{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/30-116.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/30-116.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/30-116.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/30-116.html"}],"law_id":55868,"edition_id":1,"section_id":55868,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-116","catch_line":"Disposition of cases","history":"1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, \u00a7 2.1-639.48; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 649; 2010, cc. 427, 876.","full_text":"Within 120 days of the chairman’s forwarding the signed and sworn complaint to the Panel, the Panel, or a majority of its members acting in its name, shall dispose of the matter in one of the following ways:\n\n1\n\na. If the Panel determines in its preliminary investigation that the complaint is without merit, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the complainant and legislator, and take no further action. In such case, the Panel shall retain its records and findings in confidence unless the legislator under inquiry requests in writing that the records and findings be made public.\n\t\t\tb. If the Panel determines in the course of its proceedings that the facts and evidence show that the complaint is without merit, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the complainant and legislator, and report its action to the Clerk of the appropriate house, for the information of the House or Senate.2\n\nIf the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator has violated the provisions of this chapter but that the violation was not made knowingly, the Panel shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings and the reasons therefor to the appropriate house of the General Assembly for appropriate action. All Panel reports, which are advisory only, shall be delivered to the Clerk of the appropriate house, who shall refer the report to the Committee on Privileges and Elections in accordance with the rules of the appropriate house. Said Committee shall in all cases report, after due hearings and consideration, its determination of the matter and its recommendations and reasons for its resolves to the appropriate house. If the Committee deems disciplinary action warranted, it shall report a resolution to express such action. The appropriate house as a whole shall then consider the resolution, and if it finds the legislator in violation of any provision of this chapter, it may by recorded vote take such disciplinary action as it deems warranted.3\n\nIf the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator knowingly violated any provision of Article 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.), 3 (§ 30-104 et seq.), 4 (§ 30-107 et seq.) or 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) of this chapter, except § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110, it shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings and the reasons therefor to the Attorney General for such action he deems appropriate. The Panel shall also file its report with the Clerk of the appropriate house, who shall refer the report in accordance with the rules of his house. In the event the Attorney General determines not to prosecute the alleged violation, he shall notify the Clerk of the appropriate house of his determination and the Clerk shall send the report to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. The matter shall thereafter be handled in accordance with the provisions of subdivision 2.4\n\nIf the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator has violated § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110, it shall refer the matter by a written report to the appropriate house pursuant to subdivision 2. As its first order of business other than organizational matters and committee work, the house in which the member sits shall immediately upon the convening of the next regular or special session take up and dispose of the matter by taking one or more of the following actions: (i) dismiss the complaint; (ii) sustain the complaint and reprimand the member; (iii) sustain the complaint, censure the member, and strip the member of his seniority; (iv) sustain the complaint and expel the member by a two-thirds vote of the elected members; (v) in the event the house finds a knowing violation, it shall refer the matter to the Attorney General pursuant to subdivision 3.5\n\nThe Panel shall make public any report that it makes pursuant to the provisions of subdivision 1 b, 2, 3 or 4 on the date it refers its report.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":204652,"text":"Within 120 days of the chairman’s forwarding the signed and sworn complaint to the Panel, the Panel, or a majority of its members acting in its name, shall dispose of the matter in one of the following ways:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":204653,"text":"a. If the Panel determines in its preliminary investigation that the complaint is without merit, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the complainant and legislator, and take no further action. In such case, the Panel shall retain its records and findings in confidence unless the legislator under inquiry requests in writing that the records and findings be made public.\n\t\t\tb. If the Panel determines in the course of its proceedings that the facts and evidence show that the complaint is without merit, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the complainant and legislator, and report its action to the Clerk of the appropriate house, for the information of the House or Senate.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":204654,"text":"If the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator has violated the provisions of this chapter but that the violation was not made knowingly, the Panel shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings and the reasons therefor to the appropriate house of the General Assembly for appropriate action. All Panel reports, which are advisory only, shall be delivered to the Clerk of the appropriate house, who shall refer the report to the Committee on Privileges and Elections in accordance with the rules of the appropriate house. Said Committee shall in all cases report, after due hearings and consideration, its determination of the matter and its recommendations and reasons for its resolves to the appropriate house. If the Committee deems disciplinary action warranted, it shall report a resolution to express such action. The appropriate house as a whole shall then consider the resolution, and if it finds the legislator in violation of any provision of this chapter, it may by recorded vote take such disciplinary action as it deems warranted.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":204655,"text":"If the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator knowingly violated any provision of Article 2 (§ 30-102 et seq.), 3 (§ 30-104 et seq.), 4 (§ 30-107 et seq.) or 5 (§ 30-109 et seq.) of this chapter, except § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110, it shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings and the reasons therefor to the Attorney General for such action he deems appropriate. The Panel shall also file its report with the Clerk of the appropriate house, who shall refer the report in accordance with the rules of his house. In the event the Attorney General determines not to prosecute the alleged violation, he shall notify the Clerk of the appropriate house of his determination and the Clerk shall send the report to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. The matter shall thereafter be handled in accordance with the provisions of subdivision 2.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":204656,"text":"If the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator has violated § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110, it shall refer the matter by a written report to the appropriate house pursuant to subdivision 2. As its first order of business other than organizational matters and committee work, the house in which the member sits shall immediately upon the convening of the next regular or special session take up and dispose of the matter by taking one or more of the following actions: (i) dismiss the complaint; (ii) sustain the complaint and reprimand the member; (iii) sustain the complaint, censure the member, and strip the member of his seniority; (iv) sustain the complaint and expel the member by a two-thirds vote of the elected members; (v) in the event the house finds a knowing violation, it shall refer the matter to the Attorney General pursuant to subdivision 3.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":204657,"text":"The Panel shall make public any report that it makes pursuant to the provisions of subdivision 1 b, 2, 3 or 4 on the date it refers its report.","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4"}},"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":61228,"structure_id":13698,"section_number":"30-115","catch_line":"Subpoenas","url":"\/30-115\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-115","metadata":false},"next_section":{"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/30-116\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 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, chapters 427<\/a> and 876<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":85962,"section_number":"30-114","catch_line":"Filing of complaints; procedures; disposition","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-114\/"},{"id":85823,"section_number":"30-123","catch_line":"Knowing violation of chapter a misdemeanor","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-123\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":84621,"section_number":"30-102","catch_line":"Application","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-102\/"},{"id":85769,"section_number":"30-104","catch_line":"Application","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-104\/"},{"id":55019,"section_number":"30-107","catch_line":"Application","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-107\/"},{"id":81146,"section_number":"30-108","catch_line":"Prohibited conduct concerning personal interest in a transaction","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-108\/"},{"id":65072,"section_number":"30-109","catch_line":"Application","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-109\/"},{"id":87033,"section_number":"30-110","catch_line":"Disclosure","order_by":null,"url":"\/30-110\/"}],"permalink":{"id":199467,"object_type":"law","relational_id":55868,"identifier":"30-116","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-116","url":"\/30-116\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/30-116\/","token":"30\/13\/5\/30-116","dublin_core":{"Title":"Disposition of cases","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 30-116","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Within 120 days of the chairman’s forwarding the signed and sworn complaint to the Panel<\/span>, the Panel<\/span>, or a majority of its members acting in its name, shall dispose of the matter in one of the following ways:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> a. If the Panel<\/span> determines in its preliminary investigation that the complaint is without merit, the Panel<\/span> shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the complainant and legislator<\/span>, and take no further action. In such case, the Panel<\/span> shall retain its records and findings<\/span> in confidence unless the legislator<\/span> under inquiry requests in writing that the records and findings<\/span> be made public.\n\t\t\tb. If the Panel<\/span> determines in the course of its proceedings that the facts<\/span> and evidence<\/span> show that the complaint is without merit, the Panel<\/span> shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the complainant and legislator<\/span>, and report its action to the Clerk of the appropriate house, for the information of the House or Senate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> If the Panel<\/span> determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator<\/span> has violated the provisions of this chapter but that the violation was not made knowingly, the Panel<\/span> shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings<\/span> and the reasons therefor to the appropriate house of the General Assembly for appropriate action. All Panel<\/span> reports, which are advisory only, shall be delivered to the Clerk of the appropriate house, who shall refer the report to the Committee on Privileges<\/span> and Elections in accordance with the rules of the appropriate house. Said Committee shall in all cases report, after due hearings<\/span> and consideration, its determination of the matter and its recommendations and reasons for its resolves to the appropriate house. If the Committee deems disciplinary action warranted, it shall report a resolution to express such action. The appropriate house as a whole shall then consider the resolution, and if it finds the legislator<\/span> in violation of any provision of this chapter, it may by recorded vote take such disciplinary action as it deems warranted. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> If the Panel<\/span> determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator<\/span> knowingly violated any provision of Article 2 (§ 30-102<\/a> et seq.), 3 (§ 30-104<\/a> et seq.), 4 (§ 30-107<\/a> et seq.) or 5 (§ 30-109<\/a> et seq.) of this chapter, except § 30-108<\/a> or subsection C of § 30-110<\/a>, it shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings<\/span> and the reasons therefor to the Attorney General<\/span> for such action he deems appropriate. The Panel<\/span> shall also file its report with the Clerk of the appropriate house, who shall refer the report in accordance with the rules of his house. In the event the Attorney General<\/span> determines not to prosecute<\/span> the alleged violation, he shall notify the Clerk of the appropriate house of his determination and the Clerk shall send the report to the Committee on Privileges<\/span> and Elections. The matter shall thereafter be handled in accordance with the provisions of subdivision 2. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> If the Panel<\/span> determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the legislator<\/span> has violated § 30-108<\/a> or subsection C of § 30-110<\/a>, it shall refer the matter by a written report to the appropriate house pursuant to subdivision 2. As its first order<\/span> of business<\/span> other than organizational matters and committee work, the house in which the member sits shall immediately upon the convening of the next regular or special session take up and dispose of the matter by taking one or more of the following actions: (i) dismiss the complaint; (ii) sustain<\/span> the complaint and reprimand the member; (iii) sustain<\/span> the complaint, censure the member, and strip the member of his seniority; (iv) sustain<\/span> the complaint and expel the member by a two-thirds vote of the elected members; (v) in the event the house finds a knowing violation, it shall refer the matter to the Attorney General<\/span> pursuant to subdivision 3. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> The Panel<\/span> shall make public any report that it makes pursuant to the provisions of subdivision 1 b, 2, 3 or 4 on the date it refers its report. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDISPOSITION OF CASES (\u00a7 30-116)\n\nWithin 120 days of the chairman’s forwarding the signed and sworn\ncomplaint to the Panel, the Panel, or a majority of its members acting in its\nname, shall dispose of the matter in one of the following ways:\n\n1. a. If the Panel determines in its preliminary investigation that the\ncomplaint is without merit, the Panel shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the\ncomplainant and legislator, and take no further action. In such case, the Panel\nshall retain its records and findings in confidence unless the legislator under\ninquiry requests in writing that the records and findings be made public.\n\t\t\tb. If the Panel determines in the course of its proceedings that the facts\nand evidence show that the complaint is without merit, the Panel shall dismiss\nthe complaint, so advise the complainant and legislator, and report its action\nto the Clerk of the appropriate house, for the information of the House or\nSenate.\n\n2. If the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the\nlegislator has violated the provisions of this chapter but that the violation\nwas not made knowingly, the Panel shall refer the matter by a written report\nsetting forth its findings and the reasons therefor to the appropriate house of\nthe General Assembly for appropriate action. All Panel reports, which are\nadvisory only, shall be delivered to the Clerk of the appropriate house, who\nshall refer the report to the Committee on Privileges and Elections in\naccordance with the rules of the appropriate house. Said Committee shall in all\ncases report, after due hearings and consideration, its determination of the\nmatter and its recommendations and reasons for its resolves to the appropriate\nhouse. If the Committee deems disciplinary action warranted, it shall report a\nresolution to express such action. The appropriate house as a whole shall then\nconsider the resolution, and if it finds the legislator in violation of any\nprovision of this chapter, it may by recorded vote take such disciplinary action\nas it deems warranted.\n\n3. If the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the\nlegislator knowingly violated any provision of Article 2 (§ 30-102 et\nseq.), 3 (§ 30-104 et seq.), 4 (§ 30-107 et seq.) or 5 (§ 30-109\net seq.) of this chapter, except § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110,\nit shall refer the matter by a written report setting forth its findings and the\nreasons therefor to the Attorney General for such action he deems appropriate.\nThe Panel shall also file its report with the Clerk of the appropriate house,\nwho shall refer the report in accordance with the rules of his house. In the\nevent the Attorney General determines not to prosecute the alleged violation, he\nshall notify the Clerk of the appropriate house of his determination and the\nClerk shall send the report to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. The\nmatter shall thereafter be handled in accordance with the provisions of\nsubdivision 2.\n\n4. If the Panel determines that there is a reasonable basis to conclude that the\nlegislator has violated § 30-108 or subsection C of § 30-110, it shall\nrefer the matter by a written report to the appropriate house pursuant to\nsubdivision 2. As its first order of business other than organizational matters\nand committee work, the house in which the member sits shall immediately upon\nthe convening of the next regular or special session take up and dispose of the\nmatter by taking one or more of the following actions: (i) dismiss the\ncomplaint; (ii) sustain the complaint and reprimand the member; (iii) sustain\nthe complaint, censure the member, and strip the member of his seniority; (iv)\nsustain the complaint and expel the member by a two-thirds vote of the elected\nmembers; (v) in the event the house finds a knowing violation, it shall refer\nthe matter to the Attorney General pursuant to subdivision 3.\n\n5. The Panel shall make public any report that it makes pursuant to the\nprovisions of subdivision 1 b, 2, 3 or 4 on the date it refers its report.\n\nHISTORY: 1987, Sp. Sess., c. 1, \u00a7 2.1-639.48; 2001, c. 844; 2003, c. 649; 2010,\ncc. 427, 876.","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}}