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2014 SESSION


VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-200, 2.2-212, 2.2-213.2, 2.2-221, 2.2-221.1, 2.2-230, 2.2-231, 2.2-2004, 2.2-2101, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 2.2-2338, 2.2-2666.1, 2.2-2666.2, 2.2-2666.3, 2.2-2699.5, 2.2-2715, 9.1-202, 9.1-203, 9.1-407, 44-146.18:2, 53.1-155.1, 58.1-344.3, 62.1-44.34:25, and 66-2 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding sections numbered 2.2-222.1, 2.2-222.2, and 2.2-222.3; and to repeal §§ 2.2-232 and 2.2-233 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security; Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs; transfer of certain powers and duties.
[S 381]
Approved

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 2.2-200, 2.2-212, 2.2-213.2, 2.2-221, 2.2-221.1, 2.2-230, 2.2-231, 2.2-2004, 2.2-2101, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 2.2-2338, 2.2-2666.1, 2.2-2666.2, 2.2-2666.3, 2.2-2699.5, 2.2-2715, 9.1-202, 9.1-203, 9.1-407, 44-146.18:2, 53.1-155.1, 58.1-344.3, 62.1-44.34:25, and 66-2 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding sections numbered 2.2-222.1, 2.2-222.2, and 2.2-222.3 as follows:

§ 2.2-200. Appointment of Governor's Secretaries; general powers; severance.

A. The Governor's Secretaries shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the General Assembly if in session when the appointment is made, and if not in session, then at its next succeeding session. Each Secretary shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor for a term coincident with that of the Governor making the appointment or until a successor is appointed and qualified. Before entering upon the discharge of duties, each Secretary shall take an oath to faithfully execute the duties of the office.

B. Each Secretary shall be subject to direction and supervision by the Governor. Except as provided in Article 5 42.2-208 et seq.) of this chapter, the agencies assigned to each Secretary shall:

1. Exercise their respective powers and duties in accordance with the general policy established by the Governor or by the Secretary acting on behalf of the Governor;

2. Provide such assistance to the Governor or the Secretary as may be required; and

3. Forward all reports to the Governor through the Secretary.

C. Unless the Governor expressly reserves such power to himself and except as provided in Article 5 42.2-208 et seq.) of this chapter, each Secretary may:

1. Resolve administrative, jurisdictional, operational, program, or policy conflicts between agencies or officials assigned;

2. Direct the formulation of a comprehensive program budget for the functional area identified in § 2.2-1508 encompassing the services of agencies assigned for consideration by the Governor;

3. Hold agency heads accountable for their administrative, fiscal and program actions in the conduct of the respective powers and duties of the agencies;

4. Direct the development of goals, objectives, policies and plans that are necessary to the effective and efficient operation of government;

5. Sign documents on behalf of the Governor that originate with agencies assigned to the Secretary; and

6. Employ such personnel and to contract for such consulting services as may be required to perform the powers and duties conferred upon the Secretary by law or executive order.

D. Severance benefits provided to any departing Secretary shall be publicly announced by the Governor prior to such departure.

E. As used in this chapter, "Governor's Secretaries" means the Secretary of Administration, the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, the Secretary of Natural Resources, the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, the Secretary of Technology, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security.

§ 2.2-212. Position established; agencies for which responsible; additional powers.

The position of Secretary of Health and Human Resources (the Secretary) is created. The Secretary of Health and Human Resources shall be responsible to the Governor for the following agencies: Department of Health, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Department of Health Professions, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Social Services, Department of Medical Assistance Services, Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, the Office of Comprehensive Services for Youth and At-Risk Youth and Families, and the Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority. The Governor may, by executive order, assign any other state executive agency to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, or reassign any agency listed above to another Secretary.

Unless the Governor expressly reserves such power to himself, the Secretary shall (i) serve as the lead Secretary for the coordination and implementation of the long-term care policies of the Commonwealth and for the blueprint for livable communities 2025 throughout the Commonwealth, working with the Secretaries of Transportation, Commerce and Trade, and Education, and the Commissioner of Insurance, to facilitate interagency service development and implementation, communication and cooperation, (ii) serve as the lead Secretary for the Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families, working with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security to facilitate interagency service development and implementation, communication and cooperation, and (iii) coordinate the disease prevention activities of agencies in the Secretariat to ensure efficient, effective delivery of health related services and financing.

§ 2.2-213.2. Secretary to coordinate system for children with incarcerated parents.

The Secretary of Health and Human Resources, in consultation with the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, shall establish an integrated system for coordinating the planning and provision of services for children with incarcerated parents among state, local, nonprofit agencies, and faith-based organizations in order to provide such children with services needed to continue parental relationships with the incarcerated parent, where appropriate, and encourage healthy relationships in the family and community.

Article 8.
Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

§ 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: Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, 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 Military Affairs, Department of State Police, Department of Fire Programs, and the 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 military affairs, 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 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. 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.

§ 2.2-221.1. Secretary to coordinate system for offender transition and reentry services.

The Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security shall establish an integrated system for coordinating the planning and provision of offender transitional and reentry services among and between state, local, and nonprofit agencies in order to prepare inmates for successful transition into their communities upon release from incarceration and for improving opportunities for treatment, employment, and housing while on subsequent probation, parole, or post-release supervision.

It is the intent of the General Assembly that funds used for the purposes of this section be leveraged to the fullest extent possible and that direct transitional and reentry employment and housing assistance for offenders be provided in the most cost effective means possible, including through agreements with local nonprofit pre- and post-release service organizations.

§ 2.2-222.1. Secretary to oversee and monitor the development, maintenance, and implementation of a comprehensive and measureable homeland security strategy for the Commonwealth.

A. The Secretary shall ensure that, consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Commonwealth implements a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action pursuant to securing the Commonwealth at both the state and local level against man-made and natural disasters. To that end, the Secretary shall take action to assign responsibility among agencies, jurisdictions, and subdivisions of the Commonwealth to effect the highest state of readiness posed by both man-made and natural disasters. In doing so, the Secretary shall ensure that preparedness initiatives will be effectively and efficiently coordinated, implemented, and monitored.

B. The Secretary shall also oversee and monitor the development, maintenance, and implementation of a comprehensive and measurable homeland security strategy for the Commonwealth. To ensure a comprehensive strategy, the Secretary shall coordinate the homeland security strategy with all state and local, public, and private, councils that have a homeland security focus within the Commonwealth. The strategy shall ensure that the Commonwealth's homeland security programs are resourced, executed, and assessed according to well-defined and relevant Commonwealth homeland security requirements. In support of the strategy, the Secretary shall provide oversight of the designated State Administrative Agency (SAA) for homeland security to ensure that applications for grant funds by state agencies or local governments describe well-defined requirements for planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action measures essential to Commonwealth security.

C. The Secretary shall ensure that the homeland security strategy is fully incorporated into the Secure Commonwealth Plan. In the development of the Secure Commonwealth Plan, the Secretary shall (i) designate a state proponent for each goal in the Secure Commonwealth Plan required within the Commonwealth homeland security strategy; (ii) identify which state agencies shall have responsibility for prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery requirements associated with each goal in the Secure Commonwealth Plan; (iii) prescribe metrics to those state agencies to quantify readiness for man-made and natural disasters; (iv) ensure that state agencies follow rigorous planning practices; and (v) conduct annual reviews and updates to ensure planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and taking corrective action is fully implemented at state and local levels of government.

D. The Secretary shall develop annually the Commonwealth Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (C-THIRA) Report to identify threats and hazards and determine capability targets and resource requirements necessary to address anticipated and unanticipated risks to state and local preparedness. The C-THIRA Report shall (i) identify a list of the threats and hazards of primary concern to the Commonwealth; (ii) describe the threats and hazards of concern, showing how they may affect the Commonwealth; (iii) assess each threat and hazard in context to develop a specific capability target for each core capability consistent with federal National Preparedness Goals; and (iv) estimate the resources required to achieve the capability targets through the use of community assets and mutual aid, while also considering preparedness activities, including mitigation opportunities. Additionally, the C-THIRA Report shall assess the Commonwealth's state of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and ability to take corrective action as well as any shortfalls in these areas. The C-THIRA Report shall also serve as the Commonwealth's strategic approach to improving future preparedness and shall be delivered to the Chairmen of the Senate Committees on Finance and for Courts of Justice and the Chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations and Militia, Police and Public Safety no later than November 1 of each year.

E. The Secretary shall ensure that state agencies develop and maintain rigorously developed response plans in support of the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan (COVEOP). The Secretary shall designate the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) as the primary agent to ensure that state agencies are compliant with the COVEOP. The Secretary shall further require that VDEM ensure the development of state agency and local disaster response plans and procedures, and monitor the status and quality of those plans on a cyclical basis to establish that they are feasible and suitable and can be implemented with available resources.

F. The Secretary shall be responsible for the coordination and development of state and local shelter, evacuation, traffic, and refuge of last resort planning. The Secretary shall ensure that jurisdictions and subdivisions of the Commonwealth have adequate shelter, evacuation, traffic, and refuge of last resort plans to support emergency evacuation in the event of a man-made or natural disaster. To that end, the Secretary shall direct VDEM to monitor, review, and evaluate on a cyclical basis all shelter, evacuation, traffic, and refuge of last resort plans to ensure they are feasible and suitable and can be implemented with available resources.

G. The Secretary shall also ensure that plans for protecting public critical infrastructure are both developed and fully implemented by those state agencies, jurisdictions, and subdivisions of the Commonwealth with responsibility for critical infrastructure protection. The Secretary shall report deficiencies in securing critical infrastructure annually as part of the Commonwealth's C-THIRA Report.

H. The Secretary is authorized, consistent with federal and state law and procurement regulations thereof, to contract for private and public sector services in homeland security and emergency management to enable, enhance, augment, or supplement state and local planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating, and corrective action capability as he deems necessary to meet Commonwealth security goals with such funds as may be made available to the Secretary or the Department of Emergency Management annually for such services.

§ 2.2-222.2. Additional duties related to review of statewide interoperability strategic plan; state and local compliance.

The Secretary through the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator shall ensure that the annual review and update of the statewide interoperability strategic plan is accomplished and implemented to achieve effective and efficient communication between state, local, and federal communications systems.

All state agencies and localities shall achieve consistency with and support the goals of the statewide interoperability strategic plan by July 1, 2015, in order to remain eligible to receive state or federal funds for communications programs and systems.

§ 2.2-222.3. Secure Commonwealth Panel; membership; duties; compensation; staff.

A. The Secure Commonwealth Panel (the Panel) is established as an advisory board, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The Panel shall consist of 33 members as follows: three members of the House of Delegates and two nonlegislative citizens to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; three members of the Senate of Virginia and two nonlegislative citizens to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; the Lieutenant Governor; the Attorney General; the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia; the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Health and Human Resources, Technology, Transportation, and Public Safety and Homeland Security, or their designees; two local first responders; three local government representatives; two physicians with knowledge of public health; four members from the business or industry sector; and four citizens from the Commonwealth at large. Except for appointments made by the Speaker of the House of Delegates and the Senate Committee on Rules, all appointments shall be made by the Governor. Additional ex officio members may be appointed to the Panel by the Governor. Legislative members shall serve terms coincident with their terms of office or until their successors shall qualify. Nonlegislative citizen members shall serve for terms of four years. The Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security shall be the chairman of the Panel.

B. The Panel shall monitor and assess the implementation of statewide prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives and where necessary review, evaluate, and make recommendations relating to the emergency preparedness of government at all levels in the Commonwealth. The Panel shall make quarterly reports to the Governor concerning the state's emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and prevention efforts.

C. Members of the Panel shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825.

D. Staff support for the Panel and funding for the costs of expenses of the members shall be provided by the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

E. The Secretary shall facilitate cabinet-level coordination among the various agencies of state government related to emergency preparedness and shall facilitate private sector preparedness and communication.

Article 11.
Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security.

§ 2.2-230. Position established; agencies for which responsible; additional duties.

The position of Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security (the Secretary) is created. The Secretary shall be responsible to the Governor for the following agencies: Department of Veterans Services, Secure Commonwealth Panel, Veterans Services Foundation, and Virginia Military Advisory 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.

The Secretary shall by reason of professional background have knowledge of veterans affairs, and military affairs, 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.

§ 2.2-231. Powers and duties of the Secretary.

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. Serve as the Governor's liaison for veterans affairs and provide active outreach to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the veterans service organizations, and the veterans community in Virginia to support and assist Virginia's veterans in identifying and obtaining the services, assistance, and support to which they are entitled.

2. Work with federal officials to obtain additional federal resources and coordinate veterans policy development and information exchange.

5. 3. 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 assisting veterans and addressing all issues of mutual concern to the Commonwealth and the armed forces of the United States, including quality of life issues unique to Virginia's active duty military personnel and their families, the quality of educational opportunities for military children, the future of federal impact aid, preparedness, public safety and security concerns, transportation needs, alcoholic beverage law enforcement, substance abuse, social service needs, possible expansion and growth of military facilities in the Commonwealth, and intergovernmental support agreements with state and local governments under the provisions of 10 U.S.C. § 2336.

6. Designate a Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator to review all communications-related grant requests from state agencies and localities to ensure federal grants are used to enhance interoperability and conduct the annual review and update of the statewide interoperability strategic plan as required in § 2.2-232. 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 the Governor's representative on regional efforts to develop a coordinated security and preparedness strategy, including the National Capital Region security 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. 4. Educate the public on homeland security and overall preparedness veterans and defense issues in coordination with applicable state agencies.

10. Serve as chairman of the Secure Commonwealth Panel.

11. Encourage homeland security volunteer efforts throughout the state.

12. 5. Serve as vice-chairman chairman of the Virginia Military Advisory Council to establish a working relationship with Virginia's active duty military bases.

13. 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 and threat.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 6. Monitor and enhance efforts to provide assistance and support for veterans living in Virginia and members of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia residents in the Armed Forces Reserves not in active federal service in the areas of (i) medical care, (ii) mental health and rehabilitative services, (iii) housing, (iv) homelessness prevention, (v) job creation, and (vi) education.

17. 7. Seek additional federal resources to support veterans services.

18. 8. Monitor efforts to provide services to veterans, those members of the Virginia National Guard, and Virginia residents in the Armed Forces Reserves who qualify for veteran status, and their immediate family members, including the dissemination of relevant materials and the rendering of technical or other advice.

19. 9. Serve as the Governor's liaison and provide active outreach to localities of the Commonwealth and veterans support organizations in the development, implementation, and review of local veterans services programs as part of the state program.

20. Foster 10. Serve as the Governor's defense liaison and provide active outreach to the U.S. Department of Defense and the defense establishment in Virginia to support the military installations and activities in the Commonwealth to continue to enhance Virginia's current military-friendly environment, and foster and promote business, technology, transportation, education, economic development, and other efforts in support of the mission, execution, and transformation of the United States government military and national defense activities located in the Commonwealth.

21. 11. Promote the industrial and economic development of localities included in or adjacent to United States government military and other national defense activities and those of the Commonwealth because the success of such activities depends on cooperation between the localities, the Commonwealth, and the United States military and national defense activities.

22. 12. Provide technical assistance and coordination between the Commonwealth, its political subdivisions, and the United States government military and national defense activities located within the Commonwealth.

23. 13. 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 to fix their compensation to be payable from funds made available for that purpose.

24. 14. 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, and from 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.

25. 15. 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.

26. 16. Make grants to local governments, state and federal agencies, and private entities with any funds of the Secretary available for such purpose.

27. 17. 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 this the Commonwealth.

28. 18. Work with veterans services organizations and counterparts in other states to monitor and encourage the timely and accurate processing of veterans benefit requests by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including requests for services connected to health care, mental health care, and disability payments.

§ 2.2-2004. Additional powers and duties of Commissioner.

The Commissioner shall have the following powers and duties related to veterans services:

1. Perform cost-benefit and value analysis of (i) existing programs and services and (ii) new programs and services before establishing and implementing them;

2. Seek alternative funding sources for the Department's veterans service programs;

3. Cooperate with all relevant entities of the federal government, including, but not limited to, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the United States Department of Labor in matters concerning veterans benefits and services;

4. Appoint a full-time coordinator to collaborate with the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations created in § 2.2-2681 on ways to provide both direct and indirect support of ongoing veterans programs, and to determine and address future veterans needs and concerns;

5. Initiate, conduct, and issue special studies on matters pertaining to veterans needs and priorities, as determined necessary by the Commissioner;

6. Evaluate veterans service efforts, practices, and programs of the agencies, political subdivisions or other entities and organizations of the government of the Commonwealth and make recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security, the Governor, and the General Assembly on ways to increase awareness of the services available to veterans or improve veterans services;

7. Assist entities of state government and political subdivisions of the Commonwealth in enhancing their efforts to provide services to veterans, those members of the Virginia National Guard, Virginia residents in the Armed Forces Reserves who qualify for veteran status, and their immediate family members, including the dissemination of relevant materials and the rendering of technical or other advice;

8. Assist counties, cities, and towns of the Commonwealth in the development, implementation, and review of local veterans services programs as part of the state program and establish as necessary, in consultation with the Board of Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations, volunteer local and regional advisory committees to assist and support veterans service efforts;

9. Review the activities, roles, and contributions of various entities and organizations to the Commonwealth's veterans services programs and report on or before December 1 of each year in writing to the Governor and General Assembly on the status, progress, and prospects of veterans services in the Commonwealth, including performance measures and outcomes of veterans services programs;

10. Recommend to the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security, the Governor, and the General Assembly any corrective measures, policies, procedures, plans, and programs to make service to Virginia-domiciled veterans and their eligible spouses, orphans, and dependents as efficient and effective as practicable;

11. Design, implement, administer, and review special programs or projects needed to promote veterans services in the Commonwealth;

12. Integrate veterans services activities into the framework of economic development activities in general;

13. Manage operational funds using accepted accounting principles and practices in order to provide for a sum sufficient to ensure continued, uninterrupted operations;

14. Engage Department personnel in training and educational activities aimed at enhancing veterans services;

15. Develop a strategic plan to ensure efficient and effective utilization of resources, programs, and services;

16. Certify eligibility for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program and perform other duties related to such Program as outlined in § 23-7.4:1; and

17. Establish and implement a compact with Virginia's veterans, which shall have a goal of making Virginia America's most veteran-friendly state. The compact shall be established in conjunction with the Board of Veterans Services and supported by the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations and shall (i) include specific provisions for technology advances, workforce development, outreach, quality of life enhancement, and other services for veterans and (ii) provide service standards and goals to be attained for each specific provision in clause (i). The provisions of the compact shall be reviewed and updated annually. The Commissioner shall include in the annual report required by this section the progress of veterans services established in the compact.

§ 2.2-2101. (Effective until July 1, 2017) Prohibition against service by legislators on boards, commissions, and councils within the executive branch; exceptions.

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

The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of the Board for Branch Pilots, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 54.1-901; to members of the Board of Trustees of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23-231.3; to members of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23-231.25; to members of the Board of Directors of the New College Institute who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23-231.31; to members of the Virginia Interagency Coordinating Council who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-5204; to members of the Board of Veterans Services, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2452; to members appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority pursuant to § 23-231.15; to members of the Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2423; to members of the Opportunity Educational Institution Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 22.1-27.1; to members of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 22.1-346.2; to members of the Substance Abuse Services Council, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2696; to members of the Criminal Justice Services Board, who shall be appointed as provided in § 9.1-108; to members of the Council on Virginia's Future, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2685; to members of the State Executive Council for Comprehensive Services for At-Risk Youth and Families, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2648; to members of the Virginia Workforce Council, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2669; to members of the Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 51.1-1201; to members of the Secure Commonwealth Panel, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-233 2.2-222.3; to members of the Forensic Science Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 9.1-1109; or to members of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2735.

§ 2.2-2101. (Effective July 1, 2017) Prohibition against service by legislators on boards, commissions, and councils within the executive branch; exceptions.

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

The provisions of this section shall not apply to members of the Board for Branch Pilots, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 54.1-901; to members of the Board of Trustees of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23-231.3; to members of the Board of Trustees of the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23-231.25; to members of the Board of Directors of the New College Institute who shall be appointed as provided for in § 23-231.31; to members of the Virginia Interagency Coordinating Council who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-5204; to members of the Board of Veterans Services, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2452; to members appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority pursuant to § 23-231.15; to members of the Virginia Geographic Information Network Advisory Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2423; to members of the Opportunity Educational Institution Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 22.1-27.1; to members of the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 22.1-346.2; to members of the Substance Abuse Services Council, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2696; to members of the Criminal Justice Services Board, who shall be appointed as provided in § 9.1-108; to members of the State Executive Council for Comprehensive Services for At-Risk Youth and Families, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2648; to members of the Virginia Workforce Council, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-2669; to members of the Volunteer Firefighters' and Rescue Squad Workers' Service Award Fund Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 51.1-1201; to members of the Secure Commonwealth Panel, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 2.2-233 2.2-222.3; to members of the Forensic Science Board, who shall be appointed as provided for in § 9.1-1109; or to members of the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Foundation, who shall be appointed as provided in § 2.2-2735.

§ 2.2-2338. Board of Trustees; membership.

There is hereby created a political subdivision and public body corporate and politic of the Commonwealth of Virginia to be known as the Fort Monroe Authority, to be governed by a Board of Trustees (Board) consisting of 12 voting members appointed as follows: the Secretary of Natural Resources, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, and the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security, or their successor positions if those positions no longer exist, from the Governor's cabinet; the member of the Senate of Virginia and the member of the House of Delegates representing the district in which Fort Monroe lies; two members appointed by the Hampton City Council; and five nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Governor, four of whom shall have expertise relevant to the implementation of the Fort Monroe Reuse Plan, including but not limited to the fields of historic preservation, tourism, environment, real estate, finance, and education, and one of whom shall be a citizen representative from the Hampton Roads region. Cabinet members and elected representatives shall serve terms commensurate with their terms of office. Citizen appointees shall initially be appointed for staggered terms of either one, two, or three years, and thereafter shall serve for four-year terms. Cabinet members shall be entitled to send their deputies or another cabinet member, and legislative members another legislator, to meetings as full voting members in the event that official duties require their presence elsewhere.

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

§ 2.2-2666.1. Council created; composition; compensation and expenses; meetings; chairman's executive summary.

A. The Virginia Military Advisory Council (the Council) is hereby created as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government, to maintain a cooperative and constructive relationship between the Commonwealth and the leadership of the several Armed Forces of the United States and the military commanders of such Armed Forces stationed in the Commonwealth, and to encourage regular communication on continued military facility viability, the exploration of privatization opportunities and issues affecting preparedness, public safety and security.

B. The Council shall be composed of 28 27 members as follows: the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Public Safety, the Adjutant General, the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security, the Chairman of the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on General Laws, or their designees; four members, one of whom shall be a representative of the Virginia Defense Force, to be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor; and 17 members, including representatives of major military commands and installations located in the Commonwealth or in jurisdictions adjacent thereto, who shall be requested to serve by the Governor after consideration of the persons nominated by the Secretaries of the Armed Forces of the United States. However, any legislative member who is appointed by the Governor shall serve a term coincident with his term of office. The provisions of § 49-1 shall not apply to federal civilian officials and military personnel appointed to the Council.

C. Legislative members of the Council shall receive such compensation as provided in § 30-19.12, and nonlegislative members shall receive such compensation as provided in § 2.2-2813 for the performance of their duties. All members shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Department of Military Affairs.

D. The Council shall elect a chairman from among its membership Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs shall be the chairman of the Council. The vice-chairman of the Council shall be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security chairman shall designate a military advisor to the Council from among the representatives of the major military commands and installations located in the Commonwealth or in jurisdictions adjacent thereto pursuant to subsection B, who shall be an active duty general or flag officer serving in Virginia. The meetings of the Council shall be held at the call of the chairman or whenever the majority of members so request. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.

E. The chairman of the Council shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual executive summary of the 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 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.

§ 2.2-2666.2. Duties of Council; staff support.

The Council shall identify and study and provide advice and comments to the Governor on issues of mutual concern to the Commonwealth and the Armed Forces of the United States, including exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction over military installations, educational quality and the future of federal impact aid, preparedness, public safety and security concerns, transportation needs, alcoholic beverage law enforcement, substance abuse, social service needs, possible expansion and growth of military facilities in the Commonwealth and such other issues as the Governor or the Council may determine to be appropriate subjects of joint consideration.

Such staff support as is necessary for the conduct of the Council's business shall be furnished by the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security, the Department of Military Affairs, and such other executive agencies as the Governor may designate. The Governor shall designate the chairman from among the members.

§ 2.2-2666.3. (Contingent expiration) Oceana/Fentress Military Advisory Council created; composition; duties; staff support.

A. The Oceana/Fentress Military Advisory Council (the Oceana/Fentress Council) is hereby created as a subunit of the Virginia Military Advisory Council. The Oceana/Fentress Council shall be composed of two members of the Chesapeake City Council, two members of the Virginia Beach City Council, those members of the Virginia General Assembly whose districts encompass Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress, the Commander, Navy Mid-Atlantic Region or his representative, and the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Oceana or his representative.

B. The Oceana/Fentress Council shall identify and study and provide advice and comments to the Virginia Military Advisory Council on issues of mutual concern to the Commonwealth and the Navy concerning Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Fentress and address such other issues as the Governor or the Virginia Military Advisory Council may determine to be appropriate subjects of consideration.

C. Such staff support as is necessary for the conduct of the Oceana/Fentress Council's business shall be furnished by the Office of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security.

§ 2.2-2699.5. Information Technology Advisory Council; membership; terms; quorum; compensation; staff.

A. The Information Technology Advisory Council (ITAC) is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The ITAC shall be responsible for advising the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and the Secretary of Technology on the planning, budgeting, acquiring, using, disposing, managing, and administering of information technology in the Commonwealth.

B. The ITAC shall consist of not more than 16 members as follows: (i) one representative from an agency under each of the Governor's Secretaries, as set out in Chapter 2 (§ 2.2-200 et seq.), to be appointed by the Governor and serve with voting privileges; (ii) the Secretary of Technology and the CIO, who shall serve ex officio with voting privileges; (iii) the Secretary of the Commonwealth or his designee; and (iv) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security or his designee; and (v) at the Governor's discretion, not more than two nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor and serve with voting privileges.

Nonlegislative citizen members shall be appointed for terms of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. However, no nonlegislative citizen member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments.

C. The ITAC shall elect a chairman and vice-chairman annually from among the members, except that neither the Secretary of Technology nor the CIO may serve as chairman. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. The meetings of the ITAC shall be held at the call of the chairman, the Secretary of Technology, or the CIO, or whenever the majority of the members so request.

D. Nonlegislative citizen members shall receive compensation and shall be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, as provided in §§ 2.2-2813 and 2.2-2825. Funding for the costs of compensation and expenses of the members shall be provided by the Virginia Information Technologies Agency.

E. The disclosure requirements of subsection B of § 2.2-3114 of the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act shall apply to citizen members of the ITAC.

F. The Virginia Information Technologies Agency shall serve as staff to the ITAC.

§ 2.2-2715. Veterans Services Foundation; purpose; membership; terms; compensation; staff.

A. The Veterans Services Foundation (the Foundation) is established as an independent body politic and corporate agency supporting the Department of Veterans Services in the executive branch of state government. The Foundation shall be governed and administered by a board of trustees. The Foundation shall (i) administer the Veterans Services Fund (the Fund), (ii) provide funding for veterans services and programs in the Commonwealth through the Fund, and (iii) raise revenue from all sources including private source fundraising to support the Fund. The Foundation shall submit a quarterly report to the Commissioner of Veterans Services on the Foundation's funding levels and services and an annual report to the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security on or before November 30 of each year. The quarterly report and the annual report shall be submitted electronically.

B. The board of trustees of the Foundation shall consist of the Commissioner of Veterans Services and the Chairmen of the Board of Veterans Services and the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations or their designees, who shall serve as ex officio voting members, and 16 members to be appointed as follows: (i) eight nonlegislative citizens appointed by the Governor; five nonlegislative citizens appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and three nonlegislative citizens appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. A majority of the trustees shall be active or retired chairmen, chief executive officers, or chief financial officers for large private corporations or nonprofit organizations or individuals who have extensive fundraising experience in the private sector. Trustees appointed shall, insofar as possible, be veterans. Each appointing authority shall endeavor to ensure a balanced geographical representation on the Board to facilitate fundraising efforts across the state.

After initial appointments, members shall be appointed for a term of four years. Appointments to fill vacancies, other than by expiration of a term, shall be for the unexpired terms. All members may be reappointed. However, no member shall serve more than two consecutive four-year terms. The remainder of any term to which a member is appointed to fill a vacancy shall not constitute a term in determining the member's eligibility for reappointment. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. Any member of the Board of Trustees may be removed at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

C. Trustees shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses incurred while attending meetings of the trustees or performing other duties. However, such reimbursement shall not exceed the per diem rate established for members of the General Assembly pursuant to § 30-19.12.

D. The Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security shall designate a state agency to provide the Foundation with administrative and other services.

E. The trustees shall adopt bylaws governing their organization and procedures and may amend the same. The trustees shall elect from their number a chairman and such other officers as their bylaws may provide. Ex officio members shall not be eligible to serve as chairman. The trustees shall meet four times a year at such times as they deem appropriate or on call of the chairman. A majority of the voting members of the board of trustees shall constitute a quorum.

F. Any person designated by the board of trustees to handle the funds of the Foundation or the Fund shall give bond, with corporate surety, in a penalty fixed by the Governor, conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties. Any premium on the bond shall be paid from funds available to the Foundation.

§ 9.1-202. Virginia Fire Services Board; membership; terms; compensation.

A. The Virginia Fire Services Board (the Board) is established as a policy board within the meaning of § 2.2-2100 in the executive branch of state government. The Board shall consist of 15 members to be appointed by the Governor as follows: a representative of the insurance industry; two members of the general public with no connection to the fire services, one of whom shall be a representative of those industries affected by SARA Title III and OSHA training requirements; and one member each from the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, the Virginia State Firefighters Association, the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, the Virginia Fire Service Council, the Virginia Fire Prevention Association, the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Virginia Municipal League, and the Virginia Association of Counties, and a member of the Virginia Society of Fire Service Instructors who is a faculty member who teaches fire science at a public institution of higher education. Of these appointees, at least one shall be a volunteer firefighter. The State Fire Marshal, the State Forester, and a member of the Board of Housing and Community Development appointed by the chairman of that Board shall also serve as members of the Board.

Each of the organizations represented shall submit at least three names for each position for the Governor's consideration in making these appointments.

B. Members of the Board appointed by the Governor shall serve for terms of four years. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term. No appointee shall serve more than two successive four-year terms but neither shall any person serve beyond the time he holds the office or organizational membership by reason of which he was initially eligible for appointment.

C. The Board annually shall elect its chairman and vice-chairman from among its membership and shall adopt rules of procedure.

D. All members shall be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as provided in § 2.2-2825. Funding for the expenses shall be provided from the Fire Programs Fund established pursuant to § 38.2-401.

E. The Board shall meet no more than four times each calendar year. The Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security may call a special meeting of the Board should circumstances dictate. A majority of the current membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum for all purposes.

§ 9.1-203. Powers and duties of Virginia Fire Services Board; limitation.

A. The Board shall have the responsibility for promoting the coordination of the efforts of fire service organizations at the state and local levels. To these ends, it shall have the following powers and duties to:

1. Ensure the development and implementation of the Virginia Fire Prevention and Control Plan;

2. Review and approve a five-year statewide plan for fire education and training;

3. Approve the criteria for and disbursement of any grant funds received from the federal government and any agencies thereof and any other source and to disburse such funds in accordance therewith;

4. Provide technical assistance and advice to local fire departments, other fire services organizations, and local governments through Fire and Emergency Medical Services studies done in conjunction with the Department of Fire Programs;

5. Advise the Department of Fire Programs on and adopt personnel standards for fire services personnel;

6. Advise the Department of Fire Programs on the Commonwealth's statewide plan for the collection, analysis, and reporting of data relating to fires in the Commonwealth;

7. Make recommendations to the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security concerning legislation affecting fire prevention and protection and fire services organizations in Virginia;

8. Evaluate all fire prevention and protection programs and make any recommendations deemed necessary to improve the level of fire prevention and protection in the Commonwealth;

9. Advise the Department of Fire Programs on the Statewide Fire Prevention Code; and

10. Investigate alternative means of financial support for volunteer fire departments and advise jurisdictions regarding the implementation of such alternatives.

B. Except for those policies established in § 38.2-401, compliance with the provisions of § 9.1-201 and this section and any policies or guidelines enacted pursuant thereto shall be optional with, and at the full discretion of, any local governing body and any volunteer fire department or volunteer fire departments operating under the same corporate charters.

§ 9.1-407. Training.

Any law-enforcement or public safety officer entitled to benefits under this Chapter shall receive training concerning the benefits available to himself or his beneficiary in case of disability or death in the line of duty. The Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security shall develop training information to be distributed to agencies and localities with employees subject to this Chapter chapter. The agency or locality shall be responsible for providing the training. Such training shall not count towards in-service training requirements for law-enforcement officers pursuant to § 9.1-102.

§ 44-146.18:2. Authority of Coordinator of Emergency Management in undeclared emergency.

In an emergency which does not warrant a gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency, the Coordinator of Emergency Management, after consultation with and approval of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, may enter into contracts and incur obligations necessary to prevent or alleviate damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused by such emergency and to protect the health and safety of persons and property. In exercising the powers vested by this section, the Coordinator may proceed without regard to normal procedures pertaining to entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, rental of equipment, purchase of supplies and materials, and expenditure of public funds; however, mandatory constitutional requirements shall not be disregarded.

§ 53.1-155.1. Participation in residential community program prior to final release.

The Department may give nonviolent prisoners who have not been convicted of a violent crime and who have been sentenced to serve a term of imprisonment of at least three years the opportunity to participate in a residential community program, work release, or a community-based program approved by the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security within six months of such prisoner's projected or mandatory release date. The Secretary shall prescribe guidelines to govern the residential community programs, work release, or community-based programs.

Any wages earned pursuant to this section by a prisoner may be paid to the director or administrator of the program after standard payroll deductions required by law. Distribution of such wages shall be made for the following purposes:

1. To pay an amount to defray the cost of his keep;

2. To pay travel and other such expenses made necessary by his work release, employment, or participation in a residential community program or a community-based program;

3. To provide support and maintenance for his dependents or to make payments to the local department of social services or the Commissioner of Social Services, as appropriate, on behalf of dependents who are receiving public assistance as defined in § 63.2-100; or

4. To pay any fines, restitution, or costs as ordered by the court.

Any balance at the end of his sentence shall be paid to the prisoner upon his release.

§ 58.1-344.3. Voluntary contributions of refunds requirements.

A. 1. For taxable years beginning on and after January 1, 2005, all entities entitled to voluntary contributions of tax refunds listed in subsections B and C must have received at least $10,000 in contributions in each of the three previous taxable years for which there is complete data and in which such entity was listed on the individual income tax return.

2. In the event that an entity listed in subsections B and C does not satisfy the requirement in subdivision 1, such entity shall no longer be listed on the individual income tax return.

3. a. The entities listed in subdivisions B 21 and B 22 as well as any other entities in subsections B and C added subsequent to the 2004 Session of the General Assembly shall not appear on the individual income tax return until their addition to the individual income tax return results in a maximum of 25 contributions listed on the return. Such contributions shall be added in the order that they are listed in subsections B and C.

b. Each entity added to the income tax return shall appear on the return for at least three consecutive taxable years before the requirement in subdivision 1 is applied to such entity.

4. The Department of Taxation shall report annually by the first day of each General Assembly Regular Session to the chairmen of the House and Senate Finance Committees the amounts collected for each entity listed under subsections B and C for the three most recent taxable years for which there is complete data. Such report shall also identify the entities, if any, that will be removed from the individual income tax return because they have failed the requirements in subdivision 1, the entities that will remain on the individual income tax return, and the entities, if any, that will be added to the individual income tax return.

B. Subject to the provisions of subsection A, the following entities entitled to voluntary contributions shall appear on the individual income tax return and are eligible to receive tax refund contributions of not less than $1:

1. Nongame wildlife voluntary contribution.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used for the conservation and management of endangered species and other nongame wildlife. "Nongame wildlife" includes protected wildlife, endangered and threatened wildlife, aquatic wildlife, specialized habitat wildlife both terrestrial and aquatic, and mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates under the jurisdiction of the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Game Protection Fund and which shall be accounted for as a separate part thereof to be designated as the Nongame Cash Fund. All moneys so deposited in the Nongame Cash Fund shall be used by the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries for the purposes set forth herein.

2. Open space recreation and conservation voluntary contribution.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used by the Department of Conservation and Recreation to acquire land for recreational purposes and preserve natural areas; to develop, maintain, and improve state park sites and facilities; and to provide funds to local public bodies pursuant to the Virginia Outdoor Fund Grants Program.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Open Space Recreation and Conservation Fund. The moneys in the fund shall be allocated one-half to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the purposes stated in subdivision 2 a and one-half to local public bodies pursuant to the Virginia Outdoor Fund Grants Program.

3. Voluntary contribution to political party.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the State Central Committee of any party that meets the definition of a political party under § 24.2-101 as of July 1 of the previous taxable year. The maximum contribution allowable under this subdivision shall be $25. In the case of a joint return of husband and wife, each spouse may designate that the maximum contribution allowable be paid.

4. United States Olympic Committee voluntary contribution.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the United States Olympic Committee.

5. Housing program voluntary contribution.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used by the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide assistance for emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for the homeless; and to provide assistance to housing for the low-income elderly for the physically or mentally disabled.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Virginia Tax Check-off for Housing Fund. All moneys deposited in the fund shall be used by the Department of Housing and Community Development for the purposes set forth in this subdivision. Funds made available to the Virginia Tax Check-off for Housing Fund may supplement but shall not supplant activities of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund established pursuant to Chapter 9 (§ 36-141 et seq.) of Title 36 or those of the Virginia Housing Development Authority.

6. Voluntary contributions to the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services for the enhancement of transportation services for the elderly and disabled.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Transportation Services for the Elderly and Disabled Fund. All moneys so deposited in the fund shall be used by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services for the enhancement of transportation services for the elderly and disabled. The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall conduct an annual audit of the moneys received pursuant to this subdivision and shall provide an evaluation of all programs funded pursuant to this subdivision annually to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources.

7. Voluntary contribution to the Community Policing Fund.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used to provide grants to local law-enforcement agencies for the purchase of equipment or the support of services, as approved by the Criminal Justice Services Board, relating to community policing.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Community Policing Fund. All moneys deposited in such fund shall be used by the Department of Criminal Justices Services for the purposes set forth herein.

8. Voluntary contribution to promote the arts.

All moneys contributed shall be used by the Virginia Arts Foundation to assist the Virginia Commission for the Arts in its statutory responsibility of promoting the arts in the Commonwealth. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Virginia Arts Foundation Fund.

9. Voluntary contribution to the Historic Resources Fund.

All moneys contributed shall be deposited in the Historic Resources Fund established pursuant to § 10.1-2202.1.

10. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Virginia Humanities Fund.

11. Voluntary contribution to the Center for Governmental Studies.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Center for Governmental Studies, a public service and research center of the University of Virginia. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Governmental Studies Fund.

12. Voluntary contribution to the Law and Economics Center.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Law and Economics Center, a public service and research center of George Mason University. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Law and Economics Fund.

13. Voluntary contribution to Children of America Finding Hope.

All moneys contributed shall be used by Children of America Finding Hope (CAFH) in its programs which are designed to reach children with emotional and physical needs.

14. Voluntary contribution to 4-H Educational Centers.

All moneys contributed shall be used by the 4-H Educational Centers throughout the Commonwealth for their (i) educational, leadership, and camping programs and (ii) operational and capital costs. The State Treasurer shall pay the moneys to the Virginia 4-H Foundation in Blacksburg, Virginia.

15. Voluntary contribution to promote organ and tissue donation.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used by the Virginia Transplant Council to assist in its statutory responsibility of promoting and coordinating educational and informational activities as related to the organ, tissue, and eye donation process and transplantation in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Virginia Donor Registry and Public Awareness Fund. All moneys deposited in such fund shall be used by the Virginia Transplant Council for the purposes set forth herein.

16. Voluntary contributions to the Virginia War Memorial division of the Department of Veterans Services and the National D-Day Memorial Foundation.

All moneys contributed shall be used by the Virginia War Memorial division of the Department of Veterans Services and the National D-Day Memorial Foundation in their work through each of their respective memorials. The State Treasurer shall divide the moneys into two equal portions and pay one portion to the Virginia War Memorial division of the Department of Veterans Services and the other portion to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation.

17. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Federation of Humane Societies to assist in its mission of saving, caring for, and finding homes for homeless animals.

18. Voluntary contribution to the Tuition Assistance Grant Fund.

a. All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Tuition Assistance Grant Fund for use in providing monetary assistance to residents of the Commonwealth who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in private Virginia colleges.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Tuition Assistance Grant Fund. All moneys so deposited in the Fund shall be administered by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia in accordance with and for the purposes provided under the Tuition Assistance Grant Act (§ 23-38.11 et seq.).

19. Voluntary contribution to the Spay and Neuter Fund.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Spay and Neuter Fund for use by localities in the Commonwealth for providing low-cost spay and neuter surgeries through direct provision or contract or each locality may make the funds available to any private, nonprofit sterilization program for dogs and cats in such locality. The Tax Commissioner shall determine annually the total amounts designated on all returns from each locality in the Commonwealth, based upon the locality that each filer who makes a voluntary contribution to the Fund lists as his permanent address. The State Treasurer shall pay the appropriate amount to each respective locality.

20. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Commission for the Arts.

21. Voluntary contribution for the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness Department of Emergency Management.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Department of Emergency Management for the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness.

22. Voluntary contribution for the cancer centers in the Commonwealth.

All moneys contributed shall be paid equally to all entities in the Commonwealth that officially have been designated as cancer centers by the National Cancer Institute.

23. Voluntary contribution to the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program Fund.

a. All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program Fund to support the work of and generate nonstate funds to maintain the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program Fund as established in § 30-231.4.

c. All moneys so deposited in the Fund shall be administered by the State Council of Higher Education in accordance with and for the purposes provided in Chapter 34.1 (§ 30-231.01 et seq.) of Title 30.

24. Voluntary contribution to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Living History and Public Policy Center.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Board of Trustees of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Living History and Public Policy Center.

25. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Caregivers Grant Fund.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Caregivers Grant Fund established pursuant to § 63.2-2202.

26. Voluntary contribution to public library foundations.

All moneys contributed pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited into the state treasury. The Tax Commissioner shall determine annually the total amounts designated on all returns for each public library foundation and shall report the same to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall pay the appropriate amount to the respective public library foundation.

27. Voluntary contribution to Celebrating Special Children, Inc.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to Celebrating Special Children, Inc. and shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Celebrating Special Children, Inc. Fund.

28. Voluntary contributions to the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services for providing Medicare Part D counseling to the elderly and disabled.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Medicare Part D Counseling Fund. All moneys so deposited shall be used by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services to provide counseling for the elderly and disabled concerning Medicare Part D. The Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services shall conduct an annual audit of the moneys received pursuant to this subdivision and shall provide an evaluation of all programs funded pursuant to the subdivision to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources.

29. Voluntary contribution to community foundations.

All moneys contributed pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited into the state treasury. The Tax Commissioner shall determine annually the total amounts designated on all returns for each community foundation and shall report the same to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall pay the appropriate amount to the respective community foundation. A "community foundation" shall be defined as any institution that meets the membership requirements for a community foundation established by the Council on Foundations.

30. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

a. All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education for use in providing monetary assistance to Virginia residents who are enrolled in comprehensive community colleges in Virginia.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education Fund. All moneys so deposited in the Fund shall be administered by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education in accordance with and for the purposes provided under the Community College Incentive Scholarship Program (§ 23-220.2 et seq.).

31. Voluntary contribution to the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Middle Peninsula Chesapeake Bay Public Access Authority to be used for the purposes described in § 15.2-6601.

32. Voluntary contribution to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund established pursuant to § 32.1-368.

33. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center for use in its mission to increase the public's knowledge and appreciation of Virginia's marine environment and inspire commitment to preserve its existence.

34. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Capitol Preservation Foundation.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Capitol Preservation Foundation for use in its mission in supporting the ongoing restoration, preservation, and interpretation of the Virginia Capitol and Capitol Square.

35. Voluntary contribution for the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Office of the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and Homeland Security for related programs and services.

C. Subject to the provisions of subsection A, the following voluntary contributions shall appear on the individual income tax return and are eligible to receive tax refund contributions or by making payment to the Department if the individual is not eligible to receive a tax refund pursuant to § 58.1-309 or if the amount of such tax refund is less than the amount of the voluntary contribution:

1. Voluntary contribution to the Family and Children's Trust Fund of Virginia.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Family and Children's Trust Fund of Virginia.

2. Voluntary Chesapeake Bay Restoration Contribution.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used to help fund Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries restoration activities in accordance with tributary plans developed pursuant to Article 7 (§ 2.2-215 et seq.) of Chapter 2 of Title 2.2 or the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan submitted by the Commonwealth of Virginia to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on November 29, 2010, and any subsequent revisions thereof.

b. The Tax Commissioner shall annually determine the total amount of voluntary contributions and shall report the same to the State Treasurer, who shall credit that amount to a special nonreverting fund to be administered by the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources. All moneys so deposited shall be used for the purposes of providing grants for the implementation of tributary plans developed pursuant to Article 7 (§ 2.2-215 et seq.) of Chapter 2 of Title 2.2 or the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan submitted by the Commonwealth of Virginia to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on November 29, 2010, and any subsequent revisions thereof.

3. Voluntary Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Contribution.

All moneys contributed shall be used by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation for the Jamestown 2007 quadricentennial celebration. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Jamestown Quadricentennial Fund. This subdivision shall be effective for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2008.

4. State forests voluntary contribution.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used for the development and implementation of conservation and education initiatives in the state forests system.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the State Forests System Fund, established pursuant to § 10.1-1119.1. All moneys so deposited in such fund shall be used by the State Forester for the purposes set forth herein.

5. Voluntary contributions to Uninsured Medical Catastrophe Fund.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Uninsured Medical Catastrophe Fund established pursuant to § 32.1-324.2, such funds to be used for the treatment of Virginians sustaining uninsured medical catastrophes.

6. Voluntary contribution to local school divisions.

a. All moneys contributed shall be used by a specified local public school foundation as created by and for the purposes stated in § 22.1-212.2:2.

b. All moneys collected pursuant to subdivision 6 a or through voluntary payments by taxpayers designated for a local public school foundation over refundable amounts shall be deposited into the state treasury. The Tax Commissioner shall determine annually the total amounts designated on all returns for each public school foundation and shall report the same to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall pay the appropriate amount to the respective public school foundation.

c. In order for a public school foundation to be eligible to receive contributions under this section, school boards must notify the Department during the taxable year in which they want to participate prior to the deadlines and according to procedures established by the Tax Commissioner.

7. Voluntary contribution to Home Energy Assistance Fund.

All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Home Energy Assistance Fund established pursuant to § 63.2-805, such funds to be used to assist low-income Virginians in meeting seasonal residential energy needs.

8. Voluntary contribution to the Virginia Military Family Relief Fund.

a. All moneys contributed shall be paid to the Virginia Military Family Relief Fund for use in providing assistance to military service personnel on active duty and their families for living expenses including, but not limited to, food, housing, utilities, and medical services.

b. All moneys shall be deposited into a special fund known as the Virginia Military Family Relief Fund, established and administered pursuant to § 44-102.2.

D. Unless otherwise specified and subject to the requirements in § 58.1-344.2, all moneys collected for each entity in subsections B and C shall be deposited into the state treasury. The Tax Commissioner shall determine annually the total amount designated for each entity in subsections B and C on all individual income tax returns and shall report the same to the State Treasurer, who shall credit that amount to each entity's respective special fund.

§ 62.1-44.34:25. Virginia Spill Response Council created; purpose; membership.

A. There is hereby created the Virginia Spill Response Council. The purpose of the Council is to (i) improve the Commonwealth's capability to respond in a timely and coordinated fashion to incidents involving the discharge of oil or hazardous materials which pose a threat to the environment, its living resources, and the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the Commonwealth and (ii) provide an ongoing forum for discussions between agencies which are charged with the prevention of, and response to, oil spills and hazardous materials incidents, and those agencies responsible for the remediation of such incidents.

B. The Secretary of Natural Resources and the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, upon the advice of the director of the agency, shall select one representative from each of the following agencies to serve as a member of the Council: Department of Emergency Management, State Water Control Board, Department of Environmental Quality, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Department of Health, Department of Fire Programs, and the Council on the Environment.

C. The Secretary of Natural Resources or his designee shall serve as chairman of the Council.

§ 66-2. Supervision of the Department.

The Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice shall, under the direction of the Governor, be responsible for the supervision of the Department and shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be conferred or imposed by law upon him. He shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Governor and the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

2. That §§ 2.2-232 and 2.2-233 of the Code of Virginia are repealed.

3. That as of the effective date of this act, the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security shall be deemed the successor in interest to the former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security to the extent this act transfers powers and duties. All right, title, and interest in and to any real or tangible personal property vested in the former Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security to the extent that this act transfers powers and duties related to homeland security as of the effective date of this act shall be transferred to and taken as standing in the name of the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security.

4. That the Governor may transfer an appropriation or any portion thereof within a state agency established, abolished, or otherwise affected by the provisions of this act, and from one such agency to another, to support the changes in organization or responsibility resulting from or required by the provisions of this act.

5. That the Governor may transfer any employee within a state agency established, abolished, or otherwise affected by the provisions of this act, or from one such agency to another, to support the changes in organization or responsibility resulting from or required by the provisions of this act.

6. That in reviewing local disaster response plans or local shelter, evacuation, and traffic plans to support emergency evacuation in the event of man-made or natural disaster priority shall be given by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to Hampton Roads localities.

7. That an emergency exists and this act is in force from its passage.