{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/30-114.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/30-114.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/30-114.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/30-114.html"}],"law_id":85962,"edition_id":1,"section_id":85962,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-114","catch_line":"Filing of complaints; procedures; disposition","history":"1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, \u00a7 2.1-639.46; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 649; 2010, c. 876; 2014, cc. 792, 804.","full_text":"A\n\nIn response to the signed and sworn complaint of any citizen of the Commonwealth, which is subscribed by the maker as true under penalty of perjury, submitted to the Panel, the Panel shall inquire into any alleged violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) by any member of the respective house of the General Assembly in his current term or his immediate prior term. Complaints shall be filed with the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, which shall promptly (i) submit the complaint to the chairman of the appropriate Panel and (ii) forward a copy of the complaint to the legislator named in the complaint. The chairman shall promptly notify the Panel of the complaint. No complaint shall be filed with the Panel 60 or fewer days before a primary election or other nominating event or before a general election in which the cited legislator is running for office, and the Panel shall not accept or act on any complaint received during this period.B\n\nThe Panel shall determine, during its preliminary investigation, whether the facts stated in the complaint taken as true are sufficient to show a violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.). If the facts, as stated in the complaint, fail to give rise to such a violation, then the Panel shall dismiss the complaint. If the facts, as stated in the complaint, give rise to such a violation, then the Panel shall request that the complainant appear and testify under oath as to the complaint and the allegations therein. After hearing the testimony and reviewing any other evidence provided by the complainant, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint if the Panel fails to find by a preponderance of the evidence that such violation has occurred. If the Panel finds otherwise, it shall proceed with the inquiry.C\n\nIf after such preliminary investigation, the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel (i) shall immediately notify in writing the individual who filed the complaint and the cited legislator as to the fact of the inquiry and the charges against the legislator and (ii) shall schedule one or more hearings on the matter. The legislator shall have the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, face and examine the accuser, and be represented by counsel at any hearings. In its discretion, the Panel may grant the legislator any other rights or privileges not specifically enumerated in this subsection. Once the Panel has determined to proceed with an inquiry, its meetings and hearings shall be open to the public.D\n\nOnce the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel shall complete its investigations and dispose of the matter as provided in § 30-116 notwithstanding the resignation of the legislator during the course of the Panel’s proceedings.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":307884,"text":"In response to the signed and sworn complaint of any citizen of the Commonwealth, which is subscribed by the maker as true under penalty of perjury, submitted to the Panel, the Panel shall inquire into any alleged violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) by any member of the respective house of the General Assembly in his current term or his immediate prior term. Complaints shall be filed with the Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, which shall promptly (i) submit the complaint to the chairman of the appropriate Panel and (ii) forward a copy of the complaint to the legislator named in the complaint. The chairman shall promptly notify the Panel of the complaint. No complaint shall be filed with the Panel 60 or fewer days before a primary election or other nominating event or before a general election in which the cited legislator is running for office, and the Panel shall not accept or act on any complaint received during this period.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":307885,"text":"The Panel shall determine, during its preliminary investigation, whether the facts stated in the complaint taken as true are sufficient to show a violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.). If the facts, as stated in the complaint, fail to give rise to such a violation, then the Panel shall dismiss the complaint. If the facts, as stated in the complaint, give rise to such a violation, then the Panel shall request that the complainant appear and testify under oath as to the complaint and the allegations therein. After hearing the testimony and reviewing any other evidence provided by the complainant, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint if the Panel fails to find by a preponderance of the evidence that such violation has occurred. If the Panel finds otherwise, it shall proceed with the inquiry.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":307886,"text":"If after such preliminary investigation, the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel (i) shall immediately notify in writing the individual who filed the complaint and the cited legislator as to the fact of the inquiry and the charges against the legislator and (ii) shall schedule one or more hearings on the matter. The legislator shall have the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, face and examine the accuser, and be represented by counsel at any hearings. In its discretion, the Panel may grant the legislator any other rights or privileges not specifically enumerated in this subsection. Once the Panel has determined to proceed with an inquiry, its meetings and hearings shall be open to the public.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":307887,"text":"Once the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel shall complete its investigations and dispose of the matter as provided in § 30-116 notwithstanding the resignation of the legislator during the course of the Panel’s proceedings.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13698,"edition_id":1,"name":"Disclosure Statements Required to Be Filed","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13697,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:35","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:35","permalink":{"id":199425,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13698,"identifier":"5","token":"30\/13\/5","url":"\/30\/13\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13697,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act","identifier":"13","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12738,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:35","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:35","permalink":{"id":199371,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13697,"identifier":"13","token":"30\/13","url":"\/30\/13\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12738,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Assembly","identifier":"30","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":199019,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12738,"identifier":"30","token":"30","url":"\/30\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":65072,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-109","catch_line":"Application","url":"\/30-109\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-109","metadata":false},{"id":87033,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-110","catch_line":"Disclosure","url":"\/30-110\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-110","metadata":false},{"id":55696,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-110.1","catch_line":"Report of gifts","url":"\/30-110.1\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-110.1","metadata":false},{"id":76882,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-111","catch_line":"Disclosure form","url":"\/30-111\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-111","metadata":false},{"id":73727,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-111.1","catch_line":"Disclosure form; filing requirements","url":"\/30-111.1\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-111.1","metadata":false},{"id":86954,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-112","catch_line":"Senate and House Ethics Advisory Panels; membership; terms; quorum; compensation and expenses","url":"\/30-112\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-112","metadata":false},{"id":87001,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-113","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Panel","url":"\/30-113\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-113","metadata":false},{"id":63665,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-113.1","catch_line":"Records","url":"\/30-113.1\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-113.1","metadata":false},{"id":85962,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-114","catch_line":"Filing of complaints; procedures; disposition","url":"\/30-114\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-114","metadata":false},{"id":61228,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-115","catch_line":"Subpoenas","url":"\/30-115\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-115","metadata":false},{"id":55868,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-116","catch_line":"Disposition of cases","url":"\/30-116\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-116","metadata":false},{"id":57396,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-117","catch_line":"Confidentiality of proceedings","url":"\/30-117\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-117","metadata":false},{"id":85988,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-118","catch_line":"Staff for Panel","url":"\/30-118\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-118","metadata":false},{"id":75952,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-119","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of Panel","url":"\/30-119\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-119","metadata":false},{"id":54681,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-120","catch_line":"Senate and House Committees on Standards of Conduct","url":"\/30-120\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-120","metadata":false},{"id":66683,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-121","catch_line":"Adoption of rules governing procedures and disciplinary sanctions","url":"\/30-121\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-121","metadata":false},{"id":56317,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-122","catch_line":"Enforcement","url":"\/30-122\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-122","metadata":false},{"id":85823,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-123","catch_line":"Knowing violation of chapter a misdemeanor","url":"\/30-123\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-123","metadata":false},{"id":55225,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-124","catch_line":"Advisory opinions","url":"\/30-124\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-124","metadata":false},{"id":66845,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-125","catch_line":"Invalidation of contract; recision of sales","url":"\/30-125\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-125","metadata":false},{"id":74086,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-126","catch_line":"Civil penalty from violation of this chapter","url":"\/30-126\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-126","metadata":false},{"id":75742,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-127","catch_line":"Criminal prosecutions","url":"\/30-127\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-127","metadata":false},{"id":66187,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-128","catch_line":"Limitation of actions","url":"\/30-128\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-128","metadata":false},{"id":69906,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-129","catch_line":"Venue","url":"\/30-129\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-129","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63665,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-113.1","catch_line":"Records","url":"\/30-113.1\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-113.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":61228,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-115","catch_line":"Subpoenas","url":"\/30-115\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-115","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/30-114\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 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 2003, chapter 649<\/a>; in 2010, chapter 876<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 792<\/a> and 804<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":84621,"section_number":"30-102","catch_line":"Application","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-102\/"},{"id":65072,"section_number":"30-109","catch_line":"Application","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-109\/"},{"id":55868,"section_number":"30-116","catch_line":"Disposition of cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-116\/"}],"permalink":{"id":199459,"object_type":"law","relational_id":85962,"identifier":"30-114","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-114","url":"\/30-114\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/30-114\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-114","dublin_core":{"Title":"Filing of complaints; procedures; disposition","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 30-114","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> In response to the signed and sworn complaint of any citizen of the Commonwealth, which is subscribed by the maker as true under penalty<\/span> of perjury<\/span>, submitted to the Panel<\/span>, the Panel<\/span> shall inquire into any alleged violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102<\/a> et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109<\/a> et seq.) by any member of the respective house of the General Assembly in his current term or his immediate prior term. Complaints shall be filed with the Virginia Conflict of Interest<\/span> and Ethics Advisory Council<\/span>, which shall promptly (i) submit the complaint to the chairman of the appropriate Panel<\/span> and (ii) forward a copy of the complaint to the legislator<\/span> named in the complaint. The chairman shall promptly notify the Panel<\/span> of the complaint. No complaint shall be filed with the Panel<\/span> 60 or fewer days before a primary election or other nominating event or before a general election in which the cited legislator<\/span> is running for office, and the Panel<\/span> shall not accept or act on any complaint received during this period. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Panel<\/span> shall determine, during its preliminary investigation, whether the facts<\/span> stated in the complaint taken as true are sufficient to show a violation of Articles 2 (§ 30-102<\/a> et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109<\/a> et seq.). If the facts<\/span>, as stated in the complaint, fail to give rise to such a violation, then the Panel<\/span> shall dismiss the complaint. If the facts<\/span>, as stated in the complaint, give rise to such a violation, then the Panel<\/span> shall request that the complainant appear and testify under oath<\/span> as to the complaint and the allegations<\/span> therein. After hearing<\/span> the testimony<\/span> and reviewing any other evidence provided by the complainant, the Panel<\/span> shall dismiss the complaint if the Panel<\/span> fails to find by a preponderance of the evidence<\/span> that such violation has occurred. If the Panel<\/span> finds otherwise, it shall proceed with the inquiry. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If after such preliminary investigation, the Panel<\/span> determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator<\/span>, the Panel<\/span> (i) shall immediately notify in writing the individual who filed the complaint and the cited legislator<\/span> as to the fact<\/span> of the inquiry and the charges against the legislator<\/span> and (ii) shall schedule one or more hearings<\/span> on the matter. The legislator<\/span> shall have the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, face and examine the accuser, and be represented by counsel<\/span> at any hearings<\/span>. In its discretion, the Panel<\/span> may grant the legislator<\/span> any other rights or privileges<\/span> not specifically enumerated in this subsection. Once the Panel<\/span> has determined to proceed with an inquiry, its meetings and hearings<\/span> shall be open to the public. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Once the Panel<\/span> determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any legislator<\/span>, the Panel<\/span> shall complete its investigations and dispose of the matter as provided in § 30-116<\/a> notwithstanding the resignation of the legislator<\/span> during the course of the Panel<\/span>’s proceedings. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nFILING OF COMPLAINTS; PROCEDURES; DISPOSITION (\u00a7 30-114)\n\nA. In response to the signed and sworn complaint of any citizen of the\nCommonwealth, which is subscribed by the maker as true under penalty of perjury,\nsubmitted to the Panel, the Panel shall inquire into any alleged violation of\nArticles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) by any\nmember of the respective house of the General Assembly in his current term or\nhis immediate prior term. Complaints shall be filed with the Virginia Conflict\nof Interest and Ethics Advisory Council, which shall promptly (i) submit the\ncomplaint to the chairman of the appropriate Panel and (ii) forward a copy of\nthe complaint to the legislator named in the complaint. The chairman shall\npromptly notify the Panel of the complaint. No complaint shall be filed with the\nPanel 60 or fewer days before a primary election or other nominating event or\nbefore a general election in which the cited legislator is running for office,\nand the Panel shall not accept or act on any complaint received during this\nperiod.\n\nB. The Panel shall determine, during its preliminary investigation, whether the\nfacts stated in the complaint taken as true are sufficient to show a violation\nof Articles 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.) through 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.). If the\nfacts, as stated in the complaint, fail to give rise to such a violation, then\nthe Panel shall dismiss the complaint. If the facts, as stated in the complaint,\ngive rise to such a violation, then the Panel shall request that the complainant\nappear and testify under oath as to the complaint and the allegations therein.\nAfter hearing the testimony and reviewing any other evidence provided by the\ncomplainant, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint if the Panel fails to find by\na preponderance of the evidence that such violation has occurred. If the Panel\nfinds otherwise, it shall proceed with the inquiry.\n\nC. If after such preliminary investigation, the Panel determines to proceed with\nan inquiry into the conduct of any legislator, the Panel (i) shall immediately\nnotify in writing the individual who filed the complaint and the cited\nlegislator as to the fact of the inquiry and the charges against the legislator\nand (ii) shall schedule one or more hearings on the matter. The legislator shall\nhave the right to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, face and examine\nthe accuser, and be represented by counsel at any hearings. In its discretion,\nthe Panel may grant the legislator any other rights or privileges not\nspecifically enumerated in this subsection. Once the Panel has determined to\nproceed with an inquiry, its meetings and hearings shall be open to the public.\n\nD. Once the Panel determines to proceed with an inquiry into the conduct of any\nlegislator, the Panel shall complete its investigations and dispose of the\nmatter as provided in § 30-116 notwithstanding the resignation of the\nlegislator during the course of the Panel’s proceedings.\n\nHISTORY: 1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, \u00a7 2.1-639.46; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 649; 2010,\nc. 876; 2014, cc. 792, 804.","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}}