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2016 SESSION

16100077D
SENATE BILL NO. 372
Offered January 13, 2016
Prefiled January 11, 2016
A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 3.2-3106, 3.2-4203, 36-139, 45.1-361.5, 45.1-361.38, 58.1-439.12:04, 58.1-439.17, 58.1-603.1, 58.1-604.01, 58.1-3706, 58.1-3713.3, and 58.1-3823 of the Code of Virginia and to repeal Chapter 1.4 (§ 36-55.63) of Title 36, §§ 58.1-339.5, 58.1-339.9, 58.1-434, 58.1-435, 58.1-439.1, 58.1-439.11, 58.1-439.13, 58.1-439.14, 58.1-439.15, 58.1-439.15:01, 58.1-439.16, and 58.1-639, Article 3 (§ 58.1-1840.1) of Chapter 18 and Article 10 (§ 58.1-2290.1) of Chapter 22 of Title 58.1, and §§ 58.1-3605.1, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3822, and 58.1-3825.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to repealing certain Title 58.1-related obsolete statutes.
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Patron-- McDougle
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Referred to Committee on Finance
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That §§ 3.2-3106, 3.2-4203, 36-139, 45.1-361.5, 45.1-361.38, 58.1-439.12:04, 58.1-439.17, 58.1-603.1, 58.1-604.01, 58.1-3706, 58.1-3713.3, and 58.1-3823 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 3.2-3106. Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund; tax credits for technology industries in tobacco-dependent localities.

A. Money received by the Commonwealth pursuant to the Master Settlement Agreement shall be deposited into the state treasury subject to the special nonreverting funds established by subsection B and by §§ 3.2-3104 and 32.1-360.

B. There is created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Fund. The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. Subject to the sale of all or any portion of the Commission Allocation, 50 percent of the annual amount received by the Commonwealth from the Master Settlement Agreement shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. In the event of such sale: (i) the Commission Allocation shall be paid in accordance with the agreement for the period of sale; and (ii) the Fund shall receive the amounts withdrawn from the Endowment in accordance with § 3.2-3104. 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 described in this chapter. Starting with the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2000, through December 31, 2009, the Commission may deposit moneys from the Fund into the Technology Initiative in Tobacco-Dependent Localities Fund, established under § 58.1-439.15, for purposes of funding the tax credits provided in §§ 58.1-439.13 and 58.1-439.14 and the grants provided in § 58.1-439.17. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written authorization signed by the chairman of the Commission or his designee. The Fund shall also consist of other moneys received by the Commission, from any source, for the purpose of implementing the provisions of this chapter.

C. The obligations of the Commission shall not be a debt or grant or loan of credit of the Commonwealth, and the Commonwealth shall not be liable thereon, nor shall such obligations be payable out of any funds other than those credited to the Fund.

§ 3.2-4203. Withdrawal of escrow funds assigned and contributed to the Commonwealth.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection B of § 3.2-4201, any escrow funds assigned and contributed to the Commonwealth pursuant to § 3.2-4202, less the aggregate limitation for incentive payments to all small tobacco product manufacturers for the relevant year due from the escrow funds pursuant to § 58.1-439.15:01, shall be withdrawn by the Commonwealth by request of the State Treasurer to the Attorney General and upon approval of the Attorney General. The State Treasurer shall make such request as soon as practicable and such escrow funds withdrawn shall be deposited into the Virginia Health Care Fund established under § 32.1-366.

After such withdrawal, and after the actual incentive payments pursuant to § 58.1-439.15:01 have been made from the escrow funds in the escrow account, any remaining escrow funds shall be withdrawn under the withdrawal procedures provided in this section, and the withdrawn escrow funds shall be deposited into the Virginia Health Care Fund. Nothing in this article shall be construed to relieve a tobacco product manufacturer from any past, current, or future obligations it may have pursuant to Article 1 (§ 3.2-4200 et seq.) or Article 3 (§ 3.2-4204 et seq.) of this chapter.

§ 36-139. Powers and duties of Director.

The Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Collecting from the governmental subdivisions of the Commonwealth information relevant to their planning and development activities, boundary changes, changes of forms and status of government, intergovernmental agreements and arrangements, and such other information as he may deem necessary.

2. Making information available to communities, planning district commissions, service districts and governmental subdivisions of the Commonwealth.

3. Providing professional and technical assistance to, and cooperating with, any planning agency, planning district commission, service district, and governmental subdivision engaged in the preparation of development plans and programs, service district plans, or consolidation agreements.

4. Assisting the Governor in the providing of such state financial aid as may be appropriated by the General Assembly in accordance with § 15.2-4216.

5. Administering federal grant assistance programs, including funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Economic Development Administration and other such federal agencies, directed at promoting the development of the Commonwealth's communities and regions.

6. Developing state community development policies, goals, plans and programs for the consideration and adoption of the Board with the ultimate authority for adoption to rest with the Governor and the General Assembly.

7. Developing a Consolidated Plan to guide the development and implementation of housing programs and community development in the Commonwealth for the purpose of meeting the housing and community development needs of the Commonwealth and, in particular, those of low-income and moderate-income persons, families and communities.

8. Determining present and future housing requirements of the Commonwealth on an annual basis and revising the Consolidated Plan, as necessary to coordinate the elements of housing production to ensure the availability of housing where and when needed.

9. Assuming administrative coordination of the various state housing programs and cooperating with the various state agencies in their programs as they relate to housing.

10. Establishing public information and educational programs relating to housing; devising and administering programs to inform all citizens about housing and housing-related programs that are available on all levels of government; designing and administering educational programs to prepare families for home ownership and counseling them during their first years as homeowners; and promoting educational programs to assist sponsors in the development of low and moderate income housing as well as programs to lessen the problems of rental housing management.

11. Administering the provisions of the Industrialized Building Safety Law (§ 36-70 et seq.).

12. Administering the provisions of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.).

13. Establishing and operating a Building Code Academy for the training of persons in the content, application, and intent of specified subject areas of the building and fire prevention regulations promulgated by the Board of Housing and Community Development.

14. Administering, in conjunction with the federal government, and promulgating any necessary regulations regarding energy standards for existing buildings as may be required pursuant to federal law.

15. Identifying and disseminating information to local governments about the availability and utilization of federal and state resources.

16. Administering, with the cooperation of the Department of Health, state assistance programs for public water supply systems.

17. Advising the Board on matters relating to policies and programs of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund.

18. Designing and establishing program guidelines to meet the purposes of the Virginia Housing Trust Fund and to carry out the policies and procedures established by the Board.

19. Preparing agreements and documents for loans and grants to be made from the Virginia Housing Trust Fund; soliciting, receiving, reviewing and selecting the applications for which loans and grants are to be made from such fund; directing the Virginia Housing Development Authority and the Department as to the closing and disbursing of such loans and grants and as to the servicing and collection of such loans; directing the Department as to the regulation and monitoring of the ownership, occupancy and operation of the housing developments and residential housing financed or assisted by such loans and grants; and providing direction and guidance to the Virginia Housing Development Authority as to the investment of moneys in such fund.

20. Advising the Board on matters relating to policies for the low-income housing credit and administering the approval of low-income housing credits as provided in § 36-55.63.

21. Establishing and administering program guidelines for a statewide homeless intervention program.

22. 21. Administering 15 percent of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant and any contingency funds awarded and carry over funds, furnishing home weatherization and associated services to low-income households within the Commonwealth in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

23. 22. Developing a strategy concerning the expansion of affordable, accessible housing for older Virginians and Virginians with disabilities, including supportive services.

24. 23. Serving as the Executive Director of the Commission on Local Government as prescribed in § 15.2-2901 and perform all other duties of that position as prescribed by law.

25. 24. Developing a strategy, in consultation with the Virginia Housing Development Authority, for the creation and implementation of housing programs and community development for the purpose of meeting the housing needs of persons who have been released from federal, state, and local correctional facilities into communities.

26. 25. Administering the Private Activity Bonds program in Chapter 50 (§ 15.2-5000 et seq.) of Title 15.2 jointly with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and the Virginia Housing Development Authority.

27. 26. Carrying out such other duties as may be necessary and convenient to the exercise of powers granted to the Department.

§ 45.1-361.5. Exclusivity of regulation and enforcement.

No county, city, town or other political subdivision of the Commonwealth shall impose any condition, or require any other local license, permit, fee or bond to perform any gas, oil, or geophysical operations which varies from or is in addition to the requirements of this chapter. However, no provision of this chapter shall be construed to limit or supersede the jurisdiction and requirements of other state agencies, local land-use ordinances, regulations of general purpose, or §§ 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, 58.1-3713.3, 58.1-3741, 58.1-3742, and 58.1-3743.

§ 45.1-361.38. Report of permitted activities and production required; contents.

A. Each holder of a permit for gas or oil wells or gathering pipelines shall file monthly and annual reports of his activities as prescribed by the Director. These reports shall be for the purpose of obtaining information regarding the production and sale of gas and oil resources, as well as information concerning the ownership and control of permitted activities. Filing of these reports by a permittee shall be a condition of such permit. Every annual report filed by a permittee shall contain a certification that such permittee has paid all severance taxes levied under the provisions of §§ 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, and 58.1-3741.

B. At the same time that a permittee files the monthly and annual reports as required by subsection A, the permittee shall send copies of the reports by mail to the commissioner of revenue of the political subdivision where the permitted wells are located.

§ 58.1-439.12:04. Tax credit for participating landlords.

A. As used in this section, unless the context clearly shows otherwise, the term or phrase:

"Dwelling unit" means an individual housing unit in an apartment building, an individual housing unit in multifamily residential housing, a single-family residence, or any similar individual housing unit.

"Eligible housing area" means a census tract in the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical area in which less than 10 percent of the residents live below the poverty level, as defined by the United States government and determined by the most recent United States census.

"Housing authority" means a housing authority created under Article 1 (§ 36-1 et seq.) of Chapter 1 of Title 36 of this Code or other government agency that is authorized by the United States government under the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. § 1437 et seq.) to administer a housing choice voucher program, or the authorized agent of such a housing authority that is authorized to act upon that authority's behalf. The term shall also include the Virginia Housing Development Authority.

"Housing choice voucher" means tenant-based assistance by a housing authority pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1437f et seq.

"Participating landlord" means any person engaged in the business of the rental of dwelling units who is (i) subject to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§ 55-248.2 et seq.) and (ii) performing obligations under a contract with a housing authority relating to the rental of qualified housing units.

"Qualified housing unit" means a dwelling unit that is located in an eligible housing area for which a portion of the rent is paid by a housing authority, which payment is pursuant to a housing choice voucher program.

B. For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010, a participating landlord renting a qualified housing unit shall be eligible for a credit against the tax levied pursuant to § 58.1-320 or 58.1-400 in an amount equal to 10 percent of the fair market value of the rent for the unit, computed for that portion of the taxable year in which the unit was rented by such landlord to a tenant participating in a housing choice voucher program. The Department of Housing and Community Development shall administer and issue the tax credit under this section. If (i) the same parcel of real property contains four or more dwelling units and (ii) the total number of qualified housing units on the parcel in the relevant taxable year exceeds 25 percent of the total dwelling units on the parcel, then the tax credit under this section shall apply only to a limited number of qualified housing units with regard to such parcel of real property, with the limited number being equal to 25 percent of the total dwelling units on such parcel of real property in the taxable year.

C. The Department of Housing and Community Development shall issue tax credits under this section on a fiscal year basis. The maximum amount of tax credits that may be issued under this section in each fiscal year shall be $250,000.

D. Participating landlords shall apply to the Department of Housing and Community Development for tax credits under this section. The Department of Housing and Community Development shall determine the credit amount allowable to the participating landlord for the taxable year and shall also determine the fair market value of the rent for the qualified housing unit based on the fair market rent approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as the basis for the tenant-based assistance provided through the housing choice voucher program for the qualified housing unit. In issuing tax credits under this section, the Department of Housing and Community Development shall provide a written certification to the participating landlord, which certification shall report the amount of the tax credit approved by the Department. The participating landlord shall attach the certification to the applicable income tax return.

E. The Board of Housing and Community Development shall establish and issue guidelines for purposes of implementing the provisions of this section. The guidelines shall provide for the allocation of tax credits among participating landlords requesting credits. The guidelines shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).

F. In no case shall the amount of credit taken by a participating landlord for any taxable year exceed the total amount of tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year. If the amount of credit issued by the Department of Housing and Community Development for a taxable year exceeds the landlord's tax liability imposed by this chapter for such taxable year, then the amount that exceeds the tax liability may be carried over for credit against the income taxes of the participating landlord in the next five taxable years or until the total amount of the tax credit issued has been taken, whichever is sooner. Credits granted to a partnership, limited liability company, or electing small business corporation (S corporation) shall be allocated to the individual partners, members, or shareholders, respectively, in proportion to their ownership or interest in such business entities.

G. No person shall be allowed a tax credit under § 58.1-339.9 and this section for the rental of the same dwelling unit in a taxable year.

H. In the event that the amount of the qualified requests for tax credits for participating landlords in the fiscal year exceeds $250,000, the Department of Housing and Community Development shall pro rate the tax credits among the qualified applicants.

Article 13.1.
Tax Credits for Technology Industries Grants for Investment and Research and Development in Tobacco-Dependent Localities.

§ 58.1-439.17. Grants in lieu of or in addition to tax credits.

Notwithstanding any provision of this article, the The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission created under § 3.2-3101 may establish a grant program for purposes of encouraging qualified investments and eligible research and development activities in tobacco-dependent localities. If the Commission elects to establish such a program, the program may replace or may be in addition to the tax credits established under this article credit programs allowed under former §§ 58.1-439.13 and 58.1-439.14. The criteria for taxpayers to receive grants shall be the same as the criteria for taxpayers to be allowed the tax credits allowed under former §§ 58.1-439.13 and 58.1-439.14 as they were in effect on December 31, 2009. In any case where a grant is awarded to a taxpayer for any investment under § 58.1-439.13 or for eligible research and development activity under § 58.1-439.14, such taxpayer the person receiving the grant may not use such investment or research and development activity as the basis for claiming any credit provided under the Code of Virginia.

§ 58.1-603.1. (Contingent expiration date) Additional state sales tax in certain counties and cities.

A. In addition to the sales tax imposed pursuant to § 58.1-603, there is hereby levied and imposed in each county and city located in a Planning District established pursuant to Chapter 42 (§ 15.2-4200 et seq.) of Title 15.2 that (i) as of January 1, 2013, has a population of 1.5 million or more as shown by the most recent United States Census, has not less than 1.2 million motor vehicles registered therein, and has a total transit ridership of not less than 15 million riders per year across all transit systems within the Planning District or (ii) as shown by the most recent United States Census meets the population criteria set forth in clause (i) and also meets the vehicle registration and ridership criteria set forth in clause (i), a retail sales tax at the rate of 0.70 percent. In any case in which the tax is imposed pursuant to clause (ii) such tax shall be effective beginning on the July 1 immediately following the calendar year in which all of the criteria have been met. Such tax shall not be levied upon food purchased for human consumption as defined in § 58.1-611.1. Such tax shall be added to the rate of the state sales tax imposed pursuant to § 58.1-603 in each such county and city and shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations published with respect thereto. No discount under § 58.1-622 shall be allowed for the tax imposed under this section. Such tax shall be administered and collected by the Tax Commissioner in the same manner and subject to the same penalties as provided for the state sales tax under § 58.1-603.

The revenue generated and collected pursuant to the tax authorized under this section, less the applicable portion of any refunds to taxpayers, shall be deposited by the Comptroller into special funds established by law. In the case of Planning District 8, the revenue generated and collected therein shall be deposited into the fund established in § 33.2-2509. In the case of Planning District 23, the revenue generated and collected therein shall be deposited into the fund established in § 33.2-2600. For additional Planning Districts that may become subject to this section, funds shall be established by appropriate legislation.

B. The transitional provisions of § 58.1-639 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the taxes imposed pursuant to this section.

§ 58.1-604.01. (Contingent expiration date) Additional state use tax in certain counties and cities.

A. In addition to the use tax imposed pursuant to § 58.1-604, there is hereby levied and imposed in each county and city located in a Planning District established pursuant to Chapter 42 (§ 15.2-4200 et seq.) of Title 15.2 that (i) as of January 1, 2013, has a po58.1-603pulation of 1.5 million or more, as shown by the most recent United States Census, has not less than 1.2 million motor vehicles registered therein, and has a total transit ridership of not less than 15 million riders per year across all transit systems within the Planning District or (ii) as shown by the most recent United States Census meets the population criteria set forth in clause (i) and also meets the vehicle registration and ridership criteria set forth in clause (i), a retail use tax at the rate of 0.70 percent. In any case in which the tax is imposed pursuant to clause (ii) such tax shall be effective beginning on the July 1 immediately following the calendar year in which all of the criteria have been met. Such tax shall not be levied upon food purchased for human consumption as defined in § 58.1-611.1. Such tax shall be added to the rate of the state use tax imposed pursuant to § 58.1-604 in such county and city and shall be subject to all the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations published with respect thereto. No discount under § 58.1-622 shall be allowed for the tax described under this section. Such tax shall be administered and collected by the Tax Commissioner in the same manner and subject to the same penalties as provided for the state use tax under § 58.1-604.

The revenue generated and collected pursuant to the tax authorized under this section, less the applicable portion of any refunds to taxpayers, shall be deposited by the Comptroller into special funds established by law. In the case of Planning District 8, the revenue generated and collected therein shall be deposited into the fund established in § 33.2-2509. In the case of Planning District 23, the revenue generated and collected therein shall be deposited into the fund established in § 33.2-2600. For any additional Planning Districts that may become subject to this section, funds shall be established by appropriate legislation.

B. The transitional provisions of § 58.1-639 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the taxes imposed pursuant to this section.

§ 58.1-3706. Limitation on rate of license taxes.

A. Except as specifically provided in this section and except for the fee authorized in § 58.1-3703, no local license tax imposed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, except §§ 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1 and 58.1-3713, or any other provision of this title or any charter, shall be imposed on any person whose gross receipts from a business, profession or occupation subject to licensure are less than: (i) $100,000 in any locality with a population greater than 50,000; or (ii) $50,000 in any locality with a population of 25,000 but no more than 50,000. Any business with gross receipts of more than $100,000, or $50,000, as applicable, may be subject to the tax at a rate not to exceed the rate set forth below for the class of enterprise listed:

1. For contracting, and persons constructing for their own account for sale, sixteen cents per $100 of gross receipts;

2. For retail sales, twenty cents per $100 of gross receipts;

3. For financial, real estate and professional services, fifty-eight cents per $100 of gross receipts; and

4. For repair, personal and business services, and all other businesses and occupations not specifically listed or excepted in this section, thirty-six cents per $100 of gross receipts.

The rate limitations prescribed in this section shall not be applicable to license taxes on (i) wholesalers, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3716; (ii) public service companies, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3731; (iii) carnivals, circuses and speedways, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3728; (iv) fortune-tellers, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3726; (v) massage parlors; (vi) itinerant merchants or peddlers, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3717; (vii) permanent coliseums, arenas, or auditoriums having a maximum capacity in excess of 10,000 persons and open to the public, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3729; (viii) savings institutions and credit unions, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3730; (ix) photographers, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3727; and (x) direct sellers, which shall be governed by § 58.1-3719.1.

B. Any county, city or town which had, on January 1, 1978, a license tax rate, for any of the categories listed in subsection A, higher than the maximum prescribed in subsection A may maintain a higher rate in such category, but no higher than the rate applicable on January 1, 1978, subject to the following conditions:

1. A locality may not increase a rate on any category which is at or above the maximum prescribed for such category in subsection A.

2. If a locality increases the rate on a category which is below the maximum, it shall apply all revenue generated by such increase to reduce the rate on a category or categories which are above such maximum.

3. A locality shall lower rates on categories which are above the maximums prescribed in subsection A for any tax year after 1982 if it receives more revenue in tax year 1981, or any tax year thereafter, than the revenue base for such year. The revenue base for tax year 1981 shall be the amount of revenue received from all categories in tax year 1980, plus one-third of the amount, if any, by which such revenue received in tax year 1981 exceeds the revenue received for tax year 1980. The revenue base for each tax year after 1981 shall be the revenue base of the preceding tax year plus one-third of the increase in the revenues of the subsequent tax year over the revenue base of the preceding tax year. If in any tax year the amount of revenues received from all categories exceeds the revenue base for such year, the rates shall be adjusted as follows: The revenues of those categories with rates at or below the maximum shall be subtracted from the revenue base for such year. The resulting amount shall be allocated to the category or categories with rates above the maximum in a manner determined by the locality, and divided by the gross receipts of such category for the tax year. The resulting rate or rates shall be applicable to such category or categories for the second tax year following the year whose revenue was used to make the calculation.

C. Any person engaged in the short-term rental business as defined in § 58.1-3510.4 shall be classified in the category of retail sales for license tax rate purposes.

D. 1. Any person, firm, or corporation designated as the principal or prime contractor receiving identifiable federal appropriations for research and development services as defined in § 31.205-18 (a) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in the areas of (i) computer and electronic systems, (ii) computer software, (iii) applied sciences, (iv) economic and social sciences, and (v) electronic and physical sciences shall be subject to a license tax rate not to exceed three cents per $100 of such federal funds received in payment of such contracts upon documentation provided by such person, firm or corporation to the local commissioner of revenue or finance officer confirming the applicability of this subsection.

2. Any gross receipts properly reported to a Virginia locality, classified for license tax purposes by that locality in accordance with subdivision 1 of this subsection, and on which a license tax is due and paid, or which gross receipts defined by subdivision 1 of this subsection are properly reported to but exempted by a Virginia locality from taxation, shall not be subject to local license taxation by any other locality in the Commonwealth.

3. Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision D 1, in any county operating under the county manager plan of government, the following shall govern the taxation of the licensees described in subdivision D 1. Persons, firms, or corporations designated as the principal or prime contractors receiving identifiable federal appropriations for research and development services as defined in § 31.205-18 (a) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation in the areas of (i) computer and electronic systems, (ii) computer software, (iii) applied sciences, (iv) economic and social sciences, and (v) electronic and physical sciences may be separately classified by any such county and subject to tax at a license tax rate not to exceed the limits set forth in subsections A through C above as to such federal funds received in payment of such contracts upon documentation provided by such persons, firms, or corporations to the local commissioner of revenue or finance officer confirming the applicability of this subsection.

E. In any case in which the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy determines that the weekly U.S. Retail Gasoline price (regular grade) for PADD 1C (Petroleum Administration for Defense District -- Lower Atlantic Region) has increased by 20% or greater in any one-week period over the immediately preceding one-week period and does not fall below the increased rate for at least 28 consecutive days immediately following the week of such increase, then, notwithstanding any tax rate on retailers imposed by the local ordinance, the gross receipts taxes on fuel sales of a gas retailer made in the following license year shall not exceed 110% of the gross receipts taxes on fuel sales made by such retailer in the license year of such increase. For license years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, every gas retailer shall maintain separate records for fuel sales and nonfuel sales and shall make such records available upon request by the local tax official.

The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any person or entity (i) not conducting business as a gas retailer in the county, city, or town for the entire license year immediately preceding the license year of such increase or (ii) that was subject to a license fee in the county, city, or town pursuant to § 58.1-3703 for the license year immediately preceding the license year of such increase.

The Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy shall determine annually if such increase has occurred and remained in effect for such 28-day period.

§ 58.1-3713.3. Validation of local coal and gas severance tax ordinances and local coal and gas road improvement tax ordinances.

A. All ordinances adopted pursuant to §§ 58.1-3712 and 58.1-3713 prior to October 1, 1989, shall be valid as if they had been enacted as of January 1, 1985, as long as similar ordinances had been validly enacted under the predecessor provisions to §§ 58.1-3712 and 58.1-3713 and in substantial compliance therewith. Any such local tax ordinances are declared to be validly adopted and enacted as of January 1, 1985, notwithstanding the failure of the locality to change the reference in the local tax ordinance after the enactment of this title, effective January 1, 1985.

B. All ordinances adopted pursuant to §§ 58.1-3712, 58.1-3713, and 58.1-3713.4 prior to January 1, 2001, shall be valid and presumed to include all the provisions of §§ 58.1-3712, 58.1-3713, and 58.1-3713.4 as long as such ordinances were in substantial compliance therewith at the time of their adoption.

C. 1. Any locality that imposed the tax under § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4 for the 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011 license year for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, shall (if it has not already done so by the effective date of this subsection) amend its local ordinance with regard to such taxes to adopt or include the uniform ordinance provisions of § 58.1-3703.1, with the exception of subdivisions A 1 and A 3 of such section, in the local ordinance with an effective date retroactive to the 2008 license year. As of the effective date of this subsection, each such locality shall allow all persons assessed with such taxes for the 2008 license year or any license year thereafter to exercise all rights and remedies under § 58.1-3703.1, provided that subdivisions A 1 and A 3 of such section shall be inapplicable for purposes of the imposition, collection, or appeal of such taxes. Such rights and remedies shall include, but shall not be limited to, the appeal procedures set forth under subdivisions A 5, A 6, and A 7 of § 58.1-3703.1. In addition, each such locality, upon the provisions of this subsection becoming effective, shall within 60 days thereof provide written notice to all persons upon whom the locality imposed one or more of the taxes under § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4 for license year 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, informing the person that the locality has adopted or will adopt the uniform ordinance provisions of § 58.1-3703.1 with regard to such taxes, excluding subdivisions A 1 and A 3 of such section, retroactive to the 2008 license year and for each license year thereafter.

2. Any locality described in subdivision 1 that amends its local ordinance with regard to such taxes, or has amended the same prior to the effective date of this subsection, to expressly include, incorporate by reference, or adopt by incorporation the uniform ordinance provisions of § 58.1-3703.1 shall have met the requirement under subdivision 1 to amend its local ordinance with regard to such taxes, provided that the locality on or after the effective date of this subsection further amends its local ordinance to make such inclusion, incorporation by reference, or adoption by incorporation retroactive to the 2008 license year. Nothing in this subdivision shall relieve the locality from (i) the notice requirements under subdivision 1 or (ii) the requirement under subdivision 1 to allow all persons assessed with such taxes for the 2008 license year or any license year thereafter to exercise all rights and remedies under § 58.1-3703.1 except that subdivisions A 1 and A 3 of such section shall be inapplicable for purposes of the imposition, collection, or appeal of such taxes.

3. Each locality amending its ordinance pursuant to subdivision 1 or 2 shall amend its ordinance in accordance with the respective subdivision within 90 days of the effective date of this subsection.

4. Each local ordinance amended as provided under this subsection shall be deemed valid and properly enacted for purposes of any tax imposed pursuant to § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4 for license year 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, or 2012 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013. Further, each such ordinance shall be deemed to have met the requirement of subsection A of § 58.1-3703.1 to include in the local ordinance provisions substantially similar to those set forth under such subsection.

5. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person assessed with a license tax under § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4 for license year 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, shall be allowed to file an administrative appeal of the same under § 58.1-3703.1 to the commissioner of the revenue or other local assessing official only during the period beginning July 1, 2013, and ending July 1, 2014. Such person shall be allowed to file the administrative appeal regardless of whether an appealable event, as defined in § 58.1-3703.1, occurs on or after the effective date of this subsection. Such appeal to the commissioner of the revenue or other local assessing official may be further appealed to the Tax Commissioner pursuant to subdivision A 6 of § 58.1-3703.1 and to the appropriate circuit court pursuant to subdivision A 7 of § 58.1-3703.1, in accordance with the procedures and time frames for the appeal as provided under the respective subdivision.

If a locality, however, makes an additional assessment of tax on or after January 1, 2014, for license year 2013, 2012, or 2011 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, then such additional assessment may be appealed within the time frame provided under § 58.1-3703.1 notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision.

b. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person assessed with a license tax under § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4 for license year 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, who elects not to file an appeal of the same pursuant to § 58.1-3703.1 may apply for relief of the same pursuant to § 58.1-3980 or 58.1-3984 only during the period beginning July 1, 2013, and ending July 1, 2014. If such person elects not to file an appeal of such license tax pursuant to § 58.1-3703.1 but applies for relief of the same pursuant to § 58.1-3980 or 58.1-3984, then the period for collecting any such license tax shall expire as provided in § 58.1-3940, two years after a final determination pursuant to § 58.1-3981, or two years after the final decision in a court application pursuant to § 58.1-3984, whichever is later.

If a locality, however, makes an additional assessment of tax on or after January 1, 2014, for license year 2013, 2012, or 2011 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, then such person so assessed may apply for relief of such assessment pursuant to § 58.1-3980 or 58.1-3984 within the time frame provided under the applicable section notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision, and the period for collecting any such additional assessment shall be as provided under Title 58.1 or other controlling law notwithstanding the provisions of this subdivision.

c. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 58.1-3940, the period for collecting any license tax imposed under § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4 for license years 2008 and 2009 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, shall expire on January 1, 2016, unless a longer period is provided under law.

d. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, collection activity shall be suspended on the assessment of additional license tax for license year 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, pursuant to § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4. In addition, collection activity shall be suspended on the assessment of additional license tax for license year 2012 or 2013 for such taxes on coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, provided that, in filing severance tax returns for the severance of coal, gases, or oil from the earth in the locality in license year 2012 and 2013, the person filing the return includes with the return a good faith payment of the tax due or a good faith report of the tax due. The good faith payment or report of tax due shall be in accordance with the methodology used by that person as of January 1, 2010, to report the person's gross receipts to the locality for purposes of such taxes unless such person and the locality have entered into a contract or agreement on an alternate methodology to report the person's gross receipts. As used in this subsection, "additional license tax" means all amounts of license tax, penalty, and interest that are in addition to the amount of license tax paid by a person or reported by a person as due in filing severance tax returns for the severance of coal, gases, or oil from the earth in the locality. Collection activity shall not be required to be suspended if collection of any tax, interest, or penalty is jeopardized by delay as defined in § 58.1-3703.1. However, nothing herein shall be construed or interpreted as to require the suspension of collection activity for any amount of unpaid license tax (and any interest and penalty related thereto) reported by a person as due in filing a severance tax return for the severance of coal, gas, or oil from the earth.

Collection activity on additional license tax for license year 2008, 2009, 2010, or 2011 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, may commence on July 1, 2013, unless other law requires the suspension of collection activity. Collection activity on additional license tax for license year 2012 or 2013 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, if suspended pursuant to this subdivision, may commence on or after July 1, 2013, unless other law requires the suspension of collection activity.

6. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, nothing in this subsection shall be construed or interpreted as extending or decreasing any limitations period for appealing any of the taxes imposed under § 58.1-3712, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3713, or 58.1-3713.4 for coal, gas, or oil severed from the earth prior to July 1, 2013, or extending any period for the collection of such taxes.

§ 58.1-3823. Additional transient occupancy tax for certain counties.

A. In addition to such transient occupancy taxes as are authorized by §§ 58.1-3819 through 58.1-3822 58.1-3821, Hanover County, Chesterfield County and Henrico County may impose:

1. An additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed four percent of the amount of the charge for the occupancy of any room or space occupied. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for promoting tourism, travel or business that generates tourism or travel in the Richmond metropolitan area; and

2. An additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the amount of the charge for the occupancy of any room or space occupied. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for expanding the Richmond Centre, a convention and exhibition facility in the City of Richmond.

3. An additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed one percent of the amount of the charge for the occupancy of any room or space occupied. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for the development and improvement of the Virginia Performing Arts Foundation's facilities in Richmond, for promoting the use of the Richmond Centre and for promoting tourism, travel or business that generates tourism and travel in the Richmond metropolitan area.

B. In addition to such transient occupancy taxes as are authorized by §§ 58.1-3819 through 58.1-3822 58.1-3821, any county with the county manager plan of government may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed two percent of the amount of the charge for the occupancy of any room or space occupied, provided the county's governing body approves the construction of a county conference center. The tax imposed hereunder shall not apply to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and spent for the design, construction, debt payment, and operation of such conference center.

C. 1. In addition to such transient occupancy taxes as are authorized by §§ 58.1-3819 through 58.1-3822 58.1-3821, the Counties of James City and York may impose an additional transient occupancy tax not to exceed $2 per room per night for the occupancy of any overnight guest room. The revenues collected from the additional tax shall be designated and expended solely for advertising the Historic Triangle area, which includes all of the City of Williamsburg and the Counties of James City and York, as an overnight tourism destination by the members of the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance. The tax imposed by this subsection shall not apply to travel campground sites or to rooms or spaces rented and continuously occupied by the same individual or same group of individuals for 30 or more days.

2. The Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall consist of the members as provided herein. The governing bodies of the City of Williamsburg, the County of James City, and the County of York shall each designate one of their members to serve as members of the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee. These three members of the Committee shall have two votes apiece. In no case shall a person who is a member of the Committee by virtue of the designation of a local governing body be eligible to be selected a member of the Committee pursuant to subdivision a.

a. Further, one member of the Committee shall be selected by the Board of Directors of the Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association; one member of the Committee shall be from The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and shall be selected by the Foundation; one member of the Committee shall be an employee of Busch Gardens Europe/Water Country USA and shall be selected by Busch Gardens Europe/Water Country USA; one member of the Committee shall be from the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and shall be selected by the Foundation; one member of the Committee shall be selected by the Executive Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance; and one member of the Committee shall be the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Tourism Authority who shall serve ex officio. Each of these six members of the Committee shall have one vote apiece. The President of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges unless chosen by the Executive Committee of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance to serve as its voting representative. The Executive Director of the Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges unless chosen by the Board of Directors of the Williamsburg Hotel and Motel Association to serve as its voting representative.

In no case shall more than one person of the same local government, including the governing body of the locality, serve as a member of the Committee at the same time.

If at any time a person who has been selected to the Committee by other than a local governing body becomes or is (a) a member of the local governing body of the City of Williamsburg, the County of James City, or the County of York, or (b) an employee of one of such local governments, the person shall be ineligible to serve as a member of the Committee while a member of the local governing body or an employee of one of such local governments. In such case, the body that selected the person to serve as a member of the Commission shall promptly select another person to serve as a member of the Committee.

3. The Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall maintain all authorities granted by this section. The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance shall serve as the fiscal agent for the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee with specific responsibilities to be defined in a contract between such two entities. The contract shall include provisions to reimburse the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance for annual audits and any other agreed-upon expenditures. The Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall also contract with the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance to provide administrative support services as the entities shall mutually agree.

4. The provisions in subdivision 2 relating to the composition and voting powers of the Williamsburg Area Destination Marketing Committee shall be a condition of the authority to impose the tax provided herein.

For purposes of this subsection, "advertising the Historic Triangle area" as an overnight tourism destination means advertising that is intended to attract visitors from a sufficient distance so as to require an overnight stay of at least one night.

D. The county tax limitations imposed pursuant to § 58.1-3711 shall apply to any tax levied under this section, mutatis mutandis.

2. That Chapter 1.4 (§ 36-55.63) of Title 36, §§ 58.1-339.5, 58.1-339.9, 58.1-434, 58.1-435, 58.1-439.1, 58.1-439.11, 58.1-439.13, 58.1-439.14, 58.1-439.15, 58.1-439.15:01, 58.1-439.16, and 58.1-639, Article 3 (§ 58.1-1840.1) of Chapter 18 and Article 10 (§ 58.1-2290.1) of Chapter 22 of Title 58.1, and §§ 58.1-3605.1, 58.1-3712.1, 58.1-3822, and 58.1-3825.1 of the Code of Virginia are repealed.

3. That this act shall in no way alter or affect any (i) tax credit or tax benefit or other tax attribute allowed or earned under any section repealed by this act or (ii) tax liability or obligation pursuant to any such section.