or other agricultural products used in the production of the wine. The contract winemaking facility shall have no right to sell the wine so produced, unless the terms of payment have not been fulfilled in accordance with the contract. The contract winemaking facility may charge the farm winery for its services.
"Convenience grocery store" means an establishment that (i) has an enclosed room in a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and (ii) maintains an inventory of edible items intended for human consumption consisting of a variety of such items of the types normally sold in grocery stores.
"Culinary lodging resort" means a facility (i) having not less than 13 overnight guest rooms in a building that has at least 20,000 square feet of indoor floor space; (ii) located on a farm in the Commonwealth with at least 1,000 acres of land zoned agricultural; (iii) equipped with a full-service kitchen; and (iv) offering to the public, for compensation, at least one meal per day, lodging, and recreational and educational activities related to farming, livestock, and other rural activities.
"Delicatessen" means an establishment that sells a variety of prepared foods or foods requiring little preparation, such as cheeses, salads, cooked meats, and related condiments.
"Designated area" means a room or area approved by the Board for on-premises licensees.
"Dining area" means a public room or area in which meals are regularly served.
"Drugstore" means an establishment that sells medicines prepared by a licensed pharmacist pursuant to a prescription and other medicines and items for home and general use.
"Establishment" means, except for purposes of Chapter 6, any place where alcoholic beverages of one or more varieties are lawfully manufactured, sold, or used.
"Farm winery" means (i) an establishment (a) located on a farm in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (b) located in the Commonwealth on land zoned agricultural with a producing vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area or agreements for purchasing grapes or other fruits from agricultural growers within the Commonwealth, and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21 percent alcohol by volume or (ii) an accredited public or private institution of higher education, provided that (a) no wine manufactured by the institution shall be sold, (b) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be used solely for research and educational purposes, (c) the wine manufactured by the institution shall be stored on the premises of such farm winery that shall be separate and apart from all other facilities of the institution, and (d) such farm winery is operated in strict conformance with the requirements of this clause (ii) and Board regulations. As used in this definition, the terms "owner" and "lessee" shall include a cooperative formed by an association of individuals for the purpose of manufacturing wine. In the event that such cooperative is licensed as a farm winery, the term "farm" as used in this definition includes all of the land owned or leased by the individual members of the cooperative as long as such land is located in the Commonwealth. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" means (1) land zoned as an agricultural district or classification or (2) land otherwise permitted by a locality for farm winery use. For purposes of this definition, "land zoned agricultural" does not include land zoned "residential conservation." Except for the limitation on land zoned "residential conservation," nothing in the definition of "land zoned agricultural" shall otherwise limit or affect local zoning authority.
"Gift shop" means any bona fide retail store selling, predominantly, gifts, books, souvenirs, specialty items relating to history, original and handmade arts and products, collectibles, crafts, and floral arrangements, which is open to the public on a regular basis. Such shop shall be a permanent structure where stock is displayed and offered for sale and which has facilities to properly secure any stock of wine or beer. Such shop may be located (i) on the premises or grounds of a government registered national, state or local historic building or site or (ii) within the premises of a museum. The Board shall consider the purpose, characteristics, nature, and operation of the shop in determining whether it shall be considered a gift shop.
"Gourmet brewing shop" means an establishment which sells to persons to whom wine or beer may lawfully be sold, ingredients for making wine or brewing beer, including packaging, and rents to such persons facilities for manufacturing, fermenting and bottling such wine or beer.
"Gourmet oyster house" means an establishment that (i) is located on the premises of a commercial marina, (ii) is permitted by the Department of Health to serve oysters and other fresh seafood for consumption on the premises, and (iii) offers to the public events for the purpose of featuring and educating the consuming public about local oysters and other seafood products.
"Gourmet shop" means an establishment provided with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, substantial amounts of domestic and imported wines and beers of various types and sizes and related products such as cheeses and gourmet foods are habitually furnished to persons.
"Government store" means a store established by the Authority for the sale of alcoholic beverages.
"Grocery store" means an establishment that sells food and other items intended for human consumption, including a variety of ingredients commonly used in the preparation of meals.
"Historic cinema house" means a nonprofit establishment exempt from taxation under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that was built prior to 1970 and that exists for the primary purpose of showing motion pictures to the public.
"Hotel" means any duly licensed establishment, provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, food and lodging are habitually furnished to persons, and which has four or more bedrooms. It shall also mean the person who operates such hotel.
"Interdicted person" means a person to whom the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by order pursuant to this title.
"Internet wine and beer retailer" means a person who owns or operates an establishment with adequate inventory, shelving, and storage facilities, where, in consideration of payment, Internet or telephone orders are taken and shipped directly to consumers and which establishment is not a retail store open to the public.
"Intoxicated" means a condition in which a person has drunk enough alcoholic beverages to observably affect his manner, disposition, speech, muscular movement, general appearance, or behavior.
"Licensed" means the holding of a valid license granted by the Authority. For purposes of Chapter 6, "licensed" means the holding of a valid license granted by the Authority pursuant to that chapter.
"Licensee" means any person to whom a license has been granted by the Authority. For purposes of Chapter 6, "licensee" means any person to whom a license has been granted by the Authority pursuant to that chapter.
"Liqueur" means any of a class of highly flavored alcoholic beverages that do not exceed an alcohol content of 25 percent by volume.
"Low alcohol beverage cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, but not more than seven and one-half percent alcohol by volume, and consisting of spirits mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials; it may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, preservatives or other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Low alcohol beverage coolers shall be treated as wine for all purposes of this title, except that low alcohol beverage coolers may be manufactured by a licensed distiller or a distiller located outside the Commonwealth.
"Marijuana" means any part of a plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not, its seeds or resin; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds, its resin, or any extract containing one or more cannabinoids. "Marijuana" does not include the mature stalks of such plant, fiber produced from such stalk, or oil or cake made from the seed of such plant, unless such stalks, fiber, oil, or cake is combined with other parts of plants of the genus Cannabis. "Marijuana" does not include (i) industrial hemp, as defined in §3.2-4112, that is possessed by a person registered pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 or his agent or (ii) a hemp product, as defined in §3.2-4112, containing a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no greater than 0.3 percent that is derived from industrial hemp, as defined in § 3.2-4112, that is grown, dealt, or processed in compliance with state or federal law. "Marijuana" and "cannabis" are interchangeable and identical in meaning.
"Marina store" means an establishment that is located on the same premises as a marina, is operated by the owner of such marina, and sells food and nautical and fishing supplies.
"Meals" means, for a mixed beverage license, an assortment of foods commonly ordered in bona fide, full-service restaurants as principal meals of the day. Such restaurants shall include establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Member of a club" means (i) a person who maintains his membership in the club by the payment of monthly, quarterly, or annual dues in the manner established by the rules and regulations thereof or (ii) a person who is a member of a bona fide auxiliary, local chapter, or squadron composed of direct lineal descendants of a bona fide member, whether alive or deceased, of a national or international organization to which an individual lodge holding a club license is an authorized member in the same locality. It shall also mean a lifetime member whose financial contribution is not less than 10 times the annual dues of resident members of the club, the full amount of such contribution being paid in advance in a lump sum.
"Mixed beverage" or "mixed alcoholic beverage" means a drink composed in whole or in part of spirits.
"Mixer" means any prepackaged ingredients containing beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives which are not commonly consumed unless combined with alcoholic beverages, whether or not such ingredients contain alcohol. Such specialty beverage product shall be manufactured or distributed by a Virginia corporation.
"Municipal golf course" means any golf course that is owned by any town incorporated in 1849 and which is the county seat of Smyth County.
"Place or premises" means, except for purposes of Chapter 6, the real estate, together with any buildings or other improvements thereon, designated in the application for a license as the place at which the manufacture, bottling, distribution, use or sale of alcoholic beverages shall be performed, except that portion of any such building or other improvement actually and exclusively used as a private residence.
"Principal stockholder" means any person who individually or in concert with his spouse and immediate family members beneficially owns or controls, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of the equity ownership of any person that is a licensee of the Authority, or who in concert with his spouse and immediate family members has the power to vote or cause the vote of five percent or more of any such equity ownership. "Principal stockholder" does not include a broker-dealer registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that holds in inventory shares for sale on the financial markets for a publicly traded corporation holding, directly or indirectly, a license from the Authority.
"Public place" means any place, building, or conveyance to which the public has, or is permitted to have, access, including restaurants, soda fountains, hotel dining areas, lobbies and corridors of hotels, and any park, place of public resort or amusement, highway, street, lane, or sidewalk adjoining any highway, street, or lane.
"Public place" does not include (i) hotel or restaurant dining areas or ballrooms while in use for private meetings or private parties limited in attendance to members and guests of a particular group, association or organization; (ii) restaurants licensed by the Authority in office buildings or industrial or similar facilities while such restaurant is closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; (iii) offices, office buildings or industrial facilities while closed to the public and in use for private meetings or parties limited in attendance to employees and nonpaying guests of the owner or a lessee of all or part of such building or facility; or (iv) private recreational or chartered boats which are not licensed by the Board and on which alcoholic beverages are not sold.
"Residence" means any building or part of a building or structure where a person resides, but does not include any part of a building that is not actually and exclusively used as a private residence, nor any part of a hotel or club other than a private guest room thereof.
"Resort complex" means a facility (i) with a hotel owning year-round sports and recreational facilities located contiguously on the same property; (ii) owned by a nonstock, nonprofit, taxable corporation with voluntary membership which, as its primary function, makes available golf, ski, and other recreational facilities both to its members and to the general public; or (iii) operated by a corporation that operates as a management company which, as its primary function, makes available (a) vacation accommodations, guest rooms, or dwelling units and (b) golf, ski, and other recreational facilities to members of the managed entities and the general public. The hotel or corporation shall have or manage a minimum of 140 private guest rooms or dwelling units contained on not less than 50 acres, whether or not contiguous to the licensed premises; if the guest rooms or dwelling units are located on property that is not contiguous to the licensed premises, such guest rooms and dwelling units shall be located within the same locality. The Authority may consider the purpose, characteristics, and operation of the applicant establishment in determining whether it shall be considered as a resort complex. All other pertinent qualifications established by the Board for a hotel operation shall be observed by such licensee.
"Restaurant" means, for a wine and beer license or a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, any establishment provided with special space and accommodation, where, in consideration of payment, meals or other foods prepared on the premises are regularly sold.
"Restaurant" means, for a mixed beverage license other than a limited mixed beverage restaurant license, an established place of business (i) where meals with substantial entrees are regularly sold and (ii) which has adequate facilities and sufficient employees for cooking, preparing, and serving such meals for consumption at tables in dining areas on the premises, and includes establishments specializing in full course meals with a single substantial entree.
"Retail marijuana" means marijuana that is cultivated, manufactured, or sold by a licensed marijuana establishment.
"Retail marijuana products" means marijuana products that are manufactured and sold by a licensed marijuana establishment.
"Sale" and "sell" includes soliciting or receiving an order for; keeping, offering or exposing for sale; peddling, exchanging or bartering; or delivering otherwise than gratuitously, by any means, (i) alcoholic beverages or (ii) for purposes of Chapter 6, marijuana.
"Sangria" means a drink consisting of red or white wine mixed with some combination of sweeteners, fruit, fruit juice, soda, or soda water that may also be mixed with brandy, triple sec, or other similar spirits.
"Special agent" means an employee of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority whom the Board has designated as a law-enforcement officer pursuant to §4.1-105.
"Special event" means an event sponsored by a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association and conducted for an athletic, charitable, civic, educational, political, or religious purpose.
"Spirits" means any beverage that contains alcohol obtained by distillation mixed with drinkable water and other substances, in solution, and includes, among other things, brandy, rum, whiskey, and gin, or any one or more of the last four named ingredients, but shall not include any such liquors completely denatured in accordance with formulas approved by the United States government.
"Wine" means any alcoholic beverage, including cider, obtained by the fermentation of the natural sugar content of fruits or other agricultural products containing (i) sugar, including honey and milk, either with or without additional sugar; (ii) one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume; and (iii) no product of distillation. "Wine" includes any wine to which wine spirits have been added, as provided in the Internal Revenue Code, to make products commonly known as "fortified wine" which do not exceed an alcohol content of 21 percent by volume.
"Wine cooler" means a drink containing one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, and not more than three and two-tenths percent of alcohol by weight or four percent by volume consisting of wine mixed with nonalcoholic beverages or flavoring or coloring materials, and which may also contain water, fruit juices, fruit adjuncts, sugar, carbon dioxide, or preservatives and shall include other similar products manufactured by fermenting fruit or fruit juices. Wine coolers and similar fermented fruit juice beverages shall be treated as wine for all purposes except for taxation under §4.1-236.
"With or without meals" means the selling and serving of alcoholic beverages by retail licensees for on-premises consumption whether or not accompanied by food so long as the total food-beverage ratio required by §4.1-206.3, or the monthly food sale requirement established by Board regulation, is met by such retail licensee.
§4.1-101. Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority created; public purpose.
A. The General Assembly has determined that there exists in the Commonwealth a need to control the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, and delivery of alcoholic beverages, retail marijuana, and retail marijuana products in the Commonwealth. Further, 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, and prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth. To achieve this objective, there is hereby created an independent political subdivision of the Commonwealth, exclusive of the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of state government, to be known as the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority. The Authority's exercise of powers and duties conferred by this title shall be deemed the performance of an essential governmental function and a matter of public necessity for which public moneys may be spent. The Board of Directors of the Authority is vested with control of the possession, sale, transportation, distribution, and delivery of alcoholic beverages, retail marijuana, and retail marijuana products in the Commonwealth, with plenary power to prescribe and enforce regulations and conditions under which alcoholic beverages, retail marijuana, and retail marijuana products are possessed, sold, transported, distributed, and delivered, so as to prevent any corrupt, incompetent, dishonest, or unprincipled practices and to promote the health, safety, welfare, convenience, and prosperity of the people of the Commonwealth. The exercise of the powers granted by this title shall be in all respects for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth and for the promotion of their safety, health, welfare, and convenience. No part of the assets or net earnings of the Authority shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, any private individual, except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the Authority affecting one or more of its purposes, and benefits may be conferred that are in conformity with said purposes, and no private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on dissolution of the Authority.
B. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority shall consist of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, and the agents and employees of the Authority. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority shall be deemed successor in interest to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
C. Nothing contained in this title shall be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any powers that the Board of Directors of the Authority might otherwise have under any other law of the Commonwealth.
§4.1-116. Disposition of moneys collected by Board; creation of Enterprise Fund; reserve fund.
A. All moneys collected by the Board shall be paid directly and promptly into the state treasury, or shall be deposited to the credit of the State Treasurer in a state depository, without any deductions on account of salaries, fees, costs, charges, expenses, refunds or claims of any description whatever, as required by §2.2-1802.
All moneys so paid into the state treasury, less the net profits determined pursuant to subsection C, shall be set aside as and constitute an Enterprise Fund, subject to appropriation, for the payment of (i) the salaries and remuneration of the members, agents, and employees of the Board and (ii) all costs and expenses incurred in establishing and maintaining government stores and in the administration of the provisions of this title, including the purchasing, building, leasing and operation of distilleries and the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.
B. The net profits derived under the provisions of this title
shall be transferred by the Comptroller to the general fund of the state
treasury quarterly, within fifty 50 days
after the close of each quarter or as otherwise provided in the appropriation
act. As allowed by the Governor, the Board may deduct from the net profits
quarterly a sum for the creation of a reserve fund not exceeding the sum of
$2.5 million in connection with the administration of this title and to provide
for the depreciation on the buildings, plants, and
equipment owned, held, or operated by the Board.
After accounting for the Authority's expenses as provided in subsection A, net
profits derived under the provisions of Chapter 6 (§4.1-600
et seq.) shall be appropriated as provided in §4.1-607.
C. The term "net profits"
as As used in this section, "net
profits" means the total of all moneys collected by the Board,
less local marijuana tax revenues collected under §4.1-637
and distributed pursuant to §4.1-607
and all costs, expenses, and
charges authorized by this section.
§4.1-121. Referendum on establishment of government stores.
A. The qualified voters of any county, city, or town having a population of 1,000 or more may file a petition with the circuit court of the county or city, or of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated, asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the jurisdiction on January 1 preceding its filing or by at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater. Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall order the election officials of the county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the order, to conduct a referendum on the question. The clerk of the circuit court shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or town once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum.
The question on the ballot shall be:
"Shall the sale by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority of alcoholic beverages, other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries, be prohibited in __________ (name of county, city, or town)?"
The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in §24.2-684. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the county, city, or town.
B. Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the
same question shall be held in the county, city, or town within four years of
the date of the prior referendum. However, a town shall not be
prescribed proscribed from holding a referendum
within such period although an election has been held in the county in which
the town or a part thereof is located less than four years prior thereto.
§4.1-124. (Effective until July 1, 2021) Referendum on the sale of mixed beverages.
A. The provisions of this title relating to the sale of mixed beverages shall be effective in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county unless a majority of the voters voting in a referendum vote "Yes" on the question of whether the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited. The qualified voters of a town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county may file a petition with the circuit court of the county asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed by the Board should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the town, county, or supervisor's election district on January 1 preceding its filing or at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater.
Petition requirements for any county shall be based on the number of registered voters in the county, including the number of registered voters in any town having a population in excess of 1,000 located within such county. Upon the filing of a petition, and under no other circumstances, the court shall order the election officials of the county to conduct a referendum on the question.
The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the town, county, or supervisor's election district once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum.
The question on the ballot shall be:
"Shall the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority be prohibited in __________ (name of town, county, or supervisor's election district of county)?"
The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in Article 5 (§24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the town or county. Mixed beverages prohibited from sale by such referendum shall not be sold by restaurants within the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county on or after 30 days following the entry of the order if a majority of the voters voting in the referendum have voted "Yes."
The provisions of this section shall be applicable to towns having a population in excess of 1,000 to the same extent and subject to the same conditions and limitations as are otherwise applicable to counties under this section. Such towns shall be treated as separate local option units, and only residents of any such town shall be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any such town. Residents of towns having a population in excess of 1,000, however, shall also be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any county in which the town is located.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants shall be prohibited in any town created as a result of a city-to-town reversion pursuant to Chapter 41 (§15.2-4100 et seq.) of Title 15.2 if a referendum on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited was previously held in the former city and a majority of the voters voting in such referendum voted "Yes."
B. Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county for a period of 23 months.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the sale of mixed beverages shall be allowed on property dedicated for industrial or commercial development and controlled through the provision of public utilities and covenanting of the land by any multijurisdictional industrial development authority, as set forth under Chapter 49 (§15.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 15.2, provided that (i) such authority operates under a partnership agreement between three or more counties, cities, or towns and such jurisdictions participate administratively and financially in the authority and (ii) the sale of mixed beverages is permitted in one of the member counties, cities, towns, or a supervisor's election district of one of the counties and that the governing board of the authority authorizes an establishment located within the confines of such property to apply to the Board for such license. The appropriate license fees shall be paid for this privilege.
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section and subsection C of §4.1-122, the sale of mixed beverages by licensees, and the sale of alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries by the Board, shall be allowed in any city in the Commonwealth.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the Board may grant a mixed beverage restaurant license to a restaurant located on the premises of and operated by a private club exclusively for its members and their guests, subject to the qualifications and restrictions on the issuance of such license imposed by §4.1-210. However, no license authorized by this subsection shall be granted if the private club restricts its membership on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin or sex.
§4.1-124. (Effective July 1, 2021) Referendum on the sale of mixed beverages.
A. The provisions of this title relating to the sale of mixed beverages shall be effective in any town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county unless a majority of the voters voting in a referendum vote "Yes" on the question of whether the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited. The qualified voters of a town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county may file a petition with the circuit court of the county asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed by the Board should be prohibited within that jurisdiction. The petition shall be signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the town, county, or supervisor's election district on January 1 preceding its filing or at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater.
Petition requirements for any county shall be based on the number of registered voters in the county, including the number of registered voters in any town having a population in excess of 1,000 located within such county. Upon the filing of a petition, and under no other circumstances, the court shall order the election officials of the county to conduct a referendum on the question.
The clerk of the circuit court of the county shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the town, county, or supervisor's election district once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum.
The question on the ballot shall be:
"Shall the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages by restaurants licensed by the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority be prohibited in __________ (name of town, county, or supervisor's election district of county)?"
The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in Article 5 (§24.2-681 et seq.) of Chapter 6 of Title 24.2. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the town or county. Mixed beverages prohibited from sale by such referendum shall not be sold by restaurants within the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county on or after 30 days following the entry of the order if a majority of the voters voting in the referendum have voted "Yes."
The provisions of this section shall be applicable to towns having a population in excess of 1,000 to the same extent and subject to the same conditions and limitations as are otherwise applicable to counties under this section. Such towns shall be treated as separate local option units, and only residents of any such town shall be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any such town. Residents of towns having a population in excess of 1,000, however, shall also be eligible to vote in any referendum held pursuant to this section for any county in which the town is located.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants shall be prohibited in any town created as a result of a city-to-town reversion pursuant to Chapter 41 (§15.2-4100 et seq.) of Title 15.2 if a referendum on the question of whether the sale of mixed beverages by restaurants licensed under this title should be prohibited was previously held in the former city and a majority of the voters voting in such referendum voted "Yes."
B. Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the town, county, or supervisor's election district of a county for a period of 23 months.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the sale of mixed beverages shall be allowed on property dedicated for industrial or commercial development and controlled through the provision of public utilities and covenanting of the land by any multijurisdictional industrial development authority, as set forth under Chapter 49 (§15.2-4900 et seq.) of Title 15.2, provided that (i) such authority operates under a partnership agreement between three or more counties, cities, or towns and such jurisdictions participate administratively and financially in the authority and (ii) the sale of mixed beverages is permitted in one of the member counties, cities, towns, or a supervisor's election district of one of the counties and that the governing board of the authority authorizes an establishment located within the confines of such property to apply to the Board for such license. The appropriate license fees shall be paid for this privilege.
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A of this section and subsection C of §4.1-122, the sale of mixed beverages by licensees, and the sale of alcoholic beverages other than beer and wine not produced by farm wineries by the Board, shall be allowed in any city in the Commonwealth.
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, the Board may grant a mixed beverage restaurant license to a restaurant located on the premises of and operated by a private club exclusively for its members and their guests, subject to the qualifications and restrictions on the issuance of such license imposed by §4.1-206.3. However, no license authorized by this subsection shall be granted if the private club restricts its membership on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, or sex.
§4.1-225. Grounds for which Board may suspend or revoke licenses.
The Board may suspend or revoke any license other than a brewery license, in which case the Board may impose penalties as provided in § 4.1-227, if it has reasonable cause to believe that:
1. The licensee, or if the licensee is a partnership, any general partner thereof, or if the licensee is an association, any member thereof, or a limited partner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the licensee is a corporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of its capital stock, or if the licensee is a limited liability company, any member-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company:
a. Has misrepresented a material fact in applying to the Board for such license;
b. Within the five years immediately preceding the date of the hearing held in accordance with §4.1-227, has (i) been convicted of a violation of any law, ordinance or regulation of the Commonwealth, of any county, city or town in the Commonwealth, of any state, or of the United States, applicable to the manufacture, transportation, possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages; (ii) violated any provision of Chapter 3 (§4.1-300 et seq.); (iii) committed a violation of the Wine Franchise Act (§4.1-400 et seq.) or the Beer Franchise Act (§4.1-500 et seq.) in bad faith; (iv) violated or failed or refused to comply with any regulation, rule or order of the Board; or (v) failed or refused to comply with any of the conditions or restrictions of the license granted by the Board;
c. Has been convicted in any court of a felony or of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude under the laws of any state, or of the United States;
d. Is not the legitimate owner of the business conducted under the license granted by the Board, or other persons have ownership interests in the business which have not been disclosed;
e. Cannot demonstrate financial responsibility sufficient to meet the requirements of the business conducted under the license granted by the Board;
f. Has been intoxicated or under the influence of some self-administered drug while upon the licensed premises;
g. Has maintained the licensed premises in an unsanitary condition, or allowed such premises to become a meeting place or rendezvous for members of a criminal street gang as defined in §18.2-46.1 or persons of ill repute, or has allowed any form of illegal gambling to take place upon such premises;
h. Knowingly employs in the business conducted under such license, as agent, servant, or employee, other than a busboy, cook or other kitchen help, any person who has been convicted in any court of a felony or of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude, or who has violated the laws of the Commonwealth, of any other state, or of the United States, applicable to the manufacture, transportation, possession, use or sale of alcoholic beverages;
i. Subsequent to the granting of his original license, has demonstrated by his police record a lack of respect for law and order;
j. Has allowed the consumption of alcoholic beverages upon the
licensed premises by any person whom he knew or had reason to believe was (i) less
younger than 21 years of age, (ii) interdicted, or (iii)
intoxicated, or has allowed any person whom he knew or had reason to believe
was intoxicated to loiter upon such licensed premises;
k. Has allowed any person to consume upon the licensed premises any alcoholic beverages except as provided under this title;
l. Is physically unable to carry on the business conducted under such license or has been adjudicated incapacitated;
m. Has allowed any obscene literature, pictures or materials upon the licensed premises;
n. Has possessed any illegal gambling apparatus, machine or device upon the licensed premises;
o. Has upon the licensed premises (i) illegally possessed, distributed, sold or used, or has knowingly allowed any employee or agent, or any other person, to illegally possess, distribute, sell or use marijuana, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, drug paraphernalia or controlled paraphernalia as those terms are defined in Articles 1 (§18.2-247 et seq.) and 1.1 (§18.2-265.1 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 and the Drug Control Act (§54.1-3400 et seq.); (ii) laundered money in violation of §18.2-246.3; or (iii) conspired to commit any drug-related offense in violation of Article 1 or 1.1 of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 or the Drug Control Act. The provisions of this subdivision shall also apply to any conduct related to the operation of the licensed business that facilitates the commission of any of the offenses set forth herein;
p. Has failed to take reasonable measures to prevent (i) the
licensed premises, (ii) any premises immediately adjacent to the licensed
premises that are is owned
or leased by the licensee, or (iii) any portion of public property immediately
adjacent to the licensed premises from becoming a place where patrons of the
establishment commit criminal violations of Article 1 (§18.2-30 et seq.), 2 (§
18.2-38 et seq.), 2.1 (§18.2-46.1 et seq.), 2.2 (§18.2-46.4 et seq.), 3 (§18.2-47
et seq.), 4 (§18.2-51 et seq.), 5 (§18.2-58 et seq.), 6 (§18.2-59 et seq.),
or 7 (§18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2; Article 2 (§18.2-266 et
seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2; Article 3 (§18.2-346 et seq.) or 5 (§
18.2-372 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2; or Article 1 (§18.2-404 et
seq.), 2 (§18.2-415), or 3 (§18.2-416 et seq.) of Chapter 9 of Title 18.2 and
such violations lead to arrests that are so frequent and serious as to
reasonably be deemed a continuing threat to the public safety; or
q. Has failed to take reasonable measures to prevent an act of violence resulting in death or serious bodily injury, or a recurrence of such acts, from occurring on (i) the licensed premises, (ii) any premises immediately adjacent to the licensed premises that is owned or leased by the licensee, or (iii) any portion of public property immediately adjacent to the licensed premises.
2. The place occupied by the licensee:
a. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county, city or town in which such establishment is located, with respect to sanitation, health, construction or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the laws of the Commonwealth or by Board regulations;
b. Has been adjudicated a common nuisance under the provisions of this title or §18.2-258; or
c. Has become a meeting place or rendezvous for illegal gambling, illegal users of narcotics, drunks, prostitutes, pimps, panderers or habitual law violators or has become a place where illegal drugs are regularly used or distributed. The Board may consider the general reputation in the community of such establishment in addition to any other competent evidence in making such determination.
3. The licensee or any employee of the licensee discriminated against any member of the armed forces of the United States by prices charged or otherwise.
4. The licensee, his employees, or any entertainer performing on the licensed premises has been convicted of a violation of a local public nudity ordinance for conduct occurring on the licensed premises and the licensee allowed such conduct to occur.
5. Any cause exists for which the Board would have been entitled to refuse to grant such license had the facts been known.
6. The licensee is delinquent for a period of 90 days or more in the payment of any taxes, or any penalties or interest related thereto, lawfully imposed by the locality where the licensed business is located, as certified by the treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, or finance director of such locality, unless (i) the outstanding amount is de minimis; (ii) the licensee has pending a bona fide application for correction or appeal with respect to such taxes, penalties, or interest; or (iii) the licensee has entered into a payment plan approved by the same locality to settle the outstanding liability.
7. Any other cause authorized by this title.
§4.1-600. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Advertisement" or "advertising" means any written or verbal statement, illustration, or depiction that is calculated to induce sales of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products, including any written, printed, graphic, or other material, billboard, sign, or other outdoor display, publication, or radio or television broadcast.
"Advisory Board" means the Cannabis Control Advisory Board established in § 4.1-601.
"Board" means the Board of Directors of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority.
"Child-resistant" means, with respect to packaging or a container, (i) specially designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for a typical child under five years of age to open and not to be significantly difficult for a typical adult to open and reseal and (ii) for any product intended for more than a single use or that contains multiple servings, resealable.
"Cultivation" or "cultivate" means the planting, propagation, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, trimming, or other similar processing of marijuana for use or sale. "Cultivation" or "cultivate" does not include manufacturing or testing.
"Edible marijuana product" means a marijuana product intended to be consumed orally, including marijuana intended to be consumed orally or marijuana concentrate intended to be consumed orally.
"Immature plant" means a nonflowering marijuana plant that is no taller than eight inches and no wider than eight inches, is produced from a cutting, clipping, or seedling, and is growing in a container.
"Licensed" means the holding of a valid license granted by the Authority pursuant to this chapter.
"Licensee" means any person to whom a license has been granted by the Authority pursuant to this chapter.
"Manufacturing" or "manufacture" means the production of marijuana products or the blending, infusing, compounding, or other preparation of marijuana and marijuana products, including marijuana extraction or preparation by means of chemical synthesis. "Manufacturing" or "manufacture" does not include cultivation or testing.
"Marijuana" means any part of a plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not, its seeds or resin; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of such plant, its seeds, its resin, or any extract containing one or more cannabinoids. "Marijuana" does not include the mature stalks of such plant, fiber produced from such stalk, or oil or cake made from the seed of such plant, unless such stalks, fiber, oil, or cake is combined with other parts of plants of the genus Cannabis. "Marijuana" does not include (i) industrial hemp, as defined in §3.2-4112, that is possessed by a person registered pursuant to subsection A of §3.2-4115 or his agent or (ii) a hemp product, as defined in §3.2-4112, containing a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no greater than 0.3 percent that is derived from industrial hemp, as defined in § 3.2-4112, that is grown, dealt, or processed in compliance with state or federal law.
"Marijuana concentrate" means marijuana that has undergone a process to concentrate one or more active cannabinoids, thereby increasing the product's potency. Resin from granular trichomes from a marijuana plant is a concentrate for purposes of this chapter.
"Marijuana cultivation facility" means a facility licensed under this title to purchase marijuana plants and seeds from other marijuana cultivation facilities; to cultivate, label, and package retail marijuana; to transfer possession of and sell retail marijuana to marijuana manufacturing facilities, to marijuana wholesalers, and to other marijuana cultivation facilities; and to sell marijuana plants and seeds to other marijuana cultivation facilities.
"Marijuana establishment" means a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana testing facility, a marijuana manufacturing facility, a marijuana wholesaler, or a retail marijuana store.
"Marijuana manufacturing facility" means a facility licensed under this title to purchase retail marijuana from a marijuana cultivation facility or another marijuana manufacturing facility; to manufacture, label, and package retail marijuana and retail marijuana products; to transfer possession of and sell retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to marijuana wholesalers, retail marijuana stores, and other marijuana manufacturing facilities.
"Marijuana paraphernalia" means all equipment, products, and materials of any kind that are either designed for use or are intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, strength testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body marijuana.
"Marijuana products" means products that are composed of marijuana and other ingredients and are intended for use or consumption, ointments, and tinctures.
"Marijuana testing facility" means a facility licensed under this title to develop, research, or test marijuana, marijuana products, and other substances.
"Marijuana wholesaler" means a facility licensed under this title to purchase retail marijuana and retail marijuana products from a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana manufacturing facility, or another marijuana wholesaler; to transfer possession and sell or resell retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to a marijuana manufacturing facility, retail marijuana store, or another marijuana wholesaler.
"Non-retail marijuana" means marijuana that is not cultivated, manufactured, or sold by a licensed marijuana establishment.
"Non-retail marijuana products" means marijuana products that are not manufactured and sold by a licensed marijuana establishment.
"Place or premises" means the real estate, together with any buildings or other improvements thereon, designated in the application for a license as the place at which the cultivation, manufacture, sale, or testing of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products shall be performed, except that portion of any such building or other improvement actually and exclusively used as a private residence.
"Retail marijuana" means the same as that term is defined in §4.1-100.
"Retail marijuana products" means the same as that term is defined in §4.1-100.
"Retail marijuana store" means a facility licensed under this title to purchase marijuana; to purchase retail marijuana and retail marijuana products from a marijuana manufacturing facility or marijuana wholesaler; to receive possession of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products from a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana wholesaler, or a marijuana manufacturing facility; and to sell retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to consumers.
"Testing" or "test" means the research and analysis of marijuana, marijuana products, or other substances for contaminants, safety, or potency. "Testing" or "test" does not include cultivation or manufacturing.
§4.1-601. Cannabis Control Advisory Board.
A. The Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, in consultation with the Board, shall establish a Cannabis Control Advisory Board to assist the Authority in the development and operation of the statutory and regulatory programs governing the sale and use of cannabis. The Advisory Board shall consist of seven nonlegislative citizen members, to be appointed by the Governor, and one ex officio member. Members shall be representative of the various segments of the cannabis industry, and at least one shall be a medical professional as defined in §38.2-602 with experience in appropriate public health duties, and at least one shall be a member of a historically disadvantaged community. Each member shall (i) 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 and (ii) possess demonstrated experience or expertise in the regulation, manufacture, cultivation, or health effects of cannabis. Members shall be subject to a background check in accordance with §4.1-101.03. The Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion shall serve ex officio without voting privileges.
B. After the initial staggering of terms, nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for a term of four years. The ex officio member shall serve a term coincident with his term in office. All members shall serve until their successors are appointed. Any appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. No member 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 of the Advisory Board may be removed from office by the Advisory Board for cause, including the improper use of its police powers, malfeasance, misfeasance, incompetence, misconduct, neglect of duty, absenteeism, conflict of interests, failure to carry out the policies of the Commonwealth as established in the Constitution or by the General Assembly, or refusal to carry out a lawful directive of the Governor.
C. The Governor shall appoint the chairman and vice-chairman of the Advisory Board from among the membership of the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board may also form committees and advisory councils, which may include representatives who are not members of the Advisory Board, to undertake more extensive study and discussion of the issues before the Advisory Board. A majority of the Advisory Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and no vacancy in the membership shall impair the right of a quorum to exercise the rights and perform all duties of the Advisory Board.
D. Members of the Advisory Board 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.
E. The provisions of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act (§2.2-3100 et seq.) shall apply to the members of the Advisory Board.
§4.1-601.1. Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council; purpose; membership; quorum; meetings; compensation and expenses; duties.
A. The Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council (the Advisory Council) is established as an advisory council within the Advisory Board. The purpose of the Advisory Council is to assess and monitor public health issues, trends, and impacts related to marijuana and marijuana legalization, and make recommendations regarding health warnings, retail marijuana and retail marijuana products safety and product composition, and public health awareness, programming, and related resource needs.
B. The Advisory Council shall have a total membership of 21 members that shall consist of 14 non-legislative citizen members and seven ex officio members. Non-legislative citizen members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Non-legislative citizen members of the Council shall be citizens of the Commonwealth and shall include (i) five representatives from (a) the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth, (b) the Virginia Chapter of the American Association of Pediatricians, (c) the Medical Society of Virginia, (d) the Virginia Pharmacist Association, and (e) a community services board; (ii) one person or provider with expertise in substance use disorder treatment and recovery; (iii) one person or provider with expertise in substance use disorder prevention; (iv) two persons with experience in (a) disability rights advocacy and (b) veteran's healthcare; (v) one person with a social or health equity background; (vi) one representative of a local health district; (vii) one person who is part of the cannabis industry; (viii) one academic researcher knowledgeable about cannabis; and (ix) one registered medical cannabis patient.
The Secretary of Health and Human Resources; the Commissioners of the Department of Health, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; the Directors of the Department of Health Professions and the Department of Forensic Science; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority; or their designees shall serve ex officio with voting privileges. Ex officio members of the Council shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office.
After the initial staggering of terms, non-legislative 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 Advisory Council shall be chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Resources or his or her designee. The Advisory Council shall select a vice-chair from among its membership. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The Advisory Council shall meet at least two times each year, and shall meet at the call of the chair or whenever the majority of the members so request.
The Advisory Council shall have the authority to create subgroups with additional stakeholders, experts, and state agency representatives.
C. 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.
D. The Advisory Council shall have the following duties, in addition to duties that may be necessary to fulfill its purpose described in subsection A:
1. To review multiagency efforts to support collaboration and a unified approach on public health responses related to marijuana and marijuana legalization in the Commonwealth and to develop recommendations as necessary.
2. To monitor changes in drug use data related to marijuana and marijuana legalization in the Commonwealth and the science and medical information relevant to the potential health risks associated with such drug use, and make appropriate recommendations to the Department of Health and the Advisory Board.
3. 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.
§4.1-602. Powers and duties of the Board.
In addition to the powers set forth in §4.1-103, the Board shall have the following powers and duties:
1. Promulgate regulations in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.) and §4.1-603;
2. Control the possession, sale, transportation, and delivery of marijuana and marijuana products;
3. Grant, suspend, and revoke licenses for the cultivation, manufacture, transportation, sale, and testing of marijuana and marijuana products as provided by law;
4. Determine the nature, form, and capacity of all containers used for holding marijuana products to be kept or sold and prescribe the form and content of all labels and seals to be placed thereon;
5. Maintain actions to enjoin common nuisances as defined in §4.1-658;
6. Establish standards for and implement an online course for employees of retail marijuana stores that trains employees on how to educate consumers on the potential risks of marijuana use;
7. Establish a plan to develop and disseminate to retail marijuana store licensees a pamphlet or similar document regarding the potential risks of marijuana use to be prominently displayed and made available to consumers;
8. Establish a position for a Cannabis Social Equity Liaison who shall lead the Cannabis Business Equity and Diversity Support Team and liaise with the Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion standards in the marijuana industry;
9. Establish a Cannabis Business Equity and Diversity Support Team, which shall (i) develop requirements for the creation and submission of diversity, equity, and inclusion plans by persons who wish to possess more than one license, and an approval process for and requirements for implementation of such plans; (ii) be responsible for conducting an analysis of potential barriers to entry for small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses interested in participating in the marijuana industry and recommending strategies to effectively mitigate such potential barriers; (iii) provide assistance with business planning for potential marijuana establishment licensees; (iv) spread awareness of business opportunities related to the marijuana marketplace in areas disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement; (v) provide technical assistance in navigating the administrative process to potential marijuana establishment licensees; and (vi) conduct other outreach initiatives in areas disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement as necessary;
10. Establish a position for an individual with professional experience in a health related field who shall staff the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, established pursuant to §4.1-601.1, liaise with the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources and relevant health and human services agencies and organizations, and perform other duties as needed.
11. Establish and implement a plan, in coordination with the Cannabis Social Equity Liaison and the Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to promote and encourage participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities; and
12. Do all acts necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
§4.1-603. Regulations of the Board.
A. The Board may promulgate reasonable regulations, not inconsistent with this title or the general laws of the Commonwealth, that it deems necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter and to prevent the illegal cultivation, manufacture, sale, and testing of marijuana and marijuana products. The Board may amend or repeal such regulations. Such regulations shall be promulgated, amended, or repealed in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.) and shall have the effect of law.
B. The Board shall promulgate regulations that:
1. Govern the outdoor cultivation of marijuana by a marijuana cultivation facility licensee, including security requirements to include lighting, physical security, and alarm requirements, provided that such requirements do not prohibit the cultivation of marijuana outdoors or in a greenhouse;
2. Establish requirements for securely transporting marijuana between marijuana establishments;
3. Establish sanitary standards for retail marijuana product preparation;
4. Establish a testing program for retail marijuana and retail marijuana products pursuant to Article 9 (§4.1-687 et seq.);
5. Establish an application process for licensure as a marijuana establishment pursuant to this title in a way that, when possible, prevents disparate impacts on historically disadvantaged communities;
6. Establish requirements for health and safety warning labels to be placed on retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;
7. Establish a maximum tetrahydrocannabinol level for retail marijuana products, which shall not exceed (i) five milligrams per serving for edible marijuana products and where practicable an equivalent amount for other marijuana products, (ii) 50 milligrams per package for edible marijuana products and where practicable an equivalent amount for other marijuana products. Such regulations may include other product and dispensing limitations on tetrahydrocannabinol;
8. Establish requirements for the form, content, and retention of all records and accounts by all licensees;
9. Provide alternative methods for licensees to maintain and store business records that are subject to Board inspection, including methods for Board-approved electronic and offsite storage;
10. Establish (i) criteria by which to evaluate new licensees based on the density of retail marijuana stores in the community and (ii) metrics that have similarly shown an association with negative community-level health outcomes or health disparities. In promulgating such regulations, the Board shall coordinate with the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council established pursuant to §4.1-601.1;
11. Require retail licensees to file an appeal from any hearing decision rendered by a hearing officer within 30 days of the date the notice of the decision is sent. The notice shall be sent to the licensee at the address on record with the Board by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by regular mail;
12. Prescribe the schedule of proration for refunded license fees to licensees who qualify pursuant to subsection C of §4.1-636;
13. Establish reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on outdoor advertising of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, so that such advertising does not encourage or otherwise promote the consumption of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products by persons to whom retail marijuana or retail marijuana products may not be lawfully sold. Such regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with §4.1-691;
14. Establish criteria by which to evaluate social equity license applicants, which shall be an applicant who has lived for at least 12 months in the Commonwealth and is either (i) an applicant with at least 51 percent ownership by a person or persons who has been arrested for, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any marijuana offenses that are eligible for expungement pursuant to § 19.2-392.2 or 19.2-392.2:1; (ii) an applicant with at least 51 percent ownership by a person or persons who is the parent, child, sibling, or spouse of a person who has been arrested for, convicted of, or adjudicated delinquent for any marijuana offenses that are eligible for expungement under §19.2-392.2 or 19.2-392.2:1; (iii) an applicant with at least 51 percent ownership by a person or persons who have resided for at least three of the past five years in a jurisdiction that is determined by the Board to have been disproportionately policed for marijuana crimes; (iv) an applicant with at least 51 percent ownership by a person or persons who has resided for at least three of the last five years in a jurisdiction determined by the Board as economically distressed; or (v) for applicants with a minimum of 10 full-time employees, an applicant with at least 51 percent of current employees who meet the qualifications in clauses (i), (ii), or (iii);
15. For the purposes of establishing criteria by which to evaluate social equity license applicants, establish standards by which to determine (i) which jurisdictions have been disproportionately policed for marijuana crimes and (ii) which jurisdictions are economically distressed; and
16. Establish standards and requirements for (i) any preference in the licensing process for qualified social equity applicants, (ii) what percentage of application or license fees are waived for a qualified social equity applicant, and (iii) a low-interest business loan program for qualified social equity applicants.
C. The Board may promulgate regulations that:
1. Limit the number of licenses issued by type or class to operate a marijuana establishment; however, the Board shall not limit the number of Class D marijuana cultivation facility licenses issued.
2. Provide for the issuance of additional classes of state license to a marijuana establishment.
3. Prescribe any requirements deemed appropriate for the administration of taxes under §§4.1-637 and 4.1-638, including method of filing a return, information required on a return, and form of payment.
D. Board regulations shall be uniform in their application, except those relating to hours of sale for licensees.
E. Courts shall take judicial notice of Board regulations.
F. The Board's power to regulate shall be broadly construed.
§4.1-604. Seed-to-sale tracking system.
To ensure that no retail marijuana or retail marijuana products grown or processed by a marijuana establishment are sold or otherwise transferred except as authorized by law, the Board shall develop and maintain a seed-to-sale tracking system that tracks retail marijuana from either the seed or immature plant stage until the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product is sold to a customer at a retail marijuana store.
§4.1-605. Reports and accounting systems of Board; auditing books and records.
The Board shall make reports to the Governor as he may require covering the administration and enforcement of this chapter. Additionally, the Board shall submit an annual report to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Advisory Board on or before December 15 each year, which shall contain:
1. The number of state licenses of each category issued pursuant to this chapter;
2. Demographic information concerning the licensees;
3. A description of enforcement and disciplinary actions taken against licensees;
4. A statement of revenues and expenses related to the implementation, administration, and enforcement of this chapter;
5. General information and remarks about the working of the cannabis control laws within the Commonwealth;
6. A description of the efforts undertaken by the Board to promote diverse business ownership within the cannabis industry; and
7. Any other information requested by the Governor.
§4.1-606. Certain information not to be made public.
Neither the Board nor its employees shall divulge any information regarding (i) financial reports or records required pursuant to this chapter; (ii) the purchase orders and invoices for retail marijuana or retail marijuana products filed with the Board by marijuana wholesaler licensees; (iii) taxes collected from, refunded to, or adjusted for any person; or (iv) information contained in the seed-to-sale tracking system maintained by the Board pursuant to §4.1-604. The provisions of §58.1-3 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to taxes collected pursuant to this chapter and to purchase orders and invoices for retail marijuana or retail marijuana products filed with the Board by marijuana wholesaler licensees.
Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit the use or release of such information or documents by the Board to any governmental or law-enforcement agency, or when considering the granting, denial, revocation, or suspension of a license or permit, or the assessment of any penalty against a licensee or permittee, nor shall this section prohibit the Board or its employees from compiling and disseminating to any member of the public aggregate statistical information pertaining to (a) tax collection, as long as such information does not reveal or disclose tax collection from any identified licensee; (b) the total amount of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products sales in the Commonwealth by marijuana wholesaler licensees collectively; or (c) the total amount of purchases or sales submitted by licensees, provided that such information does not identify the licensee.
§4.1-607. Disposition of moneys collected by the Board.
A. All moneys collected by the Board under this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury according to the provisions of § 4.1-116.
B. Except for revenues collected from any local marijuana tax imposed under §4.1-638, which shall be separately accounted for as provided in subsection D, the net profits of the Board from its activities under this chapter shall be calculated according to the provisions of §4.1-116. As provided in §4.1-116, any moneys paid into the state treasury pursuant to subsection A that are not net profits shall be set aside in the Enterprise Fund created under §4.1-116.
C. After accounting for the authority's expenses as provided in subsection A of §4.1-116, net profits attributable to the Board's activities under this chapter shall be appropriated in the general appropriation act as follows:
1. Forty percent to pre-kindergarten programs for at-risk three and four year olds;
2. Thirty percent to the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund established pursuant to §2.2-2499.4;
3. Twenty-five percent to substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs; and
4. Five percent to public health programs.
D. All local tax revenues collected under §4.1-638 shall be paid into the state treasury as provided in subsection A and credited to a special fund, which is hereby created on the Comptroller's books under the name "Collections of Local Marijuana Taxes." The revenues shall be credited to the account of the locality in which they were collected. If revenues were collected from a marijuana establishment located in more than one locality by reason of the boundary line or lines passing through the marijuana establishment, tax revenues shall be distributed pro rata among the localities. The Authority shall provide to the Comptroller any records and assistance necessary for the Comptroller to determine the locality to which tax revenues are attributable.
On a quarterly basis, the Comptroller shall draw his warrant on the Treasurer of Virginia in the proper amount in favor of each locality entitled to the return of its tax revenues, and such payments shall be charged to the account of each such locality under the special fund created by this section. If errors are made in any such payment, or adjustments are otherwise necessary, whether attributable to refunds to taxpayers, or to some other fact, the errors shall be corrected and adjustments made in the payments for the next quarter.
§4.1-608. Local referendum on establishment of retail marijuana stores.
A. The governing body of any county, city, or town having a population of 1,000 or more may by ordinance approve the operation of retail marijuana stores within the boundaries of the county, city, or town.
B. As an alternative to subsection A, a petition signed by qualified voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the number registered in the jurisdiction on January 1 preceding its filing or by at least 100 qualified voters, whichever is greater, may be filed with the circuit court of the county or city, or of the county wherein the town or the greater part thereof is situated, asking that a referendum be held on the question of whether the operation of retail marijuana stores shall be allowed within that jurisdiction. Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall order the election officials of the county, city, or town, on the date fixed in the order, to conduct a referendum on the question. The court order shall set the date for the referendum in conformity with the requirements of §24.2-682, but in no event shall such date be more than 90 days from the date the order is issued. The clerk of the circuit court shall publish notice of the referendum in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, city, or town once a week for three consecutive weeks prior to the referendum.
The question on the ballot shall be:
"Shall the operation of retail marijuana stores be allowed in __________ (name of county, city, or town)?"
The referendum shall be ordered and held and the results certified as provided in §24.2-684. Thereupon the court shall enter of record an order certified by the clerk of the court to be transmitted to the Board and to the governing body of the county, city, or town.
C. Once a referendum has been held, no other referendum on the same question shall be held in the county, city, or town within four years of the date of the prior referendum. However, a town shall not be proscribed from holding a referendum within such period although an election has been held in the county in which the town or a part thereof is located less than four years prior thereto.
§4.1-609. Effect of local option referenda.
A. If in any referendum held under the provisions of §4.1-608 in any county, city, or town a majority of the qualified voters vote "Yes" on the question, then on and after the date of the order of the court setting forth the results of such referendum was entered of record, retail marijuana stores shall be allowed in such county, city, or town.
B. If in any such referendum held in any county, city, or town in which a majority of the qualified voters have previously voted to allow the operation of retail marijuana stores and in a subsequent election a majority of the voters of the county, city, or town vote "No" on the question stated in §4.1-608, then such retail marijuana stores shall, in accordance with this chapter, be prohibited within the county, city, or town on and after 60 days from the day on which the order of the court setting forth the results of such election is entered of record.
C. For the purpose of this section, when any referendum is held in any town, separate and apart from the county in which such town or a part thereof is located, such town shall be treated as being separate and apart from such county.
§4.1-610. Contests of local option referenda.
The regularity or legality of any referendum held pursuant to §4.1-608 shall be subject to the inquiry, determination, and judgment of the circuit court that ordered the referendum. The court shall proceed upon the complaint of 15 or more qualified voters of the county, city, or town, filed within 30 days after the date the results of the referendum are certified and setting out fully the grounds of contest. The complaint and the proceedings shall conform as nearly as practicable to the provisions of §15.2-1654, and the judgment of the court entered of record shall be a final determination of the regularity and legality of the referendum.
§4.1-611. Local ordinances or resolutions regulating retail marijuana or retail marijuana products.
A. No county, city, or town shall, except as provided in §4.1-612, adopt any ordinance or resolution that regulates or prohibits the cultivation, manufacture, possession, sale, wholesale distribution, handling, transportation, consumption, use, advertising, or dispensing of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products in the Commonwealth.
B. However, the governing body of any county, city, or town may adopt an ordinance (i) that prohibits the acts described in §4.1-652, or the acts described in §4.1-653, and may provide a penalty for violation thereof and (ii) that regulates or prohibits the possession of opened retail marijuana or retail marijuana products containers in its local public parks, playgrounds, public streets, and any sidewalk adjoining any public street.
C. Except as provided in this section, all local acts, including charter provisions and ordinances of counties, cities, and towns, inconsistent with any of the provisions of this chapter, are repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.
§4.1-612. Local ordinance regulating time of sale of retail marijuana products.
The governing body of each county may adopt ordinances effective in that portion of such county not embraced within the corporate limits of any incorporated town, and the governing body of each city and town may adopt ordinances effective in such city or town, fixing hours during which retail marijuana and retail marijuana products may be sold. Such governing bodies shall provide for fines and other penalties for violations of any such ordinances, which shall be enforced as if the violations were Class 1 misdemeanors with a right of appeal pursuant to §16.1-106.
A copy of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall be certified by the clerk of the governing body adopting it and transmitted to the Board.
On and after the effective date of any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section, no retail marijuana store shall sell retail marijuana and retail marijuana products during the hours limited by the ordinance.
§4.1-613. Exemptions from licensure.
The licensure requirements of this article shall not apply to (i) a cannabis dispensing facility or pharmaceutical processor that has been issued a permit by the Board of Pharmacy pursuant to Article 4.2 (§54.1-3442.5 et seq.) of the Drug Control Act; (ii) a dealer, grower, or processor of industrial hemp registered with the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services pursuant to Chapter 41.1 (§3.2-4112 et seq.) of Title 3.2; (iii) a manufacturer of an industrial hemp extract or food containing an industrial hemp extract operating in accordance with Article 5 (§3.2-5145.1 et seq.) of Chapter 51 of Title 3.2; or (iv) a person who cultivates marijuana at home for personal use pursuant to §4.1-645; however, any person described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) may be licensed pursuant to this article if such person satisfies the license requirements.
§4.1-614. To whom privileges conferred by licenses extend; liability for violations of law.
The privilege of any licensee to cultivate, manufacture, transport, sell, or test retail marijuana or retail marijuana products shall extend to such licensee and to all agents or employees of such licensee for the purpose of operating under such license. The licensee may be held liable for any violation of this chapter or any Board regulation committed by such agents or employees in connection with their employment.
§4.1-615. Separate license for each place of business; transfer or amendment; posting; expiration.
A. Each license granted by the Board shall designate the place where the business of the licensee will be carried on. A separate license shall be required for each separate place of business.
B. No license shall be transferable from one person to another or from one location to another. The Board may permit a licensee to amend the classification of an existing license without complying with the posting and publishing procedures required by §4.1-634 if the effect of the amendment is to reduce materially the privileges of an existing license. However, if (i) the Board determines that the amendment is a device to evade the provisions of this article, (ii) a majority of the corporate stock of a retail marijuana store licensee is sold to a new entity, or (iii) there is a change of business at the premises of a retail marijuana store licensee, the Board may, within 30 days of receipt of written notice by the licensee of a change in ownership or a change of business, require the licensee to comply with any or all of the requirements of §4.1-634. If the Board fails to exercise its authority within the 30-day period, the licensee shall not be required to reapply for a license. The licensee shall submit such written notice to the secretary of the Board.
C. Each license shall be posted in a location conspicuous to the public at the place where the licensee carries on the business for which the license is granted.
D. The privileges conferred by any license granted by the Board shall continue until the last day of the twelfth month next ensuing or the last day of the designated month and year of expiration, except the license may be sooner terminated for any cause for which the Board would be entitled to refuse to grant a license or by operation of law, voluntary surrender, or order of the Board.
The Board may grant licenses for one year or for multiple years, not to exceed three years, based on the fees set by the Board pursuant to §4.1-635. Qualification for a multiyear license shall be determined on the basis of criteria established by the Board. Fees for multiyear licenses shall not be refundable except as provided in §4.1-636. The Board may provide a discount for two-year or three-year licenses, not to exceed five percent of the applicable license fee, which extends for one fiscal year and shall not be altered or rescinded during such period.
The Board may permit a licensee who fails to pay:
1. The required license fee covering the continuation or reissuance of his license by midnight of the fifteenth day of the twelfth month or of the designated month of expiration, whichever is applicable, to pay the fee in lieu of posting and publishing notice and reapplying, provided payment of the fee is made within 30 days following that date and is accompanied by a civil penalty of $25 or 10 percent of such fee, whichever is greater; and
2. The fee and civil penalty pursuant to subdivision 1 to pay the fee in lieu of posting and publishing notice and reapplying, provided payment of the fee is made within 45 days following the 30 days specified in subdivision 1 and is accompanied by a civil penalty of $100 or 25 percent of such fee, whichever is greater.
Such civil penalties collected by the Board shall be deposited in accordance with §4.1-607.
§4.1-616. Records of licensees; inspection of records and places of business.
A. Every licensed marijuana manufacturing facility or marijuana wholesaler shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all marijuana and marijuana products it purchased, manufactured, sold, or shipped.
B. Every licensed retail marijuana store shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all purchases of retail marijuana products, the prices charged such licensee therefor, and the names and addresses of the persons from whom purchased. Every licensed retail marijuana store shall also preserve all invoices showing its purchases for a period as specified by Board regulations. The licensee shall also keep an accurate account of daily sales, showing quantities of retail marijuana products sold and the total price charged by it therefor. Except as otherwise provided in subsections D and E, such account need not give the names or addresses of the purchasers thereof, except as may be required by Board regulation.
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection F, electronic records of licensed retail marijuana stores may be stored off site, provided that such records are readily retrievable and available for electronic inspection by the Board or its special agents at the licensed premises. However, in the case that such electronic records are not readily available for electronic inspection on the licensed premises, the licensee may obtain Board approval, for good cause shown, to permit the licensee to provide the records to a special agent of the Board within three business days or less, as determined by the Board, after a request is made to inspect the records.
C. Every licensed marijuana cultivation facility shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all marijuana and marijuana products it purchased, manufactured, sold, or shipped.
D. Every licensed marijuana testing facility shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all marijuana and marijuana products it developed, researched, or tested and the names and addresses of the licensees or persons who submitted the marijuana or marijuana product to the marijuana testing facility.
E. Every licensed marijuana secure transporter shall keep complete, accurate, and separate records in accordance with Board regulations of all marijuana and marijuana products it transported and the names and addresses of the marijuana establishments from which the marijuana or marijuana products were obtained and to which the marijuana or marijuana products were delivered.
F. The Board and its special agents shall be allowed free access during reasonable hours to every place in the Commonwealth and to the premises of every licensee or for the purpose of examining and inspecting such place and all records, invoices, and accounts therein.
For the purposes of a Board inspection of the records of any retail marijuana store licensees, "reasonable hours" means the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.; however, if the licensee generally is not open to the public substantially during the same hours, "reasonable hours" means the business hours when the licensee is open to the public. At any other time of day, if the retail marijuana store licensee's records are not available for inspection, the licensee shall provide the records to a special agent of the Board within 24 hours after a request is made to inspect the records.
§4.1-617. Marijuana cultivation facility license.
A. The Board may issue any of the following marijuana cultivation facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to purchase marijuana plants and seeds from other marijuana cultivation facilities; to cultivate, label, and package retail marijuana on premises approved by the Board; to transfer possession of and to sell retail marijuana to marijuana manufacturing facilities, marijuana wholesalers, and other marijuana cultivation facilities:
1. Class A cultivation facility license, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate not more than a certain number of marijuana plants or marijuana plants in an area not larger than a certain number of square feet, as determined by the Board;
2. Class B cultivation facility license, which shall authorize the licensee to cultivate marijuana plants with a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of no more than one percent, as determined post-decarboxylation.
B. In accordance with the requirements of §4.1-604, a marijuana cultivation facility licensee shall track the retail marijuana it cultivates from seed or immature marijuana plant to the point at which the marijuana plant or the marijuana produced by the marijuana plant is delivered or transferred to a marijuana manufacturing facility, a marijuana testing facility, a marijuana wholesaler, or another marijuana cultivation facility, or is disposed of or destroyed.
§4.1-618. Marijuana manufacturing facility license.
A. The Board may issue marijuana manufacturing facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to purchase retail marijuana from a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana wholesaler, or another marijuana manufacturing facility; to manufacture, label, and package retail marijuana and retail marijuana products on premises approved by the Board; to transfer possession and sell retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to marijuana wholesalers, retail marijuana stores, and other marijuana manufacturing facilities.
B. Retail marijuana products shall be prepared on a licensed premises that is used exclusively for the manufacture and preparation of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products and using equipment that is used exclusively for the manufacture and preparation of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products.
C. All areas within the licensed premises of a marijuana manufacturing facility in which retail marijuana and retail marijuana products are manufactured shall meet all sanitary standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board. A marijuana manufacturing facility that manufactures an edible marijuana product shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 51 (§3.2-5100 et seq.) of Title 3.2 and any regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
D. In accordance with the requirements of §4.1-604, a marijuana manufacturing facility licensee shall track the retail marijuana it uses in its manufacturing processes from the point the retail marijuana is delivered or transferred to the marijuana manufacturing facility by a marijuana cultivation facility to the point the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products produced using the retail marijuana are delivered or transferred to another marijuana manufacturing facility, a marijuana testing facility, a marijuana wholesaler, or a retail marijuana store, or are disposed of or destroyed.
§4.1-619. Marijuana testing facility license.
A. The Board may issue marijuana testing facility licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to develop, research, or test retail marijuana, retail marijuana products, and other substances.
B. A marijuana testing facility may develop, research, or test retail marijuana and retail marijuana products for (i) that facility, (ii) another licensee, or (iii) a person who intends to use the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product for personal use as authorized under §4.1-644.
C. Neither this title nor the regulations adopted pursuant to this title shall prevent a marijuana testing facility from developing, researching, or testing substances that are not marijuana or marijuana products for that facility or for another person.
D. To obtain licensure from the Board, a marijuana testing facility shall be required to obtain and maintain accreditation pursuant to standard ISO/IEC 17025 of the International Organization for Standardization by a third-party accrediting body.
E. In accordance with the requirements of §4.1-604, a marijuana testing facility licensee shall track all marijuana and marijuana products it receives from a licensee for testing purposes from the point at which the marijuana or marijuana products are delivered or transferred to the marijuana testing facility to the point at which the marijuana or marijuana products are disposed of or destroyed.
F. A person that has an interest in a marijuana testing facility license shall not have any interest in a licensed marijuana cultivation facility, a licensed marijuana products manufacturer, a licensed marijuana wholesaler, or a licensed retail marijuana store.
§4.1-620. Marijuana wholesaler license.
A. The Board may issue marijuana wholesaler licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to purchase retail marijuana and retail marijuana products from a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana manufacturing facility, or another marijuana wholesaler; to transfer possession and sell or resell retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to a marijuana manufacturing facility, a retail marijuana store, or another marijuana wholesaler.
B. All areas within the licensed premises of a marijuana wholesaler in which retail marijuana and retail marijuana products are stored shall meet all sanitary standards specified in regulations adopted by the Board.
C. In accordance with the requirements of §4.1-604, a marijuana wholesaler licensee shall track the retail marijuana and retail marijuana products from the point at which the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products are delivered or transferred to the retail marijuana store by a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana manufacturing facility, or another marijuana wholesaler to the point at which the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products are sold to a retail marijuana store, delivered or transferred to a marijuana testing facility, or disposed of or destroyed.
§4.1-621. Retail marijuana store license.
A. The Board may issue retail marijuana store licenses, which shall authorize the licensee to purchase retail marijuana from a marijuana cultivation facility; to purchase retail marijuana and retail marijuana products from a marijuana wholesaler or marijuana manufacturing facility; to receive possession and sell retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to consumers on premises approved by the Board.
B. Retail marijuana stores shall be operated in accordance with the following provisions:
1. A person shall be 21 years of age or older to make a purchase in a retail marijuana store.
2. A retail marijuana store shall be permitted to sell retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to consumers only in a direct, face-to-face exchange. Such store shall not be permitted to sell marijuana or marijuana products using:
a. An automated dispensing or vending machine;
b. A drive-through sales window;
c. An Internet-based sales platform; or
d. A delivery service.
3. A retail marijuana store shall not be permitted to sell more than one ounce of marijuana or an equivalent amount of marijuana product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board during a single transaction to one person;
4. A retail marijuana store may sell any other consumable or nonconsumable products that it is otherwise permitted by law to sell, excluding tobacco or alcohol.
5. A retail marijuana store shall not:
a. Give away any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products;
b. Sell retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to any person when at the time of such sale he knows or has reason to believe that the person attempting to purchase the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product is intoxicated or is attempting to purchase retail marijuana for someone younger than 21 years of age; or
c. Employ or allow to volunteer any person younger than 21 years of age.
6. In accordance with the requirements of §4.1-604, a retail marijuana store licensee shall track all retail marijuana and retail marijuana products from the point at which the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products are delivered or transferred to the retail marijuana store by a marijuana cultivation facility, a marijuana manufacturing facility, or a marijuana wholesaler to the point at which the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products are sold to a consumer, delivered or transferred to a marijuana testing facility, or disposed of or destroyed.
7. A retail marijuana store shall not be subject to the requirements of Chapter 51 (§3.2-5100 et seq.) of Title 3.2.
C. Each retail marijuana store licensee shall post in each retail marijuana store notice of the existence of a human trafficking hotline to alert possible witnesses or victims of human trafficking to the availability of a means to report crimes or gain assistance. The notice required by this section shall (i) be posted in a place readily visible and accessible to the public and (ii) meet the requirements specified in subsection C of §40.1-11.3.
D. Each retail marijuana store licensee shall prominently display and make available for dissemination to consumers Board-approved information regarding the potential risks of marijuana use.
E. Each retail marijuana store licensee shall provide training, established by the Board, to all employees educating them on how to discuss the potential risks of marijuana use with consumers.
§4.1-622. Multiple licenses awarded to one person permitted; exceptions.
A. As used in this section, "interest" means an equity ownership interest or a partial equity ownership interest or any other type of financial interest, including but not limited to being an investor or serving in a management position.
B. A person shall be permitted to possess one or any combination of the following licenses: marijuana cultivation facility license, marijuana manufacturing facility license, marijuana wholesaler license, or retail marijuana store license. However, no licensee who has been issued either a marijuana cultivation facility license, marijuana manufacturing facility license, marijuana wholesaler license, or retail marijuana store license shall be issued a marijuana testing facility license or have any interest in a marijuana testing facility licensee. Additionally, no licensee who has been issued a marijuana testing facility license shall be issued a marijuana cultivation facility license, marijuana manufacturing facility license, marijuana wholesaler license, or retail marijuana store license or have any interest in a marijuana cultivation facility licensee, marijuana manufacturing facility licensee, marijuana wholesaler licensee, or retail marijuana store licensee.
C. Additionally, no person shall be permitted to have any interest in more than five marijuana cultivation facility licensees. However, the Board may approve an application from a person who holds an interest in more than five marijuana cultivation facility licensees if, after January 1, 2024, the Board adopts a regulation authorizing a person to hold an interest in more than five marijuana cultivation facility licensees.
D. Any person who wishes to possess more than one license pursuant to subsection B shall pay a $250,000 fee to the Board. The Board shall allocate such fees to the following: (i) the Virginia Cannabis Equity Loan Fund, (ii) the Virginia Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Fund, or (iii) a program, as determined by the Board, which provides job training services to persons recently incarcerated.
In addition, any licensee who wishes to possess more than one license pursuant to subsection B shall submit a diversity, equity, and inclusion plan to the Cannabis Business Equity and Diversity Support Team (the Support Team) for approval, and upon approval shall implement such plan in accordance with the requirements set by the Support Team.
§4.1-623. Temporary permits required in certain instances.
A. The Board may grant a permit that shall authorize any person who purchases at a foreclosure, secured creditor's, or judicial auction sale the premises or property of a person licensed by the Board and who has become lawfully entitled to the possession of the licensed premises to continue to operate the marijuana establishment to the same extent as a person holding such licenses for a period not to exceed 60 days or for such longer period as determined by the Board. Such permit shall be temporary and shall confer the privileges of any licenses held by the previous owner to the extent determined by the Board. Such temporary permit may be issued in advance, conditioned on the requirements in this subsection.
B. A temporary permit granted pursuant to subsection A may be revoked summarily by the Board for any cause set forth in § 4.1-629 without complying with subsection A of §4.1-632. Revocation of a temporary permit shall be effective upon service of the order of revocation upon the permittee or upon the expiration of three business days after the order of the revocation has been mailed to the permittee at either his residence or the address given for the business in the permit application. No further notice shall be required.
§4.1-624. Licensee shall maintain possession of premises.
As a condition of licensure, a licensee shall at all times maintain possession of the licensed premises of the marijuana establishment that the licensee is licensed to operate, whether pursuant to a lease, rental agreement, or other arrangement for possession of the premises or by virtue of ownership of the premises. If the licensee fails to maintain possession of the licensed premises, the license shall be revoked by the Board.
§4.1-625. Use or consumption of marijuana or marijuana products on premises of licensee by licensee, agent, or employee.
No marijuana or marijuana products may be used or consumed on the premises of a licensee by the licensee or any agent or employee of the licensee, except for certain sampling for quality control purposes that may be permitted by Board regulation.
§4.1-626. Conditions under which the Board may refuse to grant licenses.
The Board may refuse to grant any license if it has reasonable cause to believe that:
1. The applicant, or if the applicant is a partnership, any general partner thereof, or if the applicant is an association, any member thereof, or a limited partner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the applicant is a corporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of its capital stock, or if the applicant is a limited liability company, any member-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company:
a. Is not 21 years of age or older;
b. Is not a resident of the Commonwealth;
c. Has been convicted in any court of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude under the laws of any state or of the United States, within seven years of the date of the application or has not completed all terms of sentencing and probation resulting from any such felony conviction.
d. Knowingly employs someone younger than 21 years of age;
e. Is not the legitimate owner of the business proposed to be licensed, or other persons have ownership interests in the business that have not been disclosed;
f. Has not demonstrated financial responsibility sufficient to meet the requirements of the business proposed to be licensed;
g. Has misrepresented a material fact in applying to the Board for a license;
h. Has defrauded or attempted to defraud the Board, or any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or filing any report, document, or tax return required by statute or regulation that is fraudulent or contains a false representation of a material fact; or has willfully deceived or attempted to deceive the Board, or any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or maintaining business records required by statute or regulation that are false or fraudulent;
i. Is violating or allowing the violation of any provision of this chapter in his establishment at the time his application for a license is pending;
j. Is a police officer with police authority in the political subdivision within which the establishment designated in the application is located;
k. Is a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of alcoholic beverages licensed under Chapter 2 (§4.1-200 et seq.) of Title 4.1 or a retailer of tobacco or tobacco products; or
l. Is physically unable to carry on the business for which the application for a license is filed or has been adjudicated incapacitated.
2. The place to be occupied by the applicant:
a. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county, city, or town in which such place is located with respect to sanitation, health, construction, or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the laws of the Commonwealth or by Board regulation;
b. Is so located that granting a license and operation thereunder by the applicant would result in violations of this chapter or Board regulations or violation of the laws of the Commonwealth or local ordinances relating to peace and good order;
c. Is so located with respect to any place of religious worship; hospital; public, private, or parochial school or institution of higher education; public or private playground or other similar recreational facility; substance use disorder treatment facility; or federal, state, or local government-operated facility that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect or interfere with the normal, orderly conduct of the affairs of such facilities or institutions;
d. Is so located with respect to any residence or residential area that the operation of such place under such license will adversely affect real property values or substantially interfere with the usual quietude and tranquility of such residence or residential area;
e. Is located within 1,000 feet of an existing retail marijuana store; or
f. Under a retail marijuana store license, is so constructed, arranged, or illuminated that law-enforcement officers and special agents of the Board are prevented from ready access to and reasonable observation of any room or area within which retail marijuana or retail marijuana products are to be sold.
Nothing in this subdivision 2 shall be construed to require an applicant to have secured a place or premises until the final stage of the license approval process.
3. The number of licenses existing in the locality is such that the granting of a license is detrimental to the interest, morals, safety, or welfare of the public. In reaching such conclusion, the Board shall consider the (i) criteria established by the Board to evaluate new licensees based on the density of retail marijuana stores in the community; (ii) character of, population of, number of similar licenses, and number of all licenses existent in the particular county, city, or town and the immediate neighborhood concerned; (iii) effect that a new license may have on such county, city, town, or neighborhood in conforming with the purposes of this chapter; and (iv) objections, if any, that may have been filed by a local governing body or local residents.
4. There exists any law, ordinance, or regulation of the United States, the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision thereof that warrants refusal by the Board to grant any license.
5. The Board is not authorized under this title to grant such license.
§4.1-627. Conditions under which the Board shall refuse to grant licenses.
The Board shall refuse to grant any license to any member or employee of the Board or to any corporation or other business entity in which such member or employee is a stockholder or has any other economic interest.
Whenever any other elected or appointed official of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof applies for such a license or continuance thereof, he shall state on the application the official position he holds, and whenever a corporation or other business entity in which any such official is a stockholder or has any other economic interest applies for such a license, it shall state on the application the full economic interests of each such official in such corporation or other business entity.
§4.1-628. Notice and hearings for refusal to grant licenses; Administrative Process Act; exceptions.
A. The action of the Board in granting or in refusing to grant any license shall be subject to judicial review in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.), except as provided in subsection B or C. Such review shall extend to the entire evidential record of the proceedings provided by the Board in accordance with the Administrative Process Act. An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeals from any order of the court. Notwithstanding §8.01-676.1, the final judgment or order of the circuit court shall not be suspended, stayed, or modified by such circuit court pending appeal to the Court of Appeals. Neither mandamus nor injunction shall lie in any such case.
B. The Board may refuse a hearing on any application for the granting of any retail marijuana store license, provided that such:
1. License for the applicant has been refused or revoked within a period of 12 months;
2. License for any premises has been refused or revoked at that location within a period of 12 months; or
3. Applicant, within a period of 12 months immediately preceding, has permitted a license granted by the Board to expire for nonpayment of license fee, and at the time of expiration of such license, there was a pending and unadjudicated charge, either before the Board or in any court, against the licensee alleging a violation of this chapter.
C. If an applicant has permitted a license to expire for nonpayment of license fee, and at the time of expiration there remained unexecuted any period of suspension imposed upon the licensee by the Board, the Board may refuse a hearing on an application for a new license until after the date on which the suspension period would have been executed had the license not have been permitted to expire.
§4.1-629. Grounds for which Board may suspend or revoke licenses.
The Board may suspend or revoke any license if it has reasonable cause to believe that:
1. The licensee, or if the licensee is a partnership, any general partner thereof, or if the licensee is an association, any member thereof, or a limited partner of 10 percent or more with voting rights, or if the licensee is a corporation, any officer, director, or shareholder owning 10 percent or more of its capital stock, or if the licensee is a limited liability company, any member-manager or any member owning 10 percent or more of the membership interest of the limited liability company:
a. Has misrepresented a material fact in applying to the Board for such license;
b. Within the five years immediately preceding the date of the hearing held in accordance with §4.1-632, has (i) violated any provision of Article 6 (§4.1-644 et seq.), Article 7 (§4.1-666 et seq.), or Article 8 (§4.1-677 et seq.); (ii) committed a violation of this chapter in bad faith; (iii) violated or failed or refused to comply with any regulation, rule, or order of the Board; or (iv) failed or refused to comply with any of the conditions or restrictions of the license granted by the Board;
c. Has been convicted in any court of a felony or of any crime or offense involving moral turpitude under the laws of any state, or of the United States;
d. Is not the legitimate owner of the business conducted under the license granted by the Board, or other persons have ownership interests in the business that have not been disclosed;
e. Cannot demonstrate financial responsibility sufficient to meet the requirements of the business conducted under the license granted by the Board;
f. Has been intoxicated or under the influence of some self-administered drug while upon the licensed premises;
g. Has maintained the licensed premises in an unsanitary condition, or allowed such premises to become a meeting place or rendezvous for members of a criminal street gang as defined in §18.2-46.1 or persons of ill repute, or has allowed any form of illegal gambling to take place upon such premises;
h. Has allowed any person whom he knew or had reason to believe was intoxicated to loiter upon such licensed premises;
i. Has allowed any person to consume upon the licensed premises any marijuana or marijuana product except as provided under this title;
j. Is physically unable to carry on the business conducted under such license or has been adjudicated incapacitated;
k. Has possessed any illegal gambling apparatus, machine, or device upon the licensed premises;
l. Has upon the licensed premises (i) illegally possessed, distributed, sold, or used, or has knowingly allowed any employee or agent, or any other person, to illegally possess, distribute, sell, or use, controlled substances, imitation controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, or controlled paraphernalia as those terms are defined in Articles 1 (§18.2-247 et seq.) and 1.1 (§18.2-265.1 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 and the Drug Control Act (§54.1-3400 et seq.); (ii) laundered money in violation of § 18.2-246.3; or (iii) conspired to commit any drug-related offense in violation of Article 1 or 1.1 of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 or the Drug Control Act. The provisions of this subdivision l shall also apply to any conduct related to the operation of the licensed business that facilitates the commission of any of the offenses set forth herein;
m. Has failed to take reasonable measures to prevent (i) the licensed premises, (ii) any premises immediately adjacent to the licensed premises that is owned or leased by the licensee, or (iii) any portion of public property immediately adjacent to the licensed premises from becoming a place where patrons of the establishment commit criminal violations of Article 1 (§18.2-30 et seq.), 2 (§18.2-38 et seq.), 2.1 (§18.2-46.1 et seq.), 2.2 (§18.2-46.4 et seq.), 3 (§18.2-47 et seq.), 4 (§18.2-51 et seq.), 5 (§18.2-58 et seq.), 6 (§18.2-59 et seq.), or 7 (§18.2-61 et seq.) of Chapter 4 of Title 18.2; Article 2 (§18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2; Article 3 (§ 18.2-346 et seq.) or 5 (§18.2-372 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 18.2; or Article 1 (§18.2-404 et seq.), 2 (§18.2-415), or 3 (§18.2-416 et seq.) of Chapter 9 of Title 18.2 and such violations lead to arrests that are so frequent and serious as to reasonably be deemed a continuing threat to the public safety;
n. Has failed to take reasonable measures to prevent an act of violence resulting in death or serious bodily injury, or a recurrence of such acts, from occurring on (i) the licensed premises, (ii) any premises immediately adjacent to the licensed premises that is owned or leased by the licensee, or (iii) any portion of public property immediately adjacent to the licensed premises; or
o. Has been sanctioned by the Board of Pharmacy pursuant to §54.1-3316 and regulations promulgated by the Board of Pharmacy for a violation pursuant to Article 4.2 (§ 54.1-3442.5 et seq.) of Chapter 34 of Title 54.1.
2. The place occupied by the licensee:
a. Does not conform to the requirements of the governing body of the county, city, or town in which such establishment is located, with respect to sanitation, health, construction, or equipment, or to any similar requirements established by the laws of the Commonwealth or by Board regulations;
b. Has been adjudicated a common nuisance under the provisions of this chapter or §18.2-258; or
c. Has become a meeting place or rendezvous for illegal gambling, illegal users of narcotics, drunks, prostitutes, pimps, panderers, or habitual law violators or has become a place where illegal drugs are regularly used or distributed. The Board may consider the general reputation in the community of such establishment in addition to any other competent evidence in making such determination.
3. The licensee or any employee of the licensee discriminated against any member of the Armed Forces of the United States by prices charged or otherwise.
4. Any cause exists for which the Board would have been entitled to refuse to grant such license had the facts been known.
5. The licensee is delinquent for a period of 90 days or more in the payment of any taxes, or any penalties or interest related thereto, lawfully imposed by the locality where the licensed business is located, as certified by the treasurer, commissioner of the revenue, or finance director of such locality, unless (i) the outstanding amount is de minimis; (ii) the licensee has pending a bona fide application for correction or appeal with respect to such taxes, penalties, or interest; or (iii) the licensee has entered into a payment plan approved by the same locality to settle the outstanding liability.
6. The licensee has been convicted for a violation of 8 U.S.C. §1324a(f), as amended, for actions of its agents or employees constituting a pattern or practice of employing unauthorized aliens on the licensed premises in the Commonwealth.
7. Any other cause authorized by this title.
§4.1-630. Summary suspension in emergency circumstances; grounds; notice and hearing.
A. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in Article 3 (§2.2-4018 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act or §4.1-623 or 4.1-632, the Board may summarily suspend any license or permit if it has reasonable cause to believe that an act of violence resulting in death or serious bodily injury, or a recurrence of such acts, has occurred on (i) the licensed premises, (ii) any premises immediately adjacent to the licensed premises that is owned or leased by the licensee, or (iii) any portion of public property immediately adjacent to the licensed premises, and the Board finds that there exists a continuing threat to public safety and that summary suspension of the license or permit is justified to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the public.
B. Prior to issuing an order of suspension pursuant to this section, special agents of the Board shall conduct an initial investigation and submit all findings to the Secretary of the Board within 48 hours of any such act of violence. If the Board determines suspension is warranted, it shall immediately notify the licensee of its intention to temporarily suspend his license pending the outcome of a formal investigation. Such temporary suspension shall remain effective for a minimum of 48 hours. After the 48-hour period, the licensee may petition the Board for a restricted license pending the results of the formal investigation and proceedings for disciplinary review. If the Board determines that a restricted license is warranted, the Board shall have discretion to impose appropriate restrictions based on the facts presented.
C. Upon a determination to temporarily suspend a license, the Board shall immediately commence a formal investigation. The formal investigation shall be completed within 10 days of its commencement and the findings reported immediately to the Secretary of the Board. If, following the formal investigation, the Secretary of the Board determines that suspension of the license is warranted, a hearing shall be held within five days of the completion of the formal investigation. A decision shall be rendered within 10 days of conclusion of the hearing. If a decision is not rendered within 10 days of the conclusion of the hearing, the order of suspension shall be vacated and the license reinstated. Any appeal by the licensee shall be filed within 10 days of the decision and heard by the Board within 20 days of the decision. The Board shall render a decision on the appeal within 10 days of the conclusion of the appeal hearing.
D. Service of any order of suspension issued pursuant to this section shall be made by a special agent of the Board in person and by certified mail to the licensee. The order of suspension shall take effect immediately upon service.
E. This section shall not apply to temporary permits granted under §4.1-623.
§4.1-631. Grounds for which Board shall suspend or revoke licenses.
The Board shall suspend or revoke any license if it finds that:
1. A licensee has violated or permitted the violation of §18.2-331, relating to the illegal possession of a gambling device, upon the premises for which the Board has granted a retail marijuana store license.
2. A licensee has defrauded or attempted to defraud the Board, or any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or filing any report, document, or tax return required by statute or regulation that is fraudulent or contains a willful or knowing false representation of a material fact or has willfully deceived or attempted to deceive the Board, or any federal, state, or local government or governmental agency or authority, by making or maintaining business records required by statute or regulation that are false or fraudulent.
§4.1-632. Suspension or revocation of licenses; notice and hearings; imposition of civil penalties.
A. Before the Board may suspend or revoke any license, reasonable notice of such proposed or contemplated action shall be given to the licensee in accordance with the provisions of §2.2-4020 of the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.).
Notwithstanding the provisions of §2.2-4022, the Board shall, upon written request by the licensee, permit the licensee to inspect and copy or photograph all (i) written or recorded statements made by the licensee or copies thereof or the substance of any oral statements made by the licensee or a previous or present employee of the licensee to any law-enforcement officer, the existence of which is known by the Board and upon which the Board intends to rely as evidence in any adversarial proceeding under this chapter against the licensee, and (ii) designated books, papers, documents, tangible objects, buildings, or places, or copies or portions thereof, that are within the possession, custody, or control of the Board and upon which the Board intends to rely as evidence in any adversarial proceeding under this chapter against the licensee. In addition, any subpoena for the production of documents issued to any person at the request of the licensee or the Board pursuant to §4.1-103 shall provide for the production of the documents sought within 10 working days, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in §4.1-103.
If the Board fails to provide for inspection or copying under this section for the licensee after a written request, the Board shall be prohibited from introducing into evidence any items the licensee would have lawfully been entitled to inspect or copy under this section.
The action of the Board in suspending or revoking any license or in imposing a civil penalty shall be subject to judicial review in accordance with the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). Such review shall extend to the entire evidential record of the proceedings provided by the Board in accordance with the Administrative Process Act. An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeals from any order of the court. Notwithstanding §8.01-676.1, the final judgment or order of the circuit court shall not be suspended, stayed or modified by such circuit court pending appeal to the Court of Appeals. Neither mandamus nor injunction shall lie in any such case.
B. In suspending any license the Board may impose, as a condition precedent to the removal of such suspension or any portion thereof, a requirement that the licensee pay the cost incurred by the Board in investigating the licensee and in holding the proceeding resulting in such suspension, or it may impose and collect such civil penalties as it deems appropriate. In no event shall the Board impose a civil penalty exceeding $2,000 for the first violation occurring within five years immediately preceding the date of the violation or $5,000 for the second or subsequent violation occurring within five years immediately preceding the date of the second or subsequent violation. However, if the violation involved selling retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to a person prohibited from purchasing retail marijuana or retail marijuana products or allowing consumption of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products, the Board may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $3,000 for the first violation occurring within five years immediately preceding the date of the violation and $6,000 for a second or subsequent violation occurring within five years immediately preceding the date of the second or subsequent violation in lieu of such suspension or any portion thereof, or both. The Board may also impose a requirement that the licensee pay for the cost incurred by the Board not exceeding $25,000 in investigating the licensee and in holding the proceeding resulting in the violation in addition to any suspension or civil penalty incurred.
C. Following notice to (i) the licensee of a hearing that may result in the suspension or revocation of his license or (ii) the applicant of a hearing to resolve a contested application, the Board may accept a consent agreement as authorized in subdivision 22 of §4.1-103. The notice shall advise the licensee or applicant of the option to (a) admit the alleged violation or the validity of the objection; (b) waive any right to a hearing or an appeal under the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.); and (c) (1) accept the proposed restrictions for operating under the license, (2) accept the period of suspension of the licensed privileges within the Board's parameters, (3) pay a civil penalty in lieu of the period of suspension, or any portion of the suspension as applicable, or (4) proceed to a hearing.
D. The Board shall, by regulation or written order:
1. Designate those (i) objections to an application or (ii) alleged violations that will proceed to an initial hearing;
2. Designate the violations for which a waiver of a hearing and payment of a civil charge in lieu of suspension may be accepted for a first offense occurring within three years immediately preceding the date of the violation;
3. Provide for a reduction in the length of any suspension and a reduction in the amount of any civil penalty for any retail marijuana store licensee where the licensee can demonstrate that it provided to its employees marijuana seller training certified in advance by the Board;
4. Establish a schedule of penalties for such offenses, prescribing the appropriate suspension of a license and the civil charge acceptable in lieu of such suspension; and
5. Establish a schedule of offenses for which any penalty may be waived upon a showing that the licensee has had no prior violations within five years immediately preceding the date of the violation. No waiver shall be granted by the Board, however, for a licensee's willful and knowing violation of this chapter or Board regulations.
§4.1-633. Suspension or revocation; disposition of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products on hand; termination.
A. Retail marijuana or retail marijuana products owned by or in the possession of or for sale by any licensee at the time the license of such person is suspended or revoked may be disposed of as follows:
1. Sold to persons in the Commonwealth licensed to sell such retail marijuana or retail marijuana products upon permits granted by the Board in accordance with §4.1-623 and conditions specified by the Board; or
2. Provided to the Virginia State Police to be destroyed.
B. All retail marijuana or retail marijuana products owned by or in the possession of any person whose license is suspended or revoked shall be disposed of by such person in accordance with the provisions of this section within 60 days from the date of such suspension or revocation.
C. Retail marijuana or retail marijuana products owned by or in the possession of or for sale by persons whose licenses have been terminated other than by suspension or revocation may be disposed of in accordance with subsection A within such time as the Board deems proper. Such period shall not be less than 60 days.
D. All retail marijuana or retail marijuana products owned by or remaining in the possession of any person described in subsection A or C after the expiration of such period shall be deemed contraband and forfeited to the Commonwealth in accordance with the provisions of §4.1-678.
§4.1-634. Applications for licenses; publication; notice to localities; fees; permits.
A. Every person intending to apply for any license authorized by this chapter shall file with the Board an application on forms provided by the Board and a statement in writing by the applicant swearing and affirming that all of the information contained therein is true.
Applicants for licenses for establishments that are otherwise required to obtain a food establishment permit from the Department of Health or an inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall provide a copy of such permit, proof of inspection, proof of a pending application for such permit, or proof of a pending request for such inspection. If the applicant provides a copy of such permit, proof of inspection, proof of a pending application for a permit, or proof of a pending request for an inspection, a license may be issued to the applicant. If a license is issued on the basis of a pending application or inspection, such license shall authorize the licensee to purchase retail marijuana or retail marijuana products in accordance with the provisions of this chapter; however, the licensee shall not sell or serve retail marijuana or retail marijuana products until a permit is issued or an inspection is completed.
B. In addition, each applicant for a license under the provisions of this chapter shall post a notice of his application with the Board on the front door of the building, place, or room where he proposes to engage in such business for no more than 30 days and not less than 10 days. Such notice shall be of a size and contain such information as required by the Board, including a statement that any objections shall be submitted to the Board not more than 30 days following initial posting of the notice required pursuant to this subsection.
The applicant shall also cause notice to be published at least once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper published in or having a general circulation in the county, city, or town wherein such applicant proposes to engage in such business. Such notice shall contain such information as required by the Board, including a statement that any objections to the issuance of the license be submitted to the Board not later than 30 days from the date of the initial newspaper publication.
The Board shall conduct a background investigation, to include a criminal history records search, which may include a fingerprint-based national criminal history records search, on each applicant for a license. However, the Board may waive, for good cause shown, the requirement for a criminal history records search and completed personal data form for officers, directors, nonmanaging members, or limited partners of any applicant corporation, limited liability company, or limited partnership. In considering criminal history record information, the Board shall not disqualify an applicant because of a past conviction for a marijuana-related offense.
The Board shall notify the local governing body of each license application through the county or city attorney or the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality. Local governing bodies shall submit objections to the granting of a license within 30 days of the filing of the application.
C. Each applicant shall pay the required application fee at the time the application is filed, except that such fee shall be waived or discounted for qualified social equity applicants pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Board. The license application fee shall be determined by the Board and shall be in addition to the actual cost charged to the Department of State Police by the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Central Criminal Records Exchange for processing any fingerprints through the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Central Criminal Records Exchange for each criminal history records search required by the Board. Application fees shall be in addition to the state license fee required pursuant to §4.1-635 and shall not be refunded.
D. Subsection A shall not apply to the continuance of licenses granted under this chapter; however, all licensees shall file and maintain with the Board a current, accurate record of the information required by the Board pursuant to subsection A and notify the Board of any changes to such information in accordance with Board regulations.
E. Every application for a permit granted pursuant to §4.1-623 shall be on a form provided by the Board. Such permits shall confer upon their holders no authority to make solicitations in the Commonwealth as otherwise provided by law.
The fee for a temporary permit shall be one-twelfth of the combined fees required by this section for applicable licenses to sell retail marijuana or retail marijuana products computed to the nearest cent and multiplied by the number of months for which the permit is granted.
F. The Board shall have the authority to increase state license fees. The Board shall set the amount of such increases on the basis of the consumer price index and shall not increase fees more than once every three years. Prior to implementing any state license fee increase, the Board shall provide notice to all licensees and the general public of (i) the Board's intent to impose a fee increase and (ii) the new fee that would be required for any license affected by the Board's proposed fee increases. Such notice shall be provided on or before November 1 in any year in which the Board has decided to increase state license fees, and such increases shall become effective July 1 of the following year.
§4.1-635. Fees for state licenses.
A. The annual fees on state licenses shall be determined by the Board.
B. The fee on each license granted or reissued for a period other than 12, 24, or 36 months shall be equal to one-twelfth of the fees required by subsection A computed to the nearest cent, multiplied by the number of months in the license period, and then increased by five percent. Such fee shall not be refundable, except as provided in §4.1-636.
C. Nothing in this chapter shall exempt any licensee from any state merchants' license or state restaurant license or any other state tax. Every licensee, in addition to the taxes and fees imposed by this chapter, shall be liable to state merchants' license taxation and other state taxation.
D. In addition to the fees set forth in this section, a fee of $5 may be imposed on any license purchased in person from the Board if such license is available for purchase online.
§4.1-636. Refund of state license fee.
A. The Board may correct erroneous assessments made by it against any person and make refunds of any amounts collected pursuant to erroneous assessments, or collected as fees on licenses, that are subsequently refused or application therefor withdrawn, and to allow credit for any license fees paid by any licensee for any license that is subsequently merged or changed into another license during the same license period. No refund shall be made of any such amount, however, unless made within three years from the date of collection of the same.
B. In any case where a licensee has changed its name or form of organization during a license period without any change being made in its ownership, and because of such change is required to pay an additional license fee for such period, the Board shall refund to such licensee the amount of such fee so paid in excess of the required license fee for such period.
C. The Board shall make refunds, prorated according to a schedule of its prescription, to licensees of state license fees paid pursuant to subsection A of §4.1-635 if the place of business designated in the license is destroyed by an act of God, including but not limited to fire, earthquake, hurricane, storm, or similar natural disaster or phenomenon.
D. Any amount required to be refunded under this section shall be paid by the State Treasurer out of moneys appropriated to the Board and in the manner prescribed in §4.1-607.
§4.1-637. Marijuana tax; exceptions.
A. A tax of 21 percent is levied on the sale in the Commonwealth of any retail marijuana, retail marijuana products, marijuana paraphernalia sold by a retail marijuana store, non-retail marijuana, and non-retail marijuana products. The tax shall be in addition to any tax imposed under Chapter 6 (§58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1 or any other provision of federal, state, or local law.
B. The tax shall not apply to any sale:
1. From a marijuana establishment to another marijuana establishment.
2. Of cannabis oil for treatment under the provisions of §54.1-3408.3 and Article 4.2 (§54.1-3442.5 et seq.) of the Drug Control Act.
3. Of industrial hemp by a grower, processor, or dealer under the provisions of Chapter 41.1 (§3.2-4112 et seq.) of Title 3.2.
4. Of industrial hemp extract or food containing an industrial hemp extract under the provisions of Article 5 (§3.2-5145.1 et seq.) of Chapter 51 of Title 3.2.
C. All revenues remitted to the Authority under this section shall be disposed of as provided in §4.1-607.
§4.1-638. Optional local marijuana tax.
A. Any locality that has by referendum authorized the operation of retail marijuana stores may by ordinance levy a three percent tax on any sale taxable under §4.1-637. The tax shall be in addition to any local sales tax imposed under Chapter 6 (§ 58.1-600 et seq.) of Title 58.1, any food and beverage tax imposed under Article 7.1 (§58.1-3833 et seq.) of Chapter 38 of Title 58.1, and any excise tax imposed on meals under §58.1-3840. Other than the taxes authorized and identified in this subsection, a locality shall not impose any other tax on a sale taxable under §4.1-637.
B. If a town imposes a tax under this section, any tax imposed by its surrounding county under this section shall not apply within the limits of the town.
C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a locality from imposing any tax authorized by law on a person or property regulated under this chapter. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of any locality to impose a license or privilege tax or fee on a business engaged in whole or in part in sales taxable under §4.1-637 if such tax or fee is (i) based on an annual or per-event flat fee authorized by law or (ii) is an annual license or privilege tax authorized by law, and such tax includes sales or receipts taxable under §4.1-637 in its taxable measure.
D. Any locality that enacts an ordinance pursuant to subsection A shall, within 30 days, notify the Authority and any retail marijuana store in such locality of the ordinance's enactment. The ordinance shall take effect on the first day of the second month following its enactment.
E. Any tax levied under this section shall be administered and collected by the Authority in the same manner as provided for the tax imposed under §4.1-637.
F. All revenues remitted to the Authority under this section shall be disposed of as provided in §4.1-607.
§4.1-639. Tax returns and payments; commissions; interest.
A. For any sale taxable under §§4.1-637 and 4.1-638, the seller shall be liable for collecting any taxes due. All taxes collected by a seller shall be deemed to be held in trust for the Commonwealth. The buyer shall not be liable for collecting or remitting the taxes or filing a return.
B. On or before the tenth day of each month, any person liable for a tax due under §4.1-637 or 4.1-638 shall file a return under oath with the Authority and pay any taxes due. Upon written application by a person filing a return, the Authority may, if it determines good cause exists, grant an extension to the end of the calendar month in which the tax is due, or for a period not exceeding 30 days. Any extension shall toll the accrual of any interest or penalties under § 4.1-642.
C. The Authority may accept payment by any commercially acceptable means, including cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards, and electronic funds transfers, for any taxes, interest, or penalties due under this article. The Board may assess a service charge for the use of a credit or debit card.
D. Upon request, the Authority may collect and maintain a record of a person's credit card, debit card, or automated clearinghouse transfer information and use such information for future payments of taxes, interest, or penalties due under this article. The Authority may assess a service charge for any payments made under this subsection. The Authority may procure the services of a third-party vendor for the secure storage of information collected pursuant to this subsection.
E. If any person liable for tax under §§4.1-637 and 4.1-638 sells out his business or stock of goods or quits the business, such person shall make a final return and payment within 15 days after the date of selling or quitting the business. Such person's successors or assigns, if any, shall withhold sufficient of the purchase money to cover the amount of such taxes, interest, and penalties due and unpaid until such former owner produces a receipt from the Authority showing payment or a certificate stating that no taxes, penalties, or interest are due. If the buyer of a business or stock of goods fails to withhold the purchase money as provided in this subsection, such buyer shall be liable for the payment of the taxes, interest, and penalties due and unpaid on account of the operation of the business by any former owner.
G. When any person fails to timely pay the full amount of tax due under §4.1-637 or 4.1-638, interest at a rate determined in accordance with §58.1-15 shall accrue on the tax until it is paid. Any taxes due under §§4.1-637 and 4.1-638 shall, if applicable, be subject to penalties as provided in §§4.1-672 and 4.1-673.
§4.1-640. Bonds.
The Authority may, when deemed necessary and advisable to do so in order to secure the collection of the taxes levied under §§4.1-637 and 4.1-638, require any person subject to such tax to file a bond, with such surety as it determines is necessary to secure the payment of any tax, penalty, or interest due or that may become due from such person. In lieu of such bond, securities approved by the Authority may be deposited with the State Treasurer, which securities shall be kept in the custody of the State Treasurer, and shall be sold by the State Treasurer at the request of the Authority at public or private sale if it becomes necessary to do so in order to recover any tax, interest, or penalty due the Commonwealth. Upon any such sale, the surplus, if any, above the amounts due shall be returned to the person who deposited the securities.
§4.1-641. Refunds.
A. Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of the Authority that any taxes levied pursuant to §4.1-637 or 4.1-638 have been paid and that the taxable items were or are (i) damaged, destroyed, or otherwise deemed to be unsalable by reason of fire or any other providential cause before sale to the consumer; (ii) destroyed voluntarily because the taxable items were defective and after notice to and approval by the Authority of such destruction; or (iii) destroyed in any manner while in the possession of a common, private, or contract carrier, the Authority shall certify such facts to the Comptroller for approval of a refund payment from the state treasury to such extent as may be proper.
B. Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of the Authority that any person has purchased taxable items that have been sold by such person in such manner as to be exempt from the tax, the Authority shall certify such facts to the Comptroller for approval of a refund payment from the state treasury to such extent as may be proper.
C. In the event purchases are returned to the seller by the buyer after a tax imposed under §4.1-637 or 4.1-638 has been collected or charged to the account of the buyer, the seller shall be entitled to a refund of the amount of tax so collected or charged in the manner prescribed by the Authority. The amount of tax so refunded to the seller shall not, however, include the tax paid upon any amount retained by the seller after such return of merchandise. In case the tax has not been remitted by the seller, the seller may deduct the same in submitting his return.
§4.1-642. Statute of limitations; civil remedies for collecting past-due taxes, interest, and penalties.
A. The taxes imposed under §§4.1-637 and 4.1-638 shall be assessed within three years from the date on which such taxes became due and payable. In the case of a false or fraudulent return with intent to defraud the Commonwealth, or a failure to file a return, the taxes may be assessed, or a proceeding in court for the collection of such taxes may be begun without assessment, at any time within six years from such date. The Authority shall not examine any person's records beyond the three-year period of limitations unless it has reasonable evidence of fraud or reasonable cause to believe that such person was required by law to file a return and failed to do so.
B. If any person fails to file a return as required by this section, or files a return that is false or fraudulent, the Authority may make an estimate for the taxable period of the taxable sales of such person and assess the tax, plus any applicable interest and penalties. The Authority shall give such person 10 days' notice requiring such person to provide any records as it may require relating to the business of such person for the taxable period. The Authority may require such person or the agents and employees of such person to give testimony or to answer interrogatories under oath administered by the Authority respecting taxable sales, the filing of the return, and any other relevant information. If any person fails to file a required return, refuses to provide required records, or refuses to answer interrogatories from the Authority, the Authority may make an estimated assessment based upon the information available to it and issue a memorandum of lien under subsection C for the collection of any taxes, interest, or penalties. The estimated assessment shall be deemed prima facie correct.
C. 1. If the Authority assesses taxes, interest, or penalties on a person and such person does not pay within 30 days after the due date, taking into account any extensions granted by the Authority, the Authority may file a memorandum of lien in the circuit court clerk's office of the county or city in which the person's place of business is located or in which the person resides. If the person has no place of business or residence within the Commonwealth, the memorandum may be filed in the Circuit Court of the City of Richmond. A copy of the memorandum may also be filed in the clerk's office of all counties and cities in which the person owns real estate. Such memorandum shall be recorded in the judgment docket book and shall have the effect of a judgment in favor of the Commonwealth, to be enforced as provided in Article 19 (§8.01-196 et seq.) of Chapter 3 of Title 8.01, except that a writ of fieri facias may issue at any time after the memorandum is filed. The lien on real estate shall become effective at the time the memorandum is filed in the jurisdiction in which the real estate is located. No memorandum of lien shall be filed unless the person is first given 10 or more days' prior notice of intent to file a lien; however, in those instances where the Authority determines that the collection of any tax, penalties, or interest required to be paid pursuant to law will be jeopardized by the provision of such notice, notification may be provided to the person concurrent with the filing of the memorandum of lien. Such notice shall be given to the person at his last known address.
2. Recordation of a memorandum of lien under this subsection shall not affect a person's right to appeal under §4.1-643.
3. If after filing a memorandum of lien the Authority determines that it is in the best interest of the Commonwealth, it may place padlocks on the doors of any business enterprise that is delinquent in filing or paying any tax owed to the Commonwealth. The Authority shall also post notices of distraint on each of the doors so padlocked. If after three business days, the tax deficiency has not been satisfied or satisfactory arrangements for payment made, the Authority may cause a writ of fieri facias to be issued. It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for anyone to enter the padlocked premises without prior approval of the Authority. In the event that the person against whom the distraint has been applied subsequently appeals under §4.1-643, the person shall have the right to post bond equaling the amount of liability in lieu of payment until the appeal is resolved.
4. A person may petition the Authority after a memorandum of lien has been filed under this subsection if the person alleges an error in the filing of the lien. The Authority shall make a determination on such petition within 14 days. If the Authority determines that the filing was erroneous, it shall issue a certificate of release of the lien within seven days after such determination is made.
§4.1-643. Appeals.
Any tax imposed under §4.1-637 or 4.1-638, any interest imposed under §4.1-642, any action of the Authority under §4.1-670, and any penalty imposed under §4.1-672 or 4.1-673 shall be subject to review under the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.). Such review shall extend to the entire evidential record of the proceedings provided by the Authority in accordance with the Administrative Process Act. An appeal shall lie to the Court of Appeals from any order of a circuit court. Notwithstanding §8.01-676.1, the final judgment or order of a circuit court shall not be suspended, stayed, or modified by such circuit court pending appeal to the Court of Appeals. Neither mandamus nor injunction shall lie in any such case.
§4.1-644. Possession, etc., of marijuana and marijuana products by persons 21 years of age or older lawful; civil penalty.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this title and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person 21 years of age or older may lawfully possess on his person or in any public place not more than one ounce of marijuana or an equivalent amount of marijuana product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board.
B. Any person who possesses on his person or in any public place marijuana or marijuana products in excess of the amounts set forth in subsection A is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $25. A violation of this section is a civil offense. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Drug Offender Assessment and Treatment Fund established pursuant to §18.2-251.02. The penalty for any violations of this section by an adult shall be prepayable according to the procedures in §16.1-69.40:2. Any violation of this section shall be charged by summons. A summons for a violation of this section may be executed by a law-enforcement officer when such violation is observed by such officer. The summons used by a law-enforcement officer pursuant to this section shall be in a form the same as the uniform summons for motor vehicle law violations as prescribed pursuant to §46.2-388.
C. With the exception of a licensee in the course of his duties related to such licensee's marijuana establishment, any person who possesses on his person or in any public place more than five pounds of marijuana or an equivalent amount of marijuana product as determined by regulation promulgated by the Board is guilty of a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years and a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.
D. The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of federal, state, county, city, or town law-enforcement agencies, jail officers, or correctional officers, as defined in §53.1-1, certified as handlers of dogs trained in the detection of controlled substances when possession of marijuana is necessary for the performance of their duties.
§4.1-645. Home cultivation of marijuana for personal use; penalty.
A. A person 21 years of age or older may cultivate up to two mature marijuana plants and two immature marijuana plants for personal use at their place of residence; however, at no point shall a household contain more than two mature marijuana plants and two immature marijuana plants. For purposes of this section, a "household" means those individuals, whether related or not, who live in the same house or other place of residence.
A person may only cultivate marijuana plants pursuant to this section at such person's main place of residence.
B. A person who cultivates marijuana for personal use pursuant to this section shall:
1. Ensure that the marijuana is not visible from a public way without the use of aircraft, binoculars, or other optical aids;
2. Take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized access by persons younger than 21 years of age; and
3. Attach to each mature marijuana plant and immature marijuana plant a legible tag that includes the person's name, driver's license or identification number, and a notation that the marijuana plant is being grown for personal use as authorized under this section.
C. A person shall not manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana. The owner of a property or parcel or tract of land may not intentionally or knowingly allow another person to manufacture marijuana concentrate from home-cultivated marijuana within or on that property or land.
D. The following penalties or punishments shall be imposed on any person convicted of a violation of this section:
1. For possession of between five and 10 marijuana plants, (i) a civil penalty of $250 for a first offense, (ii) a Class 3 misdemeanor for a second offense, and (iii) a Class 2 misdemeanor for a third and any subsequent offense;
2. For possession of between 11 and 50 marijuana plants, a Class 1 misdemeanor;
3. For possession of 50 to 100 marijuana plants, a Class 6 felony; and
4. For possession of over 100 marijuana plants, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than 10 years and a fine of not more than $250,000, or both.
§4.1-646. Illegal cultivation or manufacture of marijuana or marijuana products; conspiracy; penalty.
A. Except as otherwise provided in §§4.1-613 and 4.1-645, no person shall cultivate or manufacture marijuana or marijuana products in the Commonwealth without being licensed under this title to cultivate or manufacture such marijuana or marijuana products.
B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
C. If two or more persons conspire together to do any act that is in violation of subsection A, and one or more of such persons does any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each of the parties to such conspiracy is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
§4.1-647. Illegal sale of marijuana or marijuana products in general; penalty.
If any person who is not licensed sells, gives, or distributes any marijuana or marijuana products except as permitted by this title, he is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
A second or subsequent conviction under this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-648. Persons to whom marijuana or marijuana products may not be sold; proof of legal age; penalty.
A. No person shall, except pursuant to §4.1-613, sell, give, or distribute any marijuana or marijuana products to any individual when at the time of such sale he knows or has reason to believe that the individual to whom the sale is made is (i) younger than 21 years of age or (ii) intoxicated. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. It is unlawful for any person 21 years of age or older to sell or distribute, or possess with the intent to sell or distribute, marijuana paraphernalia to any person under 21 years of age. Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. It is unlawful for any person 21 years of age or older to place in any newspaper, magazine, handbill, or other publication any advertisement, knowing or under circumstances where one reasonably should know, that the purpose of the advertisement, in whole or in part, is to promote the sale of marijuana paraphernalia to persons under 21 years of age. Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
D. Any person who sells, except pursuant to §4.1-613, any marijuana or marijuana products to an individual who is younger than 21 years of age and at the time of the sale does not require the individual to present bona fide evidence of legal age indicating that the individual is 21 years of age or older is guilty of a violation of this subsection. Bona fide evidence of legal age is limited to any evidence that is or reasonably appears to be an unexpired driver's license issued by any state of the United States or the District of Columbia, military identification card, United States passport or foreign government visa, unexpired special identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or any other valid government-issued identification card bearing the individual's photograph, signature, height, weight, and date of birth, or which bears a photograph that reasonably appears to match the appearance of the purchaser. A student identification card shall not constitute bona fide evidence of legal age for purposes of this subsection. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. Notwithstanding the provisions of §4.1-614, the Board shall not take administrative action against a licensee for the conduct of his employee who violates this subsection.
E. No person shall be convicted of both subsections A and D for the same sale.
§4.1-649. Purchasing of marijuana or marijuana products unlawful in certain cases; venue; exceptions; penalty; forfeiture; deferred proceedings; treatment and education programs and services.
A. No person to whom retail marijuana or retail marijuana products may not lawfully be sold under §4.1-648 shall consume, purchase, or possess, or attempt to consume, purchase, or possess, any marijuana or marijuana products, except (i) pursuant to §4.1-613 or (ii) by any federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer or his agent when possession of marijuana or marijuana products is necessary in the performance of his duties. Such person may be prosecuted either in the county or city in which the marijuana or marijuana products were possessed or consumed or in the county or city in which the person exhibits evidence of physical indicia of consumption of marijuana or marijuana products.
B. Any person 18 years of age or older who violates subsection A is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $250 for a first offense and shall be ordered to enter a substance abuse treatment or education program or both, if available, that in the opinion of the court best suits the needs of the accused. A person 18 years of age or older who is convicted under subsection A of a (ii) second offense is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and (ii) third or subsequent offense is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
When any person 18 years of age or older who has not previously violated subsection A or been convicted of consumption, purchase, or possession of marijuana or marijuana products in Virginia or any other state or the United States is before the court, the court may, upon entry of a plea of guilty or not guilty, if the facts found by the court would justify a finding of guilt of a violation of subsection A, shall, without entering a judgment of guilt, defer further proceedings and place the accused on probation subject to appropriate conditions. As a term and condition, the court shall require the accused to enter a substance abuse treatment or education program or both, if available, that in the opinion of the court best suits the needs of the accused. If the accused is placed on local community-based probation, the program or services shall be located in any of the judicial districts served by the local community-based probation services agency.
Upon violation of a condition, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided. Upon fulfillment of the conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against the person without an adjudication of guilt. A discharge and dismissal hereunder shall be treated as a conviction for the purpose of applying this section in any subsequent proceedings.
C. Any juvenile who violates subsection A is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $200 for a first offense and the court shall require the accused to enter a substance abuse treatment or education program or both, if available, that in the opinion of the court best suits the needs of the accused. For purposes of §§16.1-273, 16.1-278.8, 16.1-278.8:01, and 16.1-278.9, the court shall treat the child as delinquent.
For a second and any subsequent violation of subsection A, such juvenile is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and the court shall require the accused to enter a substance abuse treatment or education program or both, if available, that in the opinion of the court best suits the needs of the accused.
D. Any such substance abuse treatment or education program to which a person is ordered pursuant to this section shall be provided by (i) a program licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or (ii) a program or services made available through a community-based probation services agency established pursuant to Article 9 (§ 9.1-173 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1, if one has been established for the locality. When an offender is ordered to a local community-based probation services agency, the local community-based probation services agency shall be responsible for providing for services or referring the offender to education or treatment services as a condition of probation.
E. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Drug Offender Assessment and Treatment Fund established pursuant to §18.2-251.02.F. No person younger than 21 years of age shall use or attempt to use any (i) altered, fictitious, facsimile, or simulated license to operate a motor vehicle; (ii) altered, fictitious, facsimile, or simulated document, including but not limited to a birth certificate or student identification card; or (iii) motor vehicle driver's license or other document issued under Chapter 3 (§ 46.2-300 et seq.) of Title 46.2 or the comparable law of another jurisdiction, birth certificate, or student identification card of another person in order to establish a false identification or false age for himself to consume, purchase, or attempt to consume or purchase retail marijuana or retail marijuana products. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
G. Any marijuana or marijuana product purchased or possessed in violation of this section shall be deemed contraband and forfeited to the Commonwealth in accordance with §4.1-678.
H. Any retail marijuana store licensee who in good faith promptly notifies the Board or any state or local law-enforcement agency of a violation or suspected violation of this section shall be accorded immunity from an administrative penalty for a violation of §4.1-648.
§4.1-650. Purchasing retail marijuana or retail marijuana products for one to whom they may not be sold; penalty; forfeiture.
A. Any person who purchases retail marijuana or retail marijuana products for another person and at the time of such purchase knows or has reason to believe that the person for whom the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products were purchased was intoxicated is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. Any person who purchases for, or otherwise gives, provides, or assists in the provision of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to, another person when he knows or has reason to know that such person is younger than 21 years of age, except by any federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer when possession of marijuana or marijuana products is necessary in the performance of his duties, is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. Any marijuana or marijuana products purchased in violation of this section shall be deemed contraband and forfeited to the Commonwealth in accordance with §4.1-678.
§4.1-651. Using or consuming marijuana or marijuana products while in a motor vehicle being driven upon a public highway; penalty.
A. For the purposes of this section:
"Open container" means any vessel containing marijuana or marijuana products, except the originally sealed manufacturer's container.
"Passenger area" means the area designed to seat the driver of any motor vehicle, any area within the reach of the driver, including an unlocked glove compartment, and the area designed to seat passengers. "Passenger area" does not include the trunk of any passenger vehicle; the area behind the last upright seat of a passenger van, station wagon, hatchback, sport utility vehicle or any similar vehicle; the living quarters of a motor home; or the passenger area of a motor vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation, including a bus, taxi, or limousine, while engaged in the transportation of such persons.
B. It is unlawful for any person to use or consume marijuana or marijuana products while driving a motor vehicle upon a public highway of the Commonwealth or while being a passenger in a motor vehicle being driven upon a public highway of the Commonwealth.
C. A judge or jury may make a permissive inference that a person has consumed marijuana or marijuana products in violation of this section if (i) an open container is located within the passenger area of the motor vehicle, (ii) the marijuana or marijuana products in the open container has been at least partially removed and (iii) the appearance, conduct, speech, or other physical characteristic of such person, excluding odor, is consistent with the consumption of marijuana or marijuana products. Such person may be prosecuted either in the county or city in which the marijuana was used or consumed, or in the county or city in which the person exhibits evidence of physical indicia of use or consumption of marijuana.
D. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-652. Consuming marijuana or marijuana products, or offering to another, in public place; penalty; exceptions.
If any person consumes marijuana or a marijuana product or offers marijuana or a marijuana product to another, whether accepted or not, at or in any public place, he is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
§4.1-653. Consuming or possessing marijuana or marijuana products in or on public school grounds; penalty.
A. No person shall possess or consume any marijuana or marijuana product in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school during school hours or school or student activities.
B. In addition, no person shall consume and no organization shall serve any marijuana or marijuana products in or upon the grounds of any public elementary or secondary school after school hours or school or student activities.
C. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
§4.1-654. Possessing or consuming marijuana or marijuana products while operating a school bus; penalty.
Any person who possesses or consumes marijuana or marijuana products while operating a school bus and transporting children is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. For the purposes of this section, "school bus" has the same meaning as provided in §46.2-100.
§4.1-655. Illegal importation, shipment, and transportation of marijuana or marijuana products; penalty; exception.
A. No marijuana or marijuana products shall be imported, shipped, transported, or brought into the Commonwealth.
B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-656. Delivery of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to retail marijuana store licensee.
§4.1-657. Limitation on carrying retail marijuana or retail marijuana products in motor vehicle transporting passengers for hire; penalty.
The transportation of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products in any motor vehicle that is being used, or is licensed, for the transportation of passengers for hire is prohibited, except when carried in the possession of a passenger who is being transported for compensation at the regular rate and fare charged other passengers.
Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-658. Maintaining common nuisances; penalties.
A. All houses, boathouses, buildings, club or fraternity or lodge rooms, boats, cars, and places of every description where marijuana or marijuana products are manufactured, stored, sold, dispensed, given away, or used contrary to law, by any scheme or device whatsoever, shall be deemed common nuisances.
No person shall maintain, aid, abet, or knowingly associate with others in maintaining a common nuisance.
Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. In addition, after due notice and opportunity to be heard on the part of any owner or lessor not involved in the original offense, by a proceeding analogous to that provided in §§4.1-678 and 4.1-679 and upon proof of guilty knowledge, judgment may be given that such house, boathouse, building, boat, car, or other place, or any room or part thereof, be closed. The court may, upon the owner or lessor giving bond in the penalty of not less than $500 and with security to be approved by the court, conditioned that the premises shall not be used for unlawful purposes, or in violation of the provisions of this chapter for a period of five years, turn the same over to its owner or lessor, or proceeding may be had in equity as provided in §4.1-679.
C. In a proceeding under this section, judgment shall not be entered against the owner, lessor, or lienholder of the property unless it is proved that he (i) knew of the unlawful use of the property and (ii) had the right, because of such unlawful use, to enter and repossess the property.
§4.1-659. Maintaining a fortified drug house; penalty.
Any office, store, shop, restaurant, dance hall, theater, poolroom, clubhouse, storehouse, warehouse, dwelling house, apartment, or building or structure of any kind that is (i) substantially altered from its original status by means of reinforcement with the intent to impede, deter, or delay lawful entry by a law-enforcement officer into such structure; (ii) being used for the purpose of illegally manufacturing or distributing marijuana; and (iii) the object of a valid search warrant shall be considered a fortified drug house. Any person who maintains or operates a fortified drug house is guilty of a Class 5 felony.
§4.1-660. Disobeying subpoena; hindering conduct of hearing; penalty.
No person shall (i) fail or refuse to obey any subpoena issued by the Board, any Board member, or any agent authorized by the Board to issue such subpoena or (ii) hinder the orderly conduct and decorum of any hearing held and conducted by the Board, any Board member, or any agent authorized by the Board to hold and conduct such hearing.
Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-661. Illegal advertising; penalty; exception.
A. Except in accordance with this title and Board regulations, no person shall advertise in or send any advertising matter into the Commonwealth about or concerning marijuana other than such that may legally be manufactured or sold without a license.
B. Marijuana cultivation facility licensees, marijuana manufacturing facility licensees, marijuana wholesaler licensees, and retail marijuana store licensees may engage in the display of outdoor retail marijuana or retail marijuana products advertising on lawfully erected signs, provided that such display is done in accordance with §4.1-692 and Board regulations.
C. Except as provided in subsection D, any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
D. For violations of §4.1-692 relating to distance and zoning restrictions on outdoor advertising, the Board shall give the advertiser written notice to take corrective action to either bring the advertisement into compliance with this title and Board regulations or to remove such advertisement. If corrective action is not taken within 30 days, the advertiser is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor.
§4.1-662. Delivery of marijuana or marijuana products to prisoners; penalty.
No person shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to any prisoner in any state, local, or regional correctional facility or any person committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice in any juvenile correctional center any marijuana or marijuana products.
Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-663. Separation of plant resin by butane extraction; penalty.
A. No person shall separate plant resin by butane extraction or another method that utilizes a substance with a flashpoint below 100 degrees Fahrenheit in any public place, motor vehicle, or within the curtilage of any residential structure.
B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-664. Attempts; aiding or abetting; penalty.
No person shall attempt to do any of the things prohibited by this title or to aid or abet another in doing, or attempting to do, any of the things prohibited by this title.
On an indictment, information, or warrant for the violation of this chapter, the jury or the court may find the defendant guilty of an attempt, or being an accessory, and the punishment shall be the same as if the defendant were solely guilty of such violation.
§4.1-665. Persons charged with first offense may be placed on probation; conditions; substance abuse screening, assessment treatment and education programs or services; drug tests; costs and fees; violations; discharge.
A. Except as provided in §4.1-649, whenever any person who has not previously been convicted of any offense under this article pleads guilty to or enters a plea of not guilty to an offense under this article, the court, upon such plea if the facts found by the court would justify a finding of guilt, without entering a judgment of guilt and with the consent of the accused, may defer further proceedings and place the accused on probation upon terms and conditions.
B. As a term or condition, the court shall require the accused to undergo a substance abuse assessment pursuant to §19.2-299.2 and enter treatment or an education program or services, or any combination thereof, if available, such as, in the opinion of the court, may be best suited to the needs of the accused based upon consideration of the substance abuse assessment. The program or services may be located in the judicial district in which the charge is brought or in any other judicial district as the court may provide. The services shall be provided by (i) a program licensed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, or a similar program that is made available through the Department of Corrections; (ii) a local community-based probation services agency established pursuant to §9.1-174; or (iii) an alcohol safety action program (ASAP) certified by the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP).
C. The court shall require the person entering such program under the provisions of this section to pay all or part of the costs of the program, including the costs of the screening, assessment, testing, and treatment, based upon the accused's ability to pay, unless the person is determined by the court to be indigent.
D. As a condition of probation, the court shall require the accused (i) to successfully complete treatment or education programs or services, (ii) to remain drug-free and alcohol-free during the period of probation and submit to such tests during that period as may be necessary and appropriate to determine if the accused is drug-free and alcohol-free, (iii) to make reasonable efforts to secure and maintain employment, and (iv) to comply with a plan of up to 24 hours of community service. Such testing shall be conducted by personnel of the supervising probation agency or personnel of any program or agency approved by the supervising probation agency.
E. The court shall, unless done at arrest, order the accused to report to the original arresting law-enforcement agency to submit to fingerprinting.
F. Upon violation of a term or condition, the court may enter an adjudication of guilt and proceed as otherwise provided. Upon fulfillment of the terms and conditions, the court shall discharge the person and dismiss the proceedings against him. Discharge and dismissal under this section shall be without adjudication of guilt and is a conviction only for the purposes of applying this section in subsequent proceedings.
G. When any juvenile is found to have committed a violation of subsection A, the disposition of the case shall be handled according to the provisions of Article 9 (§16.1-278 et seq.) of Chapter 11 of Title 16.1.
§4.1-666. Illegal cultivation, etc., of marijuana or marijuana products by licensees; penalty.
A. No licensee or any agent or employee of such licensee shall:
1. Cultivate, manufacture, transport, sell, or test any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products of a kind other than that which such license or this title authorizes him to cultivate, manufacture, transport, sell, or test;
2. Sell retail marijuana or retail marijuana products of a kind that such license or this title authorizes him to sell, but to any person other than to those to whom such license or this title authorizes him to sell;
3. Cultivate, manufacture, transport, sell, or test retail marijuana or retail marijuana products that such license or this title authorizes him to sell, but in any place or in any manner other than such license or this title authorizes him to cultivate, manufacture, transport, sell, or test;
4. Cultivate, manufacture, transport, sell, or test any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products when forbidden by this title;
5. Keep or allow to be kept, other than in his residence and for his personal use, any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products other than that which he is authorized to cultivate, manufacture, transport, sell, or transport by such license or by this chapter;
6. Sell any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to a retail marijuana store licensee, except for cash, if the seller holds a marijuana cultivation facility, marijuana manufacturing facility, or marijuana wholesaler license;
7. Keep any retail marijuana or retail marijuana product other than in the container in which it was purchased by him; or
8. Allow a person younger than 21 years of age to be employed by or volunteer for such licensee at a retail marijuana store.
B. No secure marijuana transporter licensee shall transport at one time more than (i) 15 ounces of retail marijuana, (ii) 64 ounces of solid retail marijuana product, (iii) 288 ounces of liquid retail marijuana product, provided that not more than two ounces of such marijuana may be in the form of marijuana concentrate.
C. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-667. Prohibited acts by employees of retail marijuana store licensees; civil penalty.
A. In addition to the provisions of §4.1-666, no retail marijuana store licensee or his agent or employee shall consume any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products while on duty and in a position that is involved in the selling of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products to customers.
B. No retail marijuana store licensee or his agent or employee shall make any gift of any marijuana or marijuana products.
C. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $500.
§4.1-668. Sale of; purchase for resale; marijuana or marijuana products from a person without a license; penalty.
No retail marijuana store licensee shall purchase for resale or sell any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products purchased from anyone other than a marijuana wholesaler licensee.
Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-669. Prohibiting transfer of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products by licensees; penalty.
A. No retail marijuana store licensee shall transfer any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products from one licensed place of business to another licensed place of business, whether or not such places of business are under the same ownership.
B. Any person convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-670. Illegal advertising materials; civil penalty.
No person subject to the jurisdiction of the Board shall induce, attempt to induce, or consent to any licensee selling, renting, lending, buying for, or giving to any person any advertising materials or decorations under circumstances prohibited by this title or Board regulations.
Any person found by the Board to have violated this section shall be subject to a civil penalty as authorized in §4.1-632.
§4.1-671. Solicitation by persons interested in manufacture, etc., of marijuana or marijuana products; penalty.
A. No person having any interest, direct or indirect, in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products shall, without a permit granted by the Board and upon such conditions as the Board may prescribe, solicit either directly or indirectly (i) a retail marijuana store licensee; (ii) any agent or employee of such licensee; or (iii) any person connected with the licensee in any capacity whatsoever in his licensed business to sell or offer for sale the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products in which such person may be so interested.
The Board, upon proof of any solicitation in violation of this subsection, may suspend or terminate the sale of the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products that were the subject matter of the unlawful solicitation or promotion. In addition, the Board may suspend or terminate the sale of all retail marijuana or retail marijuana products manufactured or distributed by either the employer or principal of such solicitor, the broker, or by the owner of the brand unlawfully solicited or promoted. The Board may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $250,000 in lieu of such suspension or termination of sales, or both.
Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. No retail marijuana store licensee or any agent or employee of such licensee, or any person connected with the licensee in any capacity whatsoever in his licensed business shall, either directly or indirectly, be a party to, consent to, solicit, or aid or abet another in a violation of subsection A.
The Board may suspend or revoke the license granted to such licensee or may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 in lieu of such suspension or any portion thereof, or both.
Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
§4.1-672. Failure of licensee to pay tax or to deliver, keep, and preserve records and accounts or to allow examination and inspection; penalty.
A. No licensee shall fail or refuse to (i) pay any tax provided for in §4.1-637 or 4.1-638; (ii) deliver, keep, and preserve such records, invoices, and accounts as are required by §4.1-616 or Board regulation; or (iii) allow such records, invoices, and accounts or his place of business to be examined and inspected in accordance with §4.1-616. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. After reasonable notice to a licensee that failed to make a return or pay taxes due, the Authority may suspend or revoke any license of such licensee that was issued by the Authority.
§4.1-673. Nonpayment of marijuana tax; penalties.
A. No person shall make a sale taxable under §4.1-637 or 4.1-638 without paying all applicable taxes due under §§4.1-637 and 4.1-638. No retail marijuana store licensee shall purchase, receive, transport, store, or sell any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products on which such retailer has reason to know such tax has not been paid and may not be paid. Any person convicted of a violation of this subsection is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. On any person who fails to file a return required for a tax due under §4.1-637 or 4.1-638, there shall be imposed a civil penalty to be added to the tax in the amount of five percent of the proper tax due if the failure is for not more than 30 days, with an additional five percent for each additional 30 days, or fraction thereof, during which the failure continues. Such civil penalty shall not exceed 25 percent in the aggregate.
C. In the case of a false or fraudulent return, where willful intent exists to defraud the Commonwealth of any tax due on retail marijuana or retail marijuana products, a civil penalty of 50 percent of the amount of the proper tax due shall be assessed. Such penalty shall be in addition to any penalty imposed under subsection B. It shall be prima facie evidence of willful intent to defraud the Commonwealth when any person reports its taxable sales to the Authority at 50 percent or less of the actual amount.
D. If any check tendered for any amount due under § 4.1-637 or 4.1-638 or this section is not paid by the bank on which it is drawn, and the person that tendered the check fails to pay the Authority the amount due within five days after the Authority gives it notice that such check was returned unpaid, the person by which such check was tendered is guilty of a violation of §18.2-182.1.
E. All penalties shall be payable to the Authority and if not so paid shall be collectible in the same manner as if they were a part of the tax imposed.
§4.1-674. Enjoining nuisances.
A. In addition to the penalties imposed by §4.1-658, the Board, its special agents, the attorney for the Commonwealth, or any citizen of the county, city, or town where a common nuisance as defined in §4.1-658 exists may maintain a suit in equity in the name of the Commonwealth to enjoin the common nuisance.
B. The courts of equity shall have jurisdiction, and in every case where the bill charges, on the knowledge or belief of the complainant, and is sworn to by two reputable citizens, that marijuana or marijuana products are cultivated, manufactured, stored, sold, dispensed, given away, or used in such house, building, or other place described in §4.1-658 contrary to the laws of the Commonwealth, an injunction shall be granted as soon as the bill is presented to the court. The injunction shall enjoin and restrain the owners and tenants and their agents and employees, and any person connected with such house, building, or other place, and all persons whomsoever from cultivating, manufacturing, storing, selling, dispensing, giving away, or using marijuana or marijuana products on such premises. The injunction shall also restrain all persons from removing any marijuana or marijuana products then on such premises until the further order of the court. If the court is satisfied that the material allegations of the bill are true, although the premises complained of may not then be unlawfully used, it shall continue the injunction against such place for a period of time as the court deems proper. The injunction may be dissolved if a proper case is shown for dissolution.
§4.1-675. Contraband marijuana or marijuana products and other articles subject to forfeiture.
A. All apparatus and materials for the cultivation or manufacture of marijuana or marijuana products, all marijuana or marijuana products and materials used in their manufacture, all containers in which marijuana or marijuana products may be found, which are kept, stored, possessed, or in any manner used in violation of the provisions of this chapter, and any dangerous weapons as described in § 18.2-308 that may be used or that may be found upon the person, or in any vehicle that such person is using, to aid such person in the unlawful cultivation, manufacture, transportation, or sale of marijuana or marijuana products, or found in the possession of such person, or any horse, mule, or other beast of burden or any wagon, automobile, truck, or vehicle of any nature whatsoever that is found in the immediate vicinity of any place where marijuana or marijuana products are being unlawfully manufactured and where such animal or vehicle is being used to aid in the unlawful manufacture, shall be deemed contraband and shall be forfeited to the Commonwealth.
B. Proceedings for the confiscation of the property in subsection A shall be in accordance with §4.1-678 for all such property except motor vehicles which proceedings shall be in accordance with Chapter 22.1 (§19.2-386.1 et seq.) of Title 19.2.
§4.1-676. Search without warrant; odor of marijuana.
A. No law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 9.1-101, may lawfully stop, search, or seize any person, place, or thing solely on the basis of the odor of marijuana and no evidence discovered or obtained pursuant to a violation of this subsection, including evidence discovered or obtained with the person's consent, shall be admissible in any trial, hearing, or other proceeding.
B. The provisions of subsection A shall not apply in any airport as defined in §5.1-1 or if the violation occurs in a commercial motor vehicle as defined in §46.2-341.4.
§4.1-677. Search warrants.
A. If complaint on oath is made that marijuana or marijuana products are being cultivated, manufactured, sold, kept, stored, or in any manner held, used, or concealed in a particular house, or other place, in violation of law, the judge, magistrate, or other person having authority to issue criminal warrants, to whom such complaint is made, if satisfied that there is a probable cause for such belief, shall issue a warrant to search such house or other place for marijuana or marijuana products. Such warrants, except as herein otherwise provided, shall be issued, directed, and executed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth pertaining to search warrants.
B. Warrants issued under this title for the search of any automobile, boat, conveyance, or vehicle, whether of like kind or not, or for the search of any article of baggage, whether of like kind or not, for marijuana or marijuana products may be executed in any part of the Commonwealth where they are overtaken and shall be made returnable before any judge within whose jurisdiction such automobile, boat, conveyance, vehicle, truck, or article of baggage, or any of them, was transported or attempted to be transported contrary to law.
§4.1-678. Confiscation proceedings; disposition of forfeited articles.
A. All proceedings for the confiscation of articles, except motor vehicles, declared contraband and forfeited to the Commonwealth under this chapter shall be as provided in this section.
B. Production of seized property. Whenever any article declared contraband under the provisions of this chapter and required to be forfeited to the Commonwealth has been seized, with or without a warrant, by any officer charged with the enforcement of this chapter, he shall produce the contraband article and any person in whose possession it was found. In those cases where no person is found in possession of such articles, the return shall so state and a copy of the warrant shall be posted on the door of the buildings or room where the articles were found, or if there is no door, then in any conspicuous place upon the premises.
In case of seizure of any item for any offense involving its forfeiture where it is impracticable to remove such item to a place of safe storage from the place where seized, the seizing officer may destroy such item only as necessary to prevent use of all or any part thereof. The destruction shall be in the presence of at least one credible witness, and such witness shall join the officer in a sworn report of the seizure and destruction to be made to the Board. The report shall set forth the grounds of the claim of forfeiture, the reasons for seizure and destruction, an estimate of the fair cash value of the item destroyed, and the materials remaining after such destruction. The report shall include a statement that, from facts within their own knowledge, the seizing officer and witness have no doubt whatever that the item was set up for use, or had been used in the unlawful cultivation or manufacture of marijuana, and that it was impracticable to remove such apparatus to a place of safe storage.
In case of seizure of any quantity of marijuana or marijuana products for any offense involving forfeiture of the same, the seizing officer may destroy them to prevent the use of all or any part thereof for the purpose of unlawful cultivation or manufacture of marijuana or marijuana products or any other violation of this chapter. The destruction shall be in the presence of at least one credible witness, and such witness shall join the officer in a sworn report of the seizure and destruction to be made to the Board. The report shall set forth the grounds of the claim of forfeiture, the reasons for seizure and destruction, and a statement that, from facts within their own knowledge, the seizing officer and witness have no doubt whatever that the marijuana or marijuana products were intended for use in the unlawful cultivation or manufacture of marijuana or marijuana products or were intended for use in violation of this chapter.
C. Hearing and determination. Upon the return of the warrant as provided in this section, the court shall fix a time not less than 10 days, unless waived by the accused in writing, and not more than 30 days thereafter, for the hearing on such return to determine whether or not the articles seized, or any part thereof, were used or in any manner kept, stored, or possessed in violation of this chapter.
At such hearing, if no claimant appears, the court shall declare the articles seized forfeited to the Commonwealth and if such articles are not necessary as evidence in any pending prosecution shall turn them over to the Board. Any person claiming an interest in any of the articles seized may appear at the hearing and file a written claim setting forth particularly the character and extent of his interest. The court shall certify the warrant and the articles seized along with any claim filed to the circuit court to hear and determine the validity of such claim.
If the evidence warrants, the court shall enter a judgment of forfeiture and order the articles seized to be turned over to the Board. Action under this section and the forfeiture of any articles hereunder shall not be a bar to any prosecution under any other provision of this chapter.
D. Disposition of forfeited articles. Any articles forfeited to the Commonwealth and turned over to the Board in accordance with this section shall be destroyed or sold by the Board as it deems proper. The net proceeds from such sales shall be paid into the Literary Fund.
If the Board believes that any foodstuffs forfeited to the Commonwealth and turned over to the Board in accordance with this section are usable, should not be destroyed, and cannot be sold or whose sale would be impractical, it may give such foodstuffs to any institution in the Commonwealth and shall prefer a gift to the local jail or other local correctional facility in the jurisdiction where seizure took place. A record shall be made showing the nature of the foodstuffs and amount given, to whom given, and the date when given, and shall be kept in the offices of the Board.
§4.1-679. Search and seizure of conveyances or vehicles used in violation of law; arrests.
A. When any officer charged with the enforcement of the alcoholic beverage and cannabis control laws of the Commonwealth has reason to believe that retail marijuana or retail marijuana products illegally acquired, or being illegally transported, are in any conveyance or vehicle of any kind, either on land or on water, except a conveyance or vehicle owned or operated by a railroad, express, sleeping, or parlor car, or steamboat company, other than barges, tugs, or small craft, he shall obtain a search warrant and search such conveyance or vehicle. If illegally acquired retail marijuana or retail marijuana products or retail marijuana or retail marijuana products being illegally transported in amounts in excess of two and one-half ounces of retail marijuana, 16 ounces of solid retail marijuana product, or 72 ounces of liquid retail marijuana product, the officer shall seize the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product, seize and take possession of such conveyance or vehicle, and deliver them to the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality in which such seizure was made, taking his receipt therefor in duplicate.
B. The officer making such seizure shall also arrest all persons found in charge of such conveyance or vehicle and shall forthwith report in writing such seizure and arrest to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the county or city in which seizure and arrest were made.
§4.1-680. Contraband retail marijuana or retail marijuana products.
Retail marijuana or retail marijuana products seized pursuant to §4.1-679 shall be deemed contraband and disposed of accordingly. Failure to maintain on a conveyance or vehicle a permit or other indicia of permission issued by the Board authorizing the transportation of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products within the Commonwealth when other Board regulations applicable to such transportation have been complied with shall not be cause for deeming such retail marijuana or retail marijuana products contraband.
§4.1-681. Punishment for violations of title or regulations; bond.
A. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under the provisions of this chapter without specification as to the class of offense or penalty, or convicted of violating any other provision thereof, or convicted of violating any Board regulation is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. In addition to the penalties imposed by this title for violations, any court before whom any person is convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter may require such defendant to execute bond based upon his ability to pay, with approved security, in the penalty of not more than $1,000, with the condition that the defendant will not violate any of the provisions of this chapter for the term of one year. If any such bond is required and is not given, the defendant shall be committed to jail until it is given, or until he is discharged by the court, provided that he shall not be confined for a period longer than six months. If any such bond required by a court is not given during the term of the court by which conviction is had, it may be given before any judge or before the clerk of such court.
C. The provisions of this chapter shall not prevent the Board from suspending, revoking, or refusing to continue the license of any person convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter.
D. No court shall hear such a case unless the respective attorney for the Commonwealth or his assistant has been notified that such a case is pending.
§4.1-682. Witness not excused from testifying because of self-incrimination.
No person shall be excused from testifying for the Commonwealth as to any offense committed by another under this title by reason of his testimony tending to incriminate him. The testimony given by such person on behalf of the Commonwealth when called as a witness for the prosecution shall not be used against him, and he shall not be prosecuted for the offense to which he testifies.
§4.1-683. Previous convictions.
In any indictment, information, or warrant charging any person with a violation of any provision of this chapter, it may be alleged and evidence may be introduced at the trial of such person to prove that such person has been previously convicted of a violation of this chapter.
§4.1-684. Certificate of forensic scientist as evidence; requiring forensic scientist to appear.
The certificate of any forensic scientist employed by the Commonwealth on behalf of the Board or the Department of Forensic Science, when signed by him, shall be evidence in all prosecutions for violations of this chapter and all controversies in any judicial proceedings touching the mixture analyzed by him. On motion of the accused or any party in interest, the court may require the forensic scientist making the analysis to appear as a witness and be subject to cross-examination, provided that such motion is made within a reasonable time prior to the day on which the case is set for trial.
§4.1-685. Label on sealed container prima facie evidence of marijuana content.
In any prosecution for violations of this chapter, where a sealed container is labeled as containing retail marijuana or retail marijuana products, such labeling shall be prima facie evidence of the marijuana content of the container. Nothing shall preclude the introduction of other relevant evidence to establish the marijuana content of a container, whether sealed or not.
§4.1-686. No recovery for retail marijuana or retail marijuana products illegally sold.
No action to recover the price of any retail marijuana or retail marijuana products sold in contravention of this chapter may be maintained.
§4.1-687. Board to establish regulations for marijuana testing.
The Board shall establish a testing program for marijuana and marijuana products. Except as otherwise provided in this article or otherwise provided by law, the program shall require a licensee, prior to selling or distributing retail marijuana or a retail marijuana product to a consumer or to another licensee, to submit a representative sample of the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product, not to exceed 10 percent of the total harvest or batch, to a licensed marijuana testing facility for testing to ensure that the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product does not exceed the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required and to ensure correct labeling. The Board shall adopt regulations (i) establishing a testing program pursuant to this section; (ii) establishing acceptable testing and research practices, including regulations relating to testing practices, methods, and standards; quality control analysis; equipment certification and calibration; marijuana testing facility recordkeeping, documentation, and business practices; disposal of used, unused, and waste retail marijuana and retail marijuana products; and reporting of test results; (iii) identifying the types of contaminants that are injurious to health for which retail marijuana and retail marijuana products shall be tested under this article; and (iv) establishing the maximum level of allowable contamination for each contaminant.
§4.1-688. Mandatory testing; scope; recordkeeping; notification; additional testing not required; required destruction; random testing.
A. A licensee may not sell or distribute retail marijuana or a retail marijuana product to a consumer or to another licensee under this title unless a representative sample of the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product has been tested pursuant to this article and the regulations adopted pursuant to this article and that mandatory testing has demonstrated that (i) the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product does not exceed the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required and (ii) the labeling on the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product is correct.
B. Mandatory testing of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products under this section shall include testing for:
1. Residual solvents, poisons, and toxins;
2. Harmful chemicals;
3. Dangerous molds and mildew;
4. Harmful microbes, including but not limited to Escherichia coli and Salmonella;
5. Pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides; and
6. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potency, homogeneity, and cannabinoid profiles to ensure correct labeling.
Testing shall be performed on the final form in which the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product will be consumed.
C. A licensee shall maintain a record of all mandatory testing that includes a description of the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product provided to the marijuana testing facility, the identity of the marijuana testing facility, and the results of the mandatory test.
D. If the results of a mandatory test conducted pursuant to this section indicate that the tested retail marijuana or retail marijuana product exceeds the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required, the marijuana testing facility shall immediately quarantine, document, and properly destroy the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product and within 30 days of completing the test shall notify the Board of the test results.
A marijuana testing facility is not required to notify the Board of the results of any test:
1. Conducted on retail marijuana or a retail marijuana product at the direction of a licensee pursuant to this section that demonstrates that the marijuana or marijuana product does not exceed the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required;
2. Conducted on retail marijuana or a retail marijuana product at the direction of a licensee for research and development purposes only, so long as the licensee notifies the marijuana testing facility prior to the performance of the test that the testing is for research and development purposes only; or
3. Conducted on retail marijuana or a retail marijuana product at the direction of a person who is not a licensee.
E. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a licensee may sell or furnish to a consumer or to another licensee retail marijuana or a retail marijuana product that the licensee has not submitted for testing in accordance with this article and regulations adopted pursuant to this article if the following conditions are met:
1. The retail marijuana or retail marijuana product has previously undergone testing in accordance with this article and regulations adopted pursuant to this article at the direction of another licensee and that testing demonstrated that the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product does not exceed the maximum level of allowable contamination for any contaminant that is injurious to health and for which testing is required;
2. The mandatory testing process and the test results for the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product are documented in accordance with the requirements of this article and all applicable regulations adopted pursuant to this article;
3. Tracking from immature marijuana plant to the point of retail sale has been maintained for the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product and transfers of the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product to another licensee or to a consumer can be easily identified; and
4. The retail marijuana or retail marijuana product has not undergone any further processing, manufacturing, or alteration subsequent to the performance of the prior testing under subsection A.
F. Licensees shall be required to destroy harvested batches of retail marijuana or batches of retail marijuana products whose testing samples indicate noncompliance with the health and safety standards required by this article and the regulations adopted by the Board pursuant to this article, unless remedial measures can bring the retail marijuana or retail marijuana products into compliance with such required health and safety standards.
G. A licensee shall comply with all requests for samples of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products for the purpose of random testing by a state-owned laboratory or state-approved private laboratory.
§4.1-689. Labeling and packaging requirements; prohibitions.
A. Retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be labeled with the following information:
1. Identification of the type of marijuana or marijuana product and the date of cultivation, manufacturing, and packaging;
2. The license numbers of the marijuana cultivation facility, the marijuana manufacturing facility, and the retail marijuana store where the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product was cultivated, manufactured, and offered for sale, as applicable;
3. A statement of the net weight of the retail marijuana or retail marijuana product;
4. Information concerning (i) pharmacologically active ingredients, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and other cannabinoid content; (ii) the THC and other cannabinoid amount in milligrams per serving, the total servings per package, and the THC and other cannabinoid amount in milligrams for the total package; and (iii) the potency of the THC and other cannabinoid content;
5. Information on gases, solvents, and chemicals used in marijuana extraction, if applicable;
6. Instructions on usage;
7. For retail marijuana products, (i) a list of ingredients and possible allergens and (ii) a recommended use by date or expiration date;
8. For edible retail marijuana products, a nutritional fact panel;
9. The following statements, prominently displayed in bold print and in a clear and legible fashion:
a. For retail marijuana: "GOVERNMENT WARNING: THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS MARIJUANA. MARIJUANA IS FOR USE BY ADULTS 21 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA IMPAIRS COGNITION AND YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE, AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE USED WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. PLEASE USE CAUTION."
b. For retail marijuana products: "GOVERNMENT WARNING: THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS MARIJUANA. MARIJUANA IS FOR USE BY ADULTS 21 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. CONSUMPTION OF MARIJUANA IMPAIRS COGNITION AND YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE, AND MAY BE HABIT FORMING. MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE USED WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING. PLEASE USE CAUTION.";
10. A universal symbol stamped or embossed on the packaging of any retail marijuana and retail marijuana products; and
11. Any other information required by Board regulations.
B. Retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be packaged in the following manner:
1. Retail marijuana and retail marijuana products shall be prepackaged in child-resistant, tamper-evident, and resealable packaging that is opaque or shall be placed at the final point of sale to a consumer in child-resistant, tamper-evident, and resealable packaging that is opaque;
2. Packaging for multiserving liquid marijuana products shall include an integral measurement component; and
3. Packaging shall comply with any other requirements imposed by Board regulations.
C. Retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall not:
1. Be labeled or packaged in violation of a federal trademark law or regulation;
2. Be labeled or packaged in a manner that appeals particularly to persons younger than 21 years of age;
3. Be labeled or packaged in a manner that obscures identifying information on the label;
4. Be labeled or packaged using a false or misleading label;
5. Be sold or offered for sale using a label or packaging that depicts a human, an animal, a vehicle, or fruit; and
6. Be labeled or packaged in violation of any other labeling or packaging requirements imposed by Board regulations.
§4.1-690. Other health and safety requirements for edible retail marijuana products and other retail marijuana products deemed applicable by the Authority; health and safety regulations.
A. Requirements and restrictions for edible retail marijuana products and other retail marijuana products deemed applicable by the Authority. In addition to all other applicable provisions of this article, edible retail marijuana products and other retail marijuana products deemed applicable by the Authority to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with this title:
1. Shall be manufactured by an approved source, as determined by §3.2-5145.8;
2. Shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 51 (§3.2-5100 et seq.) of Title 3.2;
3. Shall be manufactured in a manner that results in the cannabinoid content within the product being homogeneous throughout the product or throughout each element of the product that has a cannabinoid content;
4. Shall be manufactured in a manner that results in the amount of marijuana concentrate within the product being homogeneous throughout the product or throughout each element of the product that contains marijuana concentrate;
5. Shall have a universal symbol stamped or embossed on each serving of the product;
6. Shall not contain more than five milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per serving of the product and shall not contain more than 50 milligrams of THC per package of the product;
7. Shall not contain additives that (i) are toxic or harmful to human beings, (ii) are specifically designed to make the product more addictive, (iii) contain alcohol or nicotine, (iv) are misleading to consumers, or (v) are specifically designed to make the product appeal particularly to persons younger than 21 years of age; and
8. Shall not involve the addition of marijuana to a trademarked food or drink product, except when the trademarked product is used as a component of or ingredient in the edible retail marijuana product and the edible retail marijuana product is not advertised or described for sale as containing the trademarked product.
B. Health and safety regulations. The Board shall adopt any additional labeling, packaging, or other health and safety regulations that it deems necessary for retail marijuana and retail marijuana products to be sold or offered for sale by a licensee to a consumer in accordance with this title. Regulations adopted pursuant to this subsection shall establish mandatory health and safety standards applicable to the cultivation of retail marijuana, the manufacture of retail marijuana products, and the packaging and labeling of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products sold by a licensee to a consumer. Such regulations shall address:
1. Requirements for the storage, warehousing, and transportation of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products by licensees;
2. Sanitary standards for marijuana establishments, including sanitary standards for the manufacture of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products; and
3. Limitations on the display of retail marijuana and retail marijuana products at retail marijuana stores.
§4.1-691. Advertising and marketing restrictions.
A. As used in this section, unless the context requires a different meaning, "health-related statement" means any statement related to health and includes statements of a curative or therapeutic nature that, expressly or by implication, suggest a relationship between the consumption of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products and health benefits or effects on health.
B. No person shall advertise in or send any advertising matter into the Commonwealth about or concerning retail marijuana or retail marijuana products other than those that may be legally manufactured in the Commonwealth under this title or Article 4.2 (§54.1-3442.5 et seq.) of the Drug Control Act.
C. A licensee shall not advertise through any means unless at least 85 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older, as determined by reliable, up-to-date audience composition data.
D. A licensee shall not engage in the use of pop-up digital advertisements but may list their establishment in public phone books and directories.
E. A licensee shall not display any marijuana or marijuana product pricing through any means of advertisement other than their establishment website, which shall be registered with the Authority, or an opt-in subscription-based service, provided that the licensee utilizes proper age verification techniques to confirm that the person attempting to access the website or sign up for a subscription-based service is 21 years of age or older.
F. Advertising or marketing used by or on behalf of a licensee:
1. Shall accurately and legibly identify the licensee responsible for its content by adding, at a minimum, the licensee's license number, and shall include the statement "For use by adults 21 years of age and older";
2. Shall not be misleading, deceptive, or false;
3. Shall not appeal particularly to persons younger than 21 years of age, including by using cartoons in any way; and
4. Shall comply with any other provisions imposed by Board regulations.
G. Any advertising or marketing involving direct, individualized communication or dialogue controlled by the licensee shall utilize a method of age affirmation to verify that the recipient is 21 years of age or older before engaging in that communication or dialogue controlled by the licensee. For the purposes of this subsection, that method of age affirmation may include user confirmation, birth date disclosure, or any other similar registration method.
H. A licensee shall not give away any amount of retail marijuana or retail marijuana products, or any marijuana accessories, as part of a business promotion or other commercial activity.
I. A licensee shall not include on the label of any retail marijuana or retail marijuana product or publish or disseminate advertising or marketing containing any health-related statement that is untrue in any particular manner or tends to create a misleading impression as to the effects on health of marijuana consumption.
J. The provisions of this section shall not apply to noncommercial speech.
§4.1-692. Outdoor advertising; limitations; variances; compliance with Title 33.2.
A. No outdoor retail marijuana or retail marijuana products advertising shall be placed within 1,000 linear feet on the same side of the road, and parallel to such road, measured from the nearest edge of the sign face upon which the advertisement is placed to the nearest edge of a building or structure located on the real property of (i) a public, private, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; (ii) a public or private playground or similar recreational or child-centered facility; or (iii) a substance use disorder treatment facility.
B. However, (i) if there is no building or structure on a playground or similar recreational or child-centered facility, the measurement shall be from the nearest edge of the sign face upon which the advertisement is placed to the property line of such playground or similar recreational or child-centered facility and (ii) if a public, private, or parochial school providing grades kindergarten through 12 education is located across the road from a sign, the measurement shall be from the nearest edge of the sign face upon which the advertisement is placed to the nearest edge of a building or structure located on such real property across the road.
C. If at the time the advertisement was displayed, the advertisement was more than 1,000 feet from (i) a public, private, or parochial school or an institution of higher education; (ii) a public or private playground or similar recreational or child-centered facility; or (iii) a substance use disorder treatment facility, but the circumstances change such that the advertiser would otherwise be in violation of subsection A, the Board shall permit the advertisement to remain as displayed for the remainder of the term of any written advertising contract, but in no event more than one year from the date of the change in circumstances.
D. Provided that such signs are in compliance with local ordinances, the distance and zoning restrictions contained in this section shall not apply to:
1. Signs placed by licensees upon the property on which the licensed premises are located so long as such signs do not display imagery of marijuana or the use of marijuana or utilize long luminous gas-discharge tubes that contain rarefied neon or other gases; or
2. Directional signs placed by marijuana manufacturing facility licensees or marijuana wholesaler licensees with advertising limited to trade names and brand names.
E. The distance and zoning restrictions contained in this section shall not apply to any sign that is included in the Integrated Directional Sign Program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation or its agents.
F. A marijuana licensee shall not use any billboard advertisements or advertise at any sporting event in the Commonwealth.
G. All lawfully erected outdoor retail marijuana or retail marijuana products signs shall comply with the provisions of this chapter, Board regulations, and Chapter 12 (§33.2-1200 et seq.) of Title 33.2 and regulations adopted pursuant thereto by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Further, any outdoor retail marijuana products directional sign located or to be located on highway rights of way shall also be governed by and comply with the Integrated Directional Sign Program administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation or its agents.
§4.1-693. Definitions.
As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"CDFI" means a community development financial institution that provides credit and financial services for underserved communities.
"Fund" means the Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan Fund.
"Funding" means loans made from the Fund.
"Program" means the Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan Program.
"Social equity qualified cannabis licensee" means a person or business who meets the criteria in §4.1-603 to qualify as a social equity applicant and who either holds or is in the final stages of acquiring, as determined by the Board, a license to operate a cannabis business under §4.1-603.
§4.1-694. Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan Fund.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan 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 providing low-interest and zero-interest loans to social equity qualified cannabis licensees in order to foster business ownership and economic growth within communities who have been the most disproportionately impacted by the former prohibition of cannabis. 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 Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.
§4.1-695. Selection of CDFI; Program requirements; guidelines for management of the Fund.
A. The Authority shall establish a Program to provide loans to qualified social equity cannabis licensees for the purpose of promoting business ownership and economic growth by communities who have been disproportionately impacted by the prohibition of cannabis. The Authority shall select and work in collaboration with a CDFI to assist in administering the Program and carrying out the purposes of the Fund. The CDFI selected by the Authority shall have (i) a statewide presence in Virginia, (ii) experience in business lending, (iii) a proven track record of working with disadvantaged communities, and (iv) the capability to dedicate sufficient staff to manage the Program. Working with the selected CDFI, the Authority shall establish monitoring and accountability mechanisms for businesses receiving funding and shall report annually the number of businesses funded; the geographic distribution of the businesses; the costs of the Program; and the outcomes, including the number and types of jobs created.
B. The Program shall:
1. Identify social equity qualified cannabis licensees who are in need of capital for the start-up of a cannabis business properly licensed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;
2. Provide loans for the purposes described in subsection A;
3. Provide technical assistance; and
4. Bring together community partners to sustain the Program.
§4.1-696. Annual reports.
On or before December 1 of each year, the Authority shall report to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Officer of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Governor, and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations on such other matters regarding the Fund as the Authority may deem appropriate, including the amount of funding committed to projects from the Fund, or other items as may be requested by any of the foregoing persons to whom such report is to be submitted.
§5.1-13. Operation of aircraft while under influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs; reckless operation.
Any person who shall operate any aircraft within the airspace
over, above, or upon the lands or waters of this
Commonwealth, while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or of any
narcotic or marijuana or any habit-forming
drugs shall be is guilty
of a felony and shall be confined in a state correctional facility not less
than one nor more than five years, or, in the discretion of the court or jury
trying the case, be confined in jail not exceeding twelve 12
months and fined not exceeding $500, or both such fine and imprisonment.
Any person who shall operate any aircraft within the airspace
over, above, or upon the lands or waters of this
Commonwealth carelessly or heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the
rights or safety of others, or without due caution and circumspection and in a
manner so as to endanger any person or property, shall be is
guilty of a misdemeanor.
§6.2-107.1. Financial services for licensed marijuana establishments.
A. As used in this section, "licensed" has the same meaning as provided in §4.1-600 and "marijuana establishment" has the same meaning as provided in § 4.1-100.
B. A bank or credit union that provides a financial service to a licensed marijuana establishment, and the officers, directors, and employees of that bank or credit union, shall not be held liable pursuant to any state law or regulation solely for providing such a financial service or for further investing any income derived from such a financial service.
C. Nothing in this section shall require a bank or credit union to provide financial services to a licensed marijuana establishment.
§9.1-101. (Effective until March 1, 2021) Definitions.
As used in this chapter or in Chapter 23 (§19.2-387 et seq.) of Title 19.2, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Administration of criminal justice" means performance of any activity directly involving the detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision, or rehabilitation of accused persons or criminal offenders or the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
"Board" means the Criminal Justice Services Board.
"Conviction data" means information in the custody of any criminal justice agency relating to a judgment of conviction, and the consequences arising therefrom, in any court.
"Correctional status information" means records and data concerning each condition of a convicted person's custodial status, including probation, confinement, work release, study release, escape, or termination of custody through expiration of sentence, parole, pardon, or court decision.
"Criminal history record information" means records and data collected by criminal justice agencies on adult individuals consisting of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, informations, or other formal charges, and any disposition arising therefrom. The term shall not include juvenile record information which is controlled by Chapter 11 (§16.1-226 et seq.) of Title 16.1, criminal justice intelligence information, criminal justice investigative information, or correctional status information.
"Criminal justice agency" means (i) a court or any other governmental agency or subunit thereof which as its principal function performs the administration of criminal justice and any other agency or subunit thereof which performs criminal justice activities, but only to the extent that it does so; (ii) for the purposes of Chapter 23 (§19.2-387 et seq.) of Title 19.2, any private corporation or agency which, within the context of its criminal justice activities, employs special conservators of the peace appointed under Chapter 2 (§19.2-12 et seq.) of Title 19.2, provided that (a) such private corporation or agency requires its officers or special conservators to meet compulsory training standards established by the Criminal Justice Services Board and submits reports of compliance with the training standards and (b) the private corporation or agency complies with the provisions of Article 3 (§9.1-126 et seq.), but only to the extent that the private corporation or agency so designated as a criminal justice agency performs criminal justice activities; and (iii) the Office of the Attorney General, for all criminal justice activities otherwise permitted under clause (i) and for the purpose of performing duties required by the Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators Act (§37.2-900 et seq.).
"Criminal justice agency" includes any program certified by the Commission on VASAP pursuant to §18.2-271.2.
"Criminal justice agency" includes the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
"Criminal justice agency" includes the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission.
"Criminal justice agency" includes the Virginia State Crime Commission.
"Criminal justice information system" means a system including the equipment, facilities, procedures, agreements, and organizations thereof, for the collection, processing, preservation, or dissemination of criminal history record information. The operations of the system may be performed manually or by using electronic computers or other automated data processing equipment.
"Department" means the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
"Dissemination" means any transfer of information, whether orally, in writing, or by electronic means. The term shall not include access to the information by officers or employees of a criminal justice agency maintaining the information who have both a need and right to know the information.
"Law-enforcement officer" means any full-time or part-time employee of a police department or sheriff's office which is a part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, or any full-time or part-time employee of a private police department, and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the penal, traffic or highway laws of the Commonwealth, and shall include any (i) special agent of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority; (ii) police agent appointed under the provisions of § 56-353; (iii) officer of the Virginia Marine Police; (iv) conservation police officer who is a full-time sworn member of the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife Resources; (v) investigator who is a sworn member of the security division of the Virginia Lottery; (vi) conservation officer of the Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioned pursuant to §10.1-115; (vii) full-time sworn member of the enforcement division of the Department of Motor Vehicles appointed pursuant to §46.2-217; (viii) animal protection police officer employed under §15.2-632 or 15.2-836.1; (ix) campus police officer appointed under Article 3 (§23.1-809 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 23.1; (x) member of the investigations unit designated by the State Inspector General pursuant to §2.2-311 to investigate allegations of criminal behavior affecting the operations of a state or nonstate agency; (xi) employee with internal investigations authority designated by the Department of Corrections pursuant to subdivision 11 of §53.1-10 or by the Department of Juvenile Justice pursuant to subdivision A 7 of §66-3; or (xii) private police officer employed by a private police department. Part-time employees are those compensated officers who are not full-time employees as defined by the employing police department, sheriff's office, or private police department.
"Private police department" means any police department, other than a department that employs police agents under the provisions of §56-353, that employs private police officers operated by an entity authorized by statute or an act of assembly to establish a private police department or such entity's successor in interest, provided it complies with the requirements set forth herein. No entity is authorized to operate a private police department or represent that it is a private police department unless such entity has been authorized by statute or an act of assembly or such entity is the successor in interest of an entity that has been authorized pursuant to this section, provided it complies with the requirements set forth herein. The authority of a private police department shall be limited to real property owned, leased, or controlled by the entity and, if approved by the local chief of police or sheriff, any contiguous property; such authority shall not supersede the authority, duties, or jurisdiction vested by law with the local police department or sheriff's office including as provided in §§ 15.2-1609 and 15.2-1704. The chief of police or sheriff who is the chief local law-enforcement officer shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the private police department that addresses the duties and responsibilities of the private police department and the chief law-enforcement officer in the conduct of criminal investigations. Private police departments and private police officers shall be subject to and comply with the Constitution of the United States; the Constitution of Virginia; the laws governing municipal police departments, including the provisions of §§9.1-600, 15.2-1705 through 15.2-1708, 15.2-1719, 15.2-1721, and 15.2-1722; and any regulations adopted by the Board that the Department designates as applicable to private police departments. Any person employed as a private police officer pursuant to this section shall meet all requirements, including the minimum compulsory training requirements, for law-enforcement officers pursuant to this chapter. A private police officer is not entitled to benefits under the Line of Duty Act (§ 9.1-400 et seq.) or under the Virginia Retirement System, is not a "qualified law enforcement officer" or "qualified retired law enforcement officer" within the meaning of the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §926B et seq., and shall not be deemed an employee of the Commonwealth or any locality. An authorized private police department may use the word "police" to describe its sworn officers and may join a regional criminal justice academy created pursuant to Article 5 (§15.2-1747 et seq.) of Chapter 17 of Title 15.2. Any private police department in existence on January 1, 2013, that was not otherwise established by statute or an act of assembly and whose status as a private police department was recognized by the Department at that time is hereby validated and may continue to operate as a private police department as may such entity's successor in interest, provided it complies with the requirements set forth herein.
"School resource officer" means a certified law-enforcement officer hired by the local law-enforcement agency to provide law-enforcement and security services to Virginia public elementary and secondary schools.
"School security officer" means an individual who is employed by the local school board or a private or religious school for the singular purpose of maintaining order and discipline, preventing crime, investigating violations of the policies of the school board or the private or religious school, and detaining students violating the law or the policies of the school board or the private or religious school on school property, school buses, or at school-sponsored events and who is responsible solely for ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in the assigned school.
"Unapplied criminal history record information" means information pertaining to criminal offenses submitted to the Central Criminal Records Exchange that cannot be applied to the criminal history record of an arrested or convicted person (i) because such information is not supported by fingerprints or other accepted means of positive identification or (ii) due to an inconsistency, error, or omission within the content of the submitted information.
§9.1-101. (Effective March 1, 2021) Definitions.
As used in this chapter or in Chapter 23 (§19.2-387 et seq.) of Title 19.2, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Administration of criminal justice" means performance of any activity directly involving the detection, apprehension, detention, pretrial release, post-trial release, prosecution, adjudication, correctional supervision, or rehabilitation of accused persons or criminal offenders or the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
"Board" means the Criminal Justice Services Board.
"Conviction data" means information in the custody of any criminal justice agency relating to a judgment of conviction, and the consequences arising therefrom, in any court.
"Correctional status information" means records and data concerning each condition of a convicted person's custodial status, including probation, confinement, work release, study release, escape, or termination of custody through expiration of sentence, parole, pardon, or court decision.
"Criminal history record information" means records and data collected by criminal justice agencies on adult individuals consisting of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, informations, or other formal charges, and any disposition arising therefrom. The term shall not include juvenile record information which is controlled by Chapter 11 (§16.1-226 et seq.) of Title 16.1, criminal justice intelligence information, criminal justice investigative information, or correctional status information.
"Criminal justice agency" means (i) a court or any other governmental agency or subunit thereof which as its principal function performs the administration of criminal justice and any other agency or subunit thereof which performs criminal justice activities, but only to the extent that it does so; (ii) for the purposes of Chapter 23 (§19.2-387 et seq.) of Title 19.2, any private corporation or agency which, within the context of its criminal justice activities, employs special conservators of the peace appointed under Chapter 2 (§19.2-12 et seq.) of Title 19.2, provided that (a) such private corporation or agency requires its officers or special conservators to meet compulsory training standards established by the Criminal Justice Services Board and submits reports of compliance with the training standards and (b) the private corporation or agency complies with the provisions of Article 3 (§9.1-126 et seq.), but only to the extent that the private corporation or agency so designated as a criminal justice agency performs criminal justice activities; and (iii) the Office of the Attorney General, for all criminal justice activities otherwise permitted under clause (i) and for the purpose of performing duties required by the Civil Commitment of Sexually Violent Predators Act (§37.2-900 et seq.).
"Criminal justice agency" includes any program certified by the Commission on VASAP pursuant to §18.2-271.2.
"Criminal justice agency" includes the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
"Criminal justice agency" includes the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission.
"Criminal justice agency" includes the Virginia State Crime Commission.
"Criminal justice information system" means a system including the equipment, facilities, procedures, agreements, and organizations thereof, for the collection, processing, preservation, or dissemination of criminal history record information. The operations of the system may be performed manually or by using electronic computers or other automated data processing equipment.
"Department" means the Department of Criminal Justice Services.
"Dissemination" means any transfer of information, whether orally, in writing, or by electronic means. The term shall not include access to the information by officers or employees of a criminal justice agency maintaining the information who have both a need and right to know the information.
"Law-enforcement officer" means any full-time or part-time employee of a police department or sheriff's office which is a part of or administered by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof, or any full-time or part-time employee of a private police department, and who is responsible for the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the penal, traffic or highway laws of the Commonwealth, and shall include any (i) special agent of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority; (ii) police agent appointed under the provisions of § 56-353; (iii) officer of the Virginia Marine Police; (iv) conservation police officer who is a full-time sworn member of the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife Resources; (v) investigator who is a sworn member of the security division of the Virginia Lottery; (vi) conservation officer of the Department of Conservation and Recreation commissioned pursuant to §10.1-115; (vii) full-time sworn member of the enforcement division of the Department of Motor Vehicles appointed pursuant to §46.2-217; (viii) animal protection police officer employed under §15.2-632 or 15.2-836.1; (ix) campus police officer appointed under Article 3 (§23.1-809 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 23.1; (x) member of the investigations unit designated by the State Inspector General pursuant to §2.2-311 to investigate allegations of criminal behavior affecting the operations of a state or nonstate agency; (xi) employee with internal investigations authority designated by the Department of Corrections pursuant to subdivision 11 of §53.1-10 or by the Department of Juvenile Justice pursuant to subdivision A 7 of §66-3; or (xii) private police officer employed by a private police department. Part-time employees are those compensated officers who are not full-time employees as defined by the employing police department, sheriff's office, or private police department.
"Private police department" means any police department, other than a department that employs police agents under the provisions of §56-353, that employs private police officers operated by an entity authorized by statute or an act of assembly to establish a private police department or such entity's successor in interest, provided it complies with the requirements set forth herein. No entity is authorized to operate a private police department or represent that it is a private police department unless such entity has been authorized by statute or an act of assembly or such entity is the successor in interest of an entity that has been authorized pursuant to this section, provided it complies with the requirements set forth herein. The authority of a private police department shall be limited to real property owned, leased, or controlled by the entity and, if approved by the local chief of police or sheriff, any contiguous property; such authority shall not supersede the authority, duties, or jurisdiction vested by law with the local police department or sheriff's office including as provided in §§ 15.2-1609 and 15.2-1704. The chief of police or sheriff who is the chief local law-enforcement officer shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the private police department that addresses the duties and responsibilities of the private police department and the chief law-enforcement officer in the conduct of criminal investigations. Private police departments and private police officers shall be subject to and comply with the Constitution of the United States; the Constitution of Virginia; the laws governing municipal police departments, including the provisions of §§9.1-600, 15.2-1705 through 15.2-1708, 15.2-1719, 15.2-1721, 15.2-1721.1, and 15.2-1722; and any regulations adopted by the Board that the Department designates as applicable to private police departments. Any person employed as a private police officer pursuant to this section shall meet all requirements, including the minimum compulsory training requirements, for law-enforcement officers pursuant to this chapter. A private police officer is not entitled to benefits under the Line of Duty Act (§9.1-400 et seq.) or under the Virginia Retirement System, is not a "qualified law enforcement officer" or "qualified retired law enforcement officer" within the meaning of the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, 18 U.S.C. §926B et seq., and shall not be deemed an employee of the Commonwealth or any locality. An authorized private police department may use the word "police" to describe its sworn officers and may join a regional criminal justice academy created pursuant to Article 5 (§ 15.2-1747 et seq.) of Chapter 17 of Title 15.2. Any private police department in existence on January 1, 2013, that was not otherwise established by statute or an act of assembly and whose status as a private police department was recognized by the Department at that time is hereby validated and may continue to operate as a private police department as may such entity's successor in interest, provided it complies with the requirements set forth herein.
"School resource officer" means a certified law-enforcement officer hired by the local law-enforcement agency to provide law-enforcement and security services to Virginia public elementary and secondary schools.
"School security officer" means an individual who is employed by the local school board or a private or religious school for the singular purpose of maintaining order and discipline, preventing crime, investigating violations of the policies of the school board or the private or religious school, and detaining students violating the law or the policies of the school board or the private or religious school on school property, school buses, or at school-sponsored events and who is responsible solely for ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in the assigned school.
"Unapplied criminal history record information" means information pertaining to criminal offenses submitted to the Central Criminal Records Exchange that cannot be applied to the criminal history record of an arrested or convicted person (i) because such information is not supported by fingerprints or other accepted means of positive identification or (ii) due to an inconsistency, error, or omission within the content of the submitted information.
§9.1-102. (Effective until March 1, 2021) Powers and duties of the Board and the Department.
The Department, under the direction of the Board, which shall be the policy-making body for carrying out the duties and powers hereunder, shall have the power and duty to:
1. Adopt regulations, pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§2.2-4000 et seq.), for the administration of this chapter including the authority to require the submission of reports and information by law-enforcement officers within the Commonwealth. Any proposed regulations concerning the privacy, confidentiality, and security of criminal justice information shall be submitted for review and comment to any board, commission, or committee or other body which may be established by the General Assembly to regulate the privacy, confidentiality, and security of information collected and maintained by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof;
2. Establish compulsory minimum training standards subsequent to employment as a law-enforcement officer in (i) permanent positions, and (ii) temporary or probationary status, and establish the time required for completion of such training;
3. Establish minimum training standards and qualifications for certification and recertification for law-enforcement officers serving as field training officers;
4. Establish compulsory minimum curriculum requirements for in-service and advanced courses and programs for schools, whether located in or outside the Commonwealth, which are operated for the specific purpose of training law-enforcement officers;
5. Establish (i) compulsory minimum training standards for law-enforcement officers who utilize radar or an electrical or microcomputer device to measure the speed of motor vehicles as provided in §46.2-882 and establish the time required for completion of the training and (ii) compulsory minimum qualifications for certification and recertification of instructors who provide such training;
6. [Repealed];
7. Establish compulsory minimum entry-level, in-service and advanced training standards for those persons designated to provide courthouse and courtroom security pursuant to the provisions of §53.1-120, and to establish the time required for completion of such training;
8. Establish compulsory minimum entry-level, in-service and advanced training standards for deputy sheriffs designated to serve process pursuant to the provisions of §8.01-293, and establish the time required for the completion of such training;
9. Establish compulsory minimum entry-level, in-service, and advanced training standards, as well as the time required for completion of such training, for persons employed as deputy sheriffs and jail officers by local criminal justice agencies and correctional officers employed by the Department of Corrections under the provisions of Title 53.1. For correctional officers employed by the Department of Corrections, such standards shall include training on the general care of pregnant women, the impact of restraints on pregnant inmates and fetuses, the impact of being placed in restrictive housing or solitary confinement on pregnant inmates, and the impact of body cavity searches on pregnant inmates;
10. Establish compulsory minimum training standards for all dispatchers employed by or in any local or state government agency, whose duties include the dispatching of law-enforcement personnel. Such training standards shall apply only to dispatchers hired on or after July 1, 1988;
11. Establish compulsory minimum training standards for all auxiliary police officers employed by or in any local or state government agency. Such training shall be graduated and based on the type of duties to be performed by the auxiliary police officers. Such training standards shall not apply to auxiliary police officers exempt pursuant to §15.2-1731;
12. Consult and cooperate with counties, municipalities, agencies of the Commonwealth, other state and federal governmental agencies, and institutions of higher education within or outside the Commonwealth, concerning the development of police training schools and programs or courses of instruction;
13. Approve institutions, curricula and facilities, whether located in or outside the Commonwealth, for school operation for the specific purpose of training law-enforcement officers; but this shall not prevent the holding of any such school whether approved or not;
14. Establish and maintain police training programs through such agencies and institutions as the Board deems appropriate;
15. Establish compulsory minimum qualifications of certification and recertification for instructors in criminal justice training schools approved by the Department;
16. Conduct and stimulate research by public and private agencies which shall be designed to improve police administration and law enforcement;
17. Make recommendations concerning any matter within its purview pursuant to this chapter;
18. Coordinate its activities with those of any interstate system for the exchange of criminal history record information, nominate one or more of its members to serve upon the council or committee of any such system, and participate when and as deemed appropriate in any such system's activities and programs;
19. Conduct inquiries and investigations it deems appropriate to carry out its functions under this chapter and, in conducting such inquiries and investigations, may require any criminal justice agency to submit information, reports, and statistical data with respect to its policy and operation of information systems or with respect to its collection, storage, dissemination, and usage of criminal history record information and correctional status information, and such criminal justice agencies shall submit such information, reports, and data as are reasonably required;
20. Conduct audits as required by §9.1-131;
21. Conduct a continuing study and review of questions of individual privacy and confidentiality of criminal history record information and correctional status information;
22. Advise criminal justice agencies and initiate educational programs for such agencies with respect to matters of privacy, confidentiality, and security as they pertain to criminal history record information and correctional status information;
23. Maintain a liaison with any board, commission, committee, or other body which may be established by law, executive order, or resolution to regulate the privacy and security of information collected by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof;
24. Adopt regulations establishing guidelines and standards for the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information and correctional status information, and the privacy, confidentiality, and security thereof necessary to implement state and federal statutes, regulations, and court orders;
25. Operate a statewide criminal justice research center, which shall maintain an integrated criminal justice information system, produce reports, provide technical assistance to state and local criminal justice data system users, and provide analysis and interpretation of criminal justice statistical information;
26. Develop a comprehensive, statewide, long-range plan for strengthening and improving law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice throughout the Commonwealth, and periodically update that plan;
27. Cooperate with, and advise and assist, all agencies, departments, boards and institutions of the Commonwealth, and units of general local government, or combinations thereof, including planning district commissions, in planning, developing, and administering programs, projects, comprehensive plans, and other activities for improving law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice throughout the Commonwealth, including allocating and subgranting funds for these purposes;
28. Define, develop, organize, encourage, conduct, coordinate, and administer programs, projects and activities for the Commonwealth and units of general local government, or combinations thereof, in the Commonwealth, designed to strengthen and improve law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice at every level throughout the Commonwealth;
29. Review and evaluate programs, projects, and activities, and recommend, where necessary, revisions or alterations to such programs, projects, and activities for the purpose of improving law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice;
30. Coordinate the activities and projects of the state departments, agencies, and boards of the Commonwealth and of the units of general local government, or combination thereof, including planning district commissions, relating to the preparation, adoption, administration, and implementation of comprehensive plans to strengthen and improve law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice;
31. Do all things necessary on behalf of the Commonwealth and its units of general local government, to determine and secure benefits available under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-351, 82 Stat. 197), as amended, and under any other federal acts and programs for strengthening and improving law enforcement, the administration of criminal justice, and delinquency prevention and control;
32. Receive, administer, and expend all funds and other assistance available to the Board and the Department for carrying out the purposes of this chapter and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended;
33. Apply for and accept grants from the United States government or any other source in carrying out the purposes of this chapter and accept any and all donations both real and personal, and grants of money from any governmental unit or public agency, or from any institution, person, firm or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. Any arrangements pursuant to this section shall be detailed in the annual report of the Board. Such report shall include the identity of the donor, the nature of the transaction, and the conditions, if any. Any moneys received pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the state treasury to the account of the Department. To these ends, the Board shall have the power to comply with conditions and execute such agreements as may be necessary;
34. Make and enter into all contracts and agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and execution of its powers under this chapter, including but not limited to, contracts with the United States, units of general local government or combinations thereof, in Virginia or other states, and with agencies and departments of the Commonwealth;
35. Adopt and administer reasonable regulations for the planning and implementation of programs and activities and for the allocation, expenditure and subgranting of funds available to the Commonwealth and to units of general local government, and for carrying out the purposes of this chapter and the powers and duties set forth herein;
36. Certify and decertify law-enforcement officers in accordance with §§15.2-1706 and 15.2-1707;
37. Establish training standards and publish and periodically update model policies for law-enforcement personnel in the following subjects:
a. The handling of family abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases, including standards for determining the predominant physical aggressor in accordance with §19.2-81.3. The Department shall provide technical support and assistance to law-enforcement agencies in carrying out the requirements set forth in subsection A of §9.1-1301;
b. Communication with and facilitation of the safe return of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease;
c. Sensitivity to and awareness of cultural diversity and the potential for biased policing;
d. Protocols for local and regional sexual assault response teams;
e. Communication of death notifications;
f. The questioning of individuals suspected of driving while intoxicated concerning the physical location of such individual's last consumption of an alcoholic beverage and the communication of such information to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Control Authority;
g. Vehicle patrol duties that embody current best practices for pursuits and for responding to emergency calls;
h. Criminal investigations that embody current best practices for conducting photographic and live lineups;
i. Sensitivity to and awareness of human trafficking offenses and the identification of victims of human trafficking offenses for personnel involved in criminal investigations or assigned to vehicle or street patrol duties; and
j. Missing children, missing adults, and search and rescue protocol;
38. Establish compulsory training standards for basic training and the recertification of law-enforcement officers to ensure sensitivity to and awareness of cultural diversity and the potential for biased policing;
39. Review and evaluate community-policing programs in the Commonwealth, and recommend where necessary statewide operating procedures, guidelines, and standards which strengthen and improve such programs, including sensitivity to and awareness of cultural diversity and the potential for biased policing;
40. Establish a Virginia Law-Enforcement Accreditation Center. The Center may, in cooperation with Virginia law-enforcement agencies, provide technical assistance and administrative support, including staffing, for the establishment of voluntary state law-enforcement accreditation standards. The Center may provide accreditation assistance and training, resource material, and research into methods and procedures that will assist the Virginia law-enforcement community efforts to obtain Virginia accreditation status;
41. Promote community policing philosophy and practice throughout the Commonwealth by providing community policing training and technical assistance statewide to all law-enforcement agencies, community groups, public and private organizations and citizens; developing and distributing innovative policing curricula and training tools on general community policing philosophy and practice and contemporary critical issues facing Virginia communities; serving as a consultant to Virginia organizations with specific community policing needs; facilitating continued development and implementation of community policing programs statewide through discussion forums for community policing leaders, development of law-enforcement instructors; promoting a statewide community policing initiative; and serving as a statewide information source on the subject of community policing including, but not limited to periodic newsletters, a website and an accessible lending library;
42. Establish, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Virginia State Crime Commission, compulsory minimum standards for employment and job-entry and in-service training curricula and certification requirements for school security officers, including school security officers described in clause (b) of §22.1-280.2:1, which training and certification shall be administered by the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS) pursuant to §9.1-184. Such training standards shall be specific to the role and responsibility of school security officers and shall include (i) relevant state and federal laws; (ii) school and personal liability issues; (iii) security awareness in the school environment; (iv) mediation and conflict resolution, including de-escalation techniques such as a physical alternative to restraint; (v) disaster and emergency response; (vi) awareness of cultural diversity and implicit bias; (vii) working with students with disabilities, mental health needs, substance abuse disorders, and past traumatic experiences; and (viii) student behavioral dynamics, including child and adolescent development and brain research. The Department shall establish an advisory committee consisting of local school board representatives, principals, superintendents, and school security personnel to assist in the development of the standards and certification requirements in this subdivision. The Department shall require any school security officer who carries a firearm in the performance of his duties to provide proof that he has completed a training course provided by a federal, state, or local law-enforcement agency that includes training in active shooter emergency response, emergency evacuation procedure, and threat assessment;
43. License and regulate property bail bondsmen and surety bail bondsmen in accordance with Article 11 (§9.1-185 et seq.);
44. License and regulate bail enforcement agents in accordance with Article 12 (§9.1-186 et seq.);
45. In conjunction with the Virginia State Police and the State Compensation Board, advise criminal justice agencies regarding the investigation, registration, and dissemination of information requirements as they pertain to the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-900 et seq.);
46. Establish minimum standards for (i) employment, (ii) job-entry and in-service training curricula, and (iii) certification requirements for campus security officers. Such training standards shall include, but not be limited to, the role and responsibility of campus security officers, relevant state and federal laws, school and personal liability issues, security awareness in the campus environment, and disaster and emergency response. The Department shall provide technical support and assistance to campus police departments and campus security departments on the establishment and implementation of policies and procedures, including but not limited to: the management of such departments, investigatory procedures, judicial referrals, the establishment and management of databases for campus safety and security information sharing, and development of uniform record keeping for disciplinary records and statistics, such as campus crime logs, judicial referrals and Clery Act statistics. The Department shall establish an advisory committee consisting of college administrators, college police chiefs, college security department chiefs, and local law-enforcement officials to assist in the development of the standards and certification requirements and training pursuant to this subdivision;
47. Assess and report, in accordance with §9.1-190, the crisis intervention team programs established pursuant to §9.1-187;
48. In conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, advise law-enforcement agencies and attorneys for the Commonwealth regarding the identification, investigation, and prosecution of human trafficking offenses using the common law and existing criminal statutes in the Code of Virginia;
49. Register tow truck drivers in accordance with §46.2-116 and carry out the provisions of §46.2-117;
50. Administer the activities of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Program Professional Standards Committee by providing technical assistance and administrative support, including staffing, for the Committee;
51. In accordance with §9.1-102.1, design and approve the issuance of photo-identification cards to private security services registrants registered pursuant to Article 4 (§9.1-138 et seq.);
52. In consultation with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, develop multidisciplinary curricula on trauma-informed sexual assault investigation;
53. In consultation with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, develop a model addiction recovery program that may be administered by sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, jail officers, administrators, or superintendents in any local or regional jail. Such program shall be based on any existing addiction recovery programs that are being administered by any local or regional jails in the Commonwealth. Participation in the model addiction recovery program shall be voluntary, and such program may address aspects of the recovery process, including medical and clinical recovery, peer-to-peer support, availability of mental health resources, family dynamics, and aftercare aspects of the recovery process;
54. Establish compulsory minimum training standards for certification and recertification of law-enforcement officers serving as school resource officers. Such training shall be specific to the role and responsibility of a law-enforcement officer working with students in a school environment and shall include (i) relevant state and federal laws; (ii) school and personal liability issues; (iii) security awareness in the school environment; (iv) mediation and conflict resolution, including de-escalation techniques; (v) disaster and emergency response; (vi) awareness of cultural diversity and implicit bias; (vii) working with students with disabilities, mental health needs, substance abuse disorders, or past traumatic experiences; and (viii) student behavioral dynamics, including current child and adolescent development and brain research;
55. Establish a model policy for the operation of body-worn camera systems as defined in §15.2-1723.1 that also addresses the storage and maintenance of body-worn camera system records;
56. Establish compulsory minimum training standards for detector canine handlers employed by the Department of Corrections, standards for the training and retention of detector canines used by the Department of Corrections, and a central database on the performance and effectiveness of such detector canines that requires the Department of Corrections to submit comprehensive information on each canine handler and detector canine, including the number and types of calls and searches, substances searched for and whether or not detected, and the number of false positives, false negatives, true positives, and true negatives;
57. Establish compulsory training standards for basic training of law-enforcement officers for recognizing and managing stress, self-care techniques, and resiliency; and
58. Perform such other acts as may be necessary or convenient for the effective performance of its duties.
