{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-517.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-517.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-517.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-517.html"}],"law_id":76721,"edition_id":1,"section_id":76721,"structure_id":16728,"section_number":"2.2-517","catch_line":"Division of Consumer Counsel created; duties","history":"1970, c. 781, \u00a7\u00a7 2.1-133.1, 2.1-133.3; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 803, 835.","full_text":"A\n\nThere is created in the Department of Law a Division of Consumer Counsel (the Division) that shall represent the interests of the people as consumers.B\n\nThe duties of the Division shall be to:1\n\nAppear before governmental commissions, agencies and departments, including the State Corporation Commission, to represent and be heard on behalf of consumers’ interests, and investigate such matters relating to such appearance.2\n\nMake such studies related to enforcing consumer laws of the Commonwealth as deemed necessary to protect the interests of the consumer and recommend to the Governor and General Assembly the enactment of such legislation deemed necessary to promote and protect the interests of the people as consumers.C\n\nIn addition, the Division shall:1\n\nEstablish mechanisms by which to receive complaints and related inquiries from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving violations or alleged violations of any law designed to protect the integrity of consumer transactions in the Commonwealth. Such mechanisms shall include establishing a statewide, toll-free telephone hotline to be administered by the Division; publicizing the existence of such hotline through public service announcements on television and radio and in newspapers and other media deemed necessary, convenient, or appropriate; and enhancing electronic communication with the Division through the Internet;2\n\nEstablish and administer programs that facilitate resolution of complaints and related inquiries from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving violations or alleged violations of any law designed to protect the integrity of consumer transactions in the Commonwealth. Such programs may utilize paid or unpaid personnel, law schools or other institutions of higher education, community dispute resolution centers, or any other private or public entity, including any local offices of consumer affairs established pursuant to § 15.2-963 that volunteer to participate in a program;3\n\nPromote consumer education in cooperation with the Department of Education and inform the public of policies, decisions, and legislation affecting consumers;4\n\nServe as a central coordinating agency and clearinghouse for receiving and investigating complaints by the Commonwealth’s consumers of illegal, fraudulent, deceptive or dangerous practices and referring appropriate complaints to the federal, state, and local departments or agencies charged with enforcement of consumer laws;5\n\nMaintain records of consumer complaints and their eventual disposition, which records shall be open for public inspection, provided that information disclosing the business interests of any person, trade secrets, or the names of customers shall be held confidential except to the extent that disclosure of such matters may be necessary for the enforcement of laws; and6\n\nHave the authority, in the same manner as provided in § 59.1-308.2, to inquire into consumer complaints regarding violations of § 46.2-1231 or 46.2-1233.1 involving businesses engaged in towing vehicles or to refer the complaint directly to the appropriate local enforcement officials.D\n\nIn addition, the Division may inquire into consumer complaints involving towing and recovery operators and tow truck drivers regarding violations of § 46.2-118, 46.2-1217, 46.2-1231, or 46.2-1233.1.E\n\nThe Division, in all investigations connected with enforcing consumer laws and appearances before governmental bodies shall, on behalf of the interests of the consumer, cooperate and coordinate its efforts with such commissions, agencies and departments in ensuring that any matters adversely affecting the interests of the consumer are properly controlled and regulated. The appearance of a representative of the Division before any governmental body shall in no way limit or alter the duties of such governmental body.F\n\nThe Attorney General may employ and fix the salaries of such attorneys, employees and consultants, within the amounts appropriated to the Attorney General for providing legal service for the Commonwealth, and other services as may be provided for by law, as he may deem necessary in the operation of the Division of Consumer Counsel to carry out its functions.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":275405,"text":"There is created in the Department of Law a Division of Consumer Counsel (the Division) that shall represent the interests of the people as consumers.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":275406,"text":"The duties of the Division shall be to:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":275407,"text":"Appear before governmental commissions, agencies and departments, including the State Corporation Commission, to represent and be heard on behalf of consumers’ interests, and investigate such matters relating to such appearance.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":275408,"text":"Make such studies related to enforcing consumer laws of the Commonwealth as deemed necessary to protect the interests of the consumer and recommend to the Governor and General Assembly the enactment of such legislation deemed necessary to promote and protect the interests of the people as consumers.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"C"},"4":{"id":275409,"text":"In addition, the Division shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"C1"},"5":{"id":275410,"text":"Establish mechanisms by which to receive complaints and related inquiries from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving violations or alleged violations of any law designed to protect the integrity of consumer transactions in the Commonwealth. Such mechanisms shall include establishing a statewide, toll-free telephone hotline to be administered by the Division; publicizing the existence of such hotline through public service announcements on television and radio and in newspapers and other media deemed necessary, convenient, or appropriate; and enhancing electronic communication with the Division through the Internet;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"6":{"id":275411,"text":"Establish and administer programs that facilitate resolution of complaints and related inquiries from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving violations or alleged violations of any law designed to protect the integrity of consumer transactions in the Commonwealth. Such programs may utilize paid or unpaid personnel, law schools or other institutions of higher education, community dispute resolution centers, or any other private or public entity, including any local offices of consumer affairs established pursuant to § 15.2-963 that volunteer to participate in a program;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"7":{"id":275412,"text":"Promote consumer education in cooperation with the Department of Education and inform the public of policies, decisions, and legislation affecting consumers;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"8":{"id":275413,"text":"Serve as a central coordinating agency and clearinghouse for receiving and investigating complaints by the Commonwealth’s consumers of illegal, fraudulent, deceptive or dangerous practices and referring appropriate complaints to the federal, state, and local departments or agencies charged with enforcement of consumer laws;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"9":{"id":275414,"text":"Maintain records of consumer complaints and their eventual disposition, which records shall be open for public inspection, provided that information disclosing the business interests of any person, trade secrets, or the names of customers shall be held confidential except to the extent that disclosure of such matters may be necessary for the enforcement of laws; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"C6"},"10":{"id":275415,"text":"Have the authority, in the same manner as provided in § 59.1-308.2, to inquire into consumer complaints regarding violations of § 46.2-1231 or 46.2-1233.1 involving businesses engaged in towing vehicles or to refer the complaint directly to the appropriate local enforcement officials.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"C6","prefix_anchor":"C6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C5","next_prefix":"D"},"11":{"id":275416,"text":"In addition, the Division may inquire into consumer complaints involving towing and recovery operators and tow truck drivers regarding violations of § 46.2-118, 46.2-1217, 46.2-1231, or 46.2-1233.1.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C6","next_prefix":"E"},"12":{"id":275417,"text":"The Division, in all investigations connected with enforcing consumer laws and appearances before governmental bodies shall, on behalf of the interests of the consumer, cooperate and coordinate its efforts with such commissions, agencies and departments in ensuring that any matters adversely affecting the interests of the consumer are properly controlled and regulated. The appearance of a representative of the Division before any governmental body shall in no way limit or alter the duties of such governmental body.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"13":{"id":275418,"text":"The Attorney General may employ and fix the salaries of such attorneys, employees and consultants, within the amounts appropriated to the Attorney General for providing legal service for the Commonwealth, and other services as may be provided for by law, as he may deem necessary in the operation of the Division of Consumer Counsel to carry out its functions.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":16728,"edition_id":1,"name":"Division of Consumer Counsel","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":5,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13687,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:37:12","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:37:12","permalink":{"id":172415,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":16728,"identifier":"2","token":"2.2\/I\/B\/5\/2","url":"\/2.2\/I\/B\/5\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13687,"edition_id":1,"name":"Department of Law","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13686,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:33","permalink":{"id":172303,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13687,"identifier":"5","token":"2.2\/I\/B\/5","url":"\/2.2\/I\/B\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13686,"edition_id":1,"name":"Department of Law","identifier":"B","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12784,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:33","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:33","permalink":{"id":172301,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13686,"identifier":"B","token":"2.2\/I\/B","url":"\/2.2\/I\/B\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12784,"edition_id":1,"name":"Organization of State Government","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12749,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":171455,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12784,"identifier":"I","token":"2.2\/I","url":"\/2.2\/I\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12749,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of Government","identifier":"2.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":171453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12749,"identifier":"2.2","token":"2.2","url":"\/2.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":76721,"structure_id":16728,"section_number":"2.2-517","catch_line":"Division of Consumer Counsel created; duties","url":"\/2.2-517\/","token":"2.2\/I\/B\/5\/2\/2.2-517","metadata":false}],"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-517\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1970. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 781 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1970 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2001, chapter 844<\/a>; in 2012, chapters 803<\/a> and 835<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":66620,"section_number":"45.2-1914","catch_line":" Membership; terms; quorum; meetings","order_by":null,"url":"\/45.2-1914\/"},{"id":55331,"section_number":"59.1-473","catch_line":"Legal action or arbitration","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-473\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":87100,"section_number":"15.2-963","catch_line":"Local offices of consumer affairs; establishment; powers and duties","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-963\/"},{"id":82474,"section_number":"46.2-118","catch_line":"Prohibited acts by tow truck drivers and towing and recovery operators","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-118\/"},{"id":60919,"section_number":"46.2-1217","catch_line":"Local governing body may regulate certain towing","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1217\/"},{"id":68405,"section_number":"46.2-1231","catch_line":"Ticketing, removal, or immobilization of trespassing vehicles by owner or operator of parking or other lot or building; charges","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1231\/"},{"id":57172,"section_number":"46.2-1233.1","catch_line":"Limitation on charges for towing and storage of certain vehicles","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-1233.1\/"},{"id":65301,"section_number":"59.1-308.2","catch_line":"Investigations","order_by":null,"url":"\/59.1-308.2\/"}],"permalink":{"id":172417,"object_type":"law","relational_id":76721,"identifier":"2.2-517","token":"2.2\/I\/B\/5\/2\/2.2-517","url":"\/2.2-517\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-517\/","token":"2.2\/I\/B\/5\/2\/2.2-517","dublin_core":{"Title":"Division of Consumer Counsel created; duties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-517","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> There is created in the Department of Law<\/span> a Division of Consumer Counsel<\/span> (the Division) that shall represent the interests of the people as consumers. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The duties of the Division shall be to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Appear before governmental commissions, agencies and departments, including the State Corporation Commission, to represent and be heard on behalf of consumers’ interests, and investigate such matters relating to such appearance<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Make such studies related to enforcing consumer laws<\/span> of the Commonwealth as deemed necessary to protect the interests of the consumer and recommend to the Governor and General Assembly the enactment of such legislation deemed necessary to promote and protect the interests of the people as consumers. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> In addition, the Division shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Establish mechanisms by which to receive complaints and related inquiries from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving violations or alleged violations of any law<\/span> designed to protect the integrity of consumer transactions in the Commonwealth. Such mechanisms shall include establishing a statewide, toll-free telephone hotline to be administered by the Division; publicizing the existence of such hotline through public service announcements on television and radio and in newspapers and other media deemed necessary, convenient, or appropriate; and enhancing electronic communication with the Division through the Internet; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Establish and administer programs that facilitate resolution of complaints and related inquiries from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving violations or alleged violations of any law<\/span> designed to protect the integrity of consumer transactions in the Commonwealth. Such programs may utilize paid or unpaid personnel, law<\/span> schools or other institutions of higher education, community dispute resolution centers, or any other private or public entity, including any local offices of consumer affairs established pursuant to § 15.2-963<\/a> that volunteer to participate in a program; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Promote consumer education in cooperation with the Department of Education and inform the public of policies, decisions, and legislation affecting consumers; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Serve as a central coordinating agency and clearinghouse for receiving and investigating complaints by the Commonwealth’s consumers of illegal, fraudulent, deceptive or dangerous practices and referring appropriate complaints to the federal, state, and local departments or agencies charged with enforcement of consumer laws<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Maintain records of consumer complaints and their eventual disposition<\/span>, which records shall be open for public inspection, provided that information disclosing the business interests of any person, trade secrets, or the names of customers shall be held confidential except to the extent that disclosure of such matters may be necessary for the enforcement of laws<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Have the authority, in the same manner as provided in § 59.1-308.2<\/a>, to inquire into consumer complaints regarding violations of § 46.2-1231<\/a> or 46.2-1233.1<\/a> involving businesses engaged in towing vehicles or to refer the complaint directly to the appropriate local enforcement officials. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> In addition, the Division may inquire into consumer complaints involving towing and recovery operators and tow truck drivers regarding violations of § 46.2-118<\/a>, 46.2-1217<\/a>, 46.2-1231<\/a>, or 46.2-1233.1<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Division, in all investigations connected with enforcing consumer laws<\/span> and appearances<\/span> before governmental bodies shall, on behalf of the interests of the consumer, cooperate and coordinate its efforts with such commissions, agencies and departments in ensuring that any matters adversely affecting the interests of the consumer are properly controlled and regulated. The appearance<\/span> of a representative of the Division before any governmental body shall in no way limit or alter the duties of such governmental body. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Attorney General<\/span> may employ and fix the salaries of such attorneys, employees and consultants, within the amounts appropriated to the Attorney General<\/span> for providing legal service for the Commonwealth, and other services as may be provided for by law<\/span>, as he may deem necessary in the operation of the Division of Consumer Counsel<\/span> to carry out its functions. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDIVISION OF CONSUMER COUNSEL CREATED; DUTIES (\u00a7 2.2-517)\n\nA. There is created in the Department of Law a Division of Consumer Counsel (the\nDivision) that shall represent the interests of the people as consumers.\n\nB. The duties of the Division shall be to:\n\n 1. Appear before governmental commissions, agencies and departments, including\n the State Corporation Commission, to represent and be heard on behalf of\n consumers’ interests, and investigate such matters relating to such\n appearance.\n\n 2. Make such studies related to enforcing consumer laws of the Commonwealth as\n deemed necessary to protect the interests of the consumer and recommend to the\n Governor and General Assembly the enactment of such legislation deemed\n necessary to promote and protect the interests of the people as consumers.\n\nC. In addition, the Division shall:\n\n 1. Establish mechanisms by which to receive complaints and related inquiries\n from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving violations or alleged\n violations of any law designed to protect the integrity of consumer\n transactions in the Commonwealth. Such mechanisms shall include establishing a\n statewide, toll-free telephone hotline to be administered by the Division;\n publicizing the existence of such hotline through public service announcements\n on television and radio and in newspapers and other media deemed necessary,\n convenient, or appropriate; and enhancing electronic communication with the\n Division through the Internet;\n\n 2. Establish and administer programs that facilitate resolution of complaints\n and related inquiries from the Commonwealth’s consumers involving\n violations or alleged violations of any law designed to protect the integrity\n of consumer transactions in the Commonwealth. Such programs may utilize paid\n or unpaid personnel, law schools or other institutions of higher education,\n community dispute resolution centers, or any other private or public entity,\n including any local offices of consumer affairs established pursuant to §\n 15.2-963 that volunteer to participate in a program;\n\n 3. Promote consumer education in cooperation with the Department of Education\n and inform the public of policies, decisions, and legislation affecting\n consumers;\n\n 4. Serve as a central coordinating agency and clearinghouse for receiving and\n investigating complaints by the Commonwealth’s consumers of illegal,\n fraudulent, deceptive or dangerous practices and referring appropriate\n complaints to the federal, state, and local departments or agencies charged\n with enforcement of consumer laws;\n\n 5. Maintain records of consumer complaints and their eventual disposition,\n which records shall be open for public inspection, provided that information\n disclosing the business interests of any person, trade secrets, or the names\n of customers shall be held confidential except to the extent that disclosure\n of such matters may be necessary for the enforcement of laws; and\n\n 6. Have the authority, in the same manner as provided in § 59.1-308.2, to\n inquire into consumer complaints regarding violations of § 46.2-1231 or\n 46.2-1233.1 involving businesses engaged in towing vehicles or to refer the\n complaint directly to the appropriate local enforcement officials.\n\nD. In addition, the Division may inquire into consumer complaints involving\ntowing and recovery operators and tow truck drivers regarding violations of\n§ 46.2-118, 46.2-1217, 46.2-1231, or 46.2-1233.1.\n\nE. The Division, in all investigations connected with enforcing consumer laws\nand appearances before governmental bodies shall, on behalf of the interests of\nthe consumer, cooperate and coordinate its efforts with such commissions,\nagencies and departments in ensuring that any matters adversely affecting the\ninterests of the consumer are properly controlled and regulated. The appearance\nof a representative of the Division before any governmental body shall in no way\nlimit or alter the duties of such governmental body.\n\nF. The Attorney General may employ and fix the salaries of such attorneys,\nemployees and consultants, within the amounts appropriated to the Attorney\nGeneral for providing legal service for the Commonwealth, and other services as\nmay be provided for by law, as he may deem necessary in the operation of the\nDivision of Consumer Counsel to carry out its functions.\n\nHISTORY: 1970, c. 781, \u00a7\u00a7 2.1-133.1, 2.1-133.3; 2001, c. 844; 2012, cc. 803,\n835.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}