SEARCH SITE
VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL
- Code of Virginia
- Virginia Administrative Code
- Constitution of Virginia
- Charters
- Authorities
- Compacts
- Uncodified Acts
- RIS Users (account required)
SEARCHABLE DATABASES
- Bills & Resolutions
session legislation - Bill Summaries
session summaries - Reports to the General Assembly
House and Senate documents - Legislative Liaisons
State agency contacts
ACROSS SESSIONS
- Subject Index: Since 1995
- Bills & Resolutions: Since 1994
- Summaries: Since 1994
Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.
1995 SESSION
LD3339316Whereas, in September 1987, Robert A. Patneau filed a complaint against a contractor with the Virginia Department of Commerce alleging numerous Building Code violations and requesting that the Department conduct an investigation of the matter; and
Whereas, the Virginia Department of Commerce closed the case for lack of evidence without conducting an investigation; and
Whereas, Robert Patneau presented additional evidence to the Commerce Department to further substantiate an investigation into the matter; and
Whereas, the Commerce Department denied consideration of the additional evidence presented and again closed the case for insufficient evidence; and
Whereas, Robert Patneau presented to the Commerce Department court testimony whereby the contractor admitted to the authenticity of evidence previously presented to the Commerce Department; and
Whereas, the Commerce Department re-opened the case and a full investigation was recommended; and
Whereas, the contractor’s attorney requested that the Commerce Department not make a decision regarding the matter until after bankruptcy proceedings for the contractor were completed; and
Whereas, the Commerce Department tabled the complaint; and
Whereas, the Commerce Department refused to investigate the allegations set forth in Robert Patneau’s complaint for five years; and
Whereas, Robert Patneau’s claim against the contractor was found to be legally valid by the bankruptcy court; and
Whereas, the contractor has entered bankruptcy; and
Whereas, the Department of Commerce now agrees that an investigation should be conducted; and
Whereas, not only have Robert Patneau and his family suffered grievous monetary loss, but they have had their health and safety endangered as well; and
Whereas, Robert A. Patneau has no other means to recover the expenses incurred due to the contractor’s violations and the Commerce Department’s subsequent failure to investigate except by the action of this body; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. § 1. That there is hereby allocated to Robert A. Patneau from the general funds appropriated to the Virginia Department of Commerce the sum of $304,000. This payment shall be paid by check issued by the State Treasurer on warrant of the Comptroller to Robert A. Patneau, upon execution by him of a release of all claims he may have against the Commonwealth or any agency, instrumentality, officer, employee, or political subdivision in connection with the aforesaid occurrence.