{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/53.1-31.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/53.1-31.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/53.1-31.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/53.1-31.html"}],"law_id":77086,"edition_id":1,"section_id":77086,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31","catch_line":"Sale or lease of gas, oil, or minerals","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 53-19.38:1; 1978, c. 474; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 734; 1989, c. 733; 2020, c. 759.","full_text":"The Director is empowered to make and execute contracts, easements and leases in the name of the Commonwealth for the removal or mining of gas, oil or any valuable minerals that may be found in any real estate, title of which is vested in the Department, whenever it appears to the Department that it will be in the best interest of the Commonwealth to make such disposition of such gas, oil or minerals. Before a contract, easement or lease is made, the same shall be approved by the Governor, and any contract, easement or lease shall be approved as to form by the Attorney General.\n\t\tBids therefor shall be received after notice by publication once a week for four successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation. The Director shall have the right to reject any or all bids and to readvertise for bids. The accepted bidder shall give bond with good and sufficient surety to the satisfaction of the Director and in such amount as he may fix for the faithful performance of all the conditions and covenants of such contract, easement or lease.\n\t\tEach such contract, easement or lease may be for a period not exceeding five years, may include the right to renew the same for an additional period not exceeding five years each and shall specify the rent royalties and other terms deemed expedient and proper. Such contracts, easements and leases may, in addition to any other rights, authorize the grantees and lessees to prospect for and take from the real estate oil, gas and such other minerals as are therein specified. No such contract, easement or lease shall in any way affect or interfere with the orderly operation of any state correctional facility. All rents or royalties collected from such contracts, easements or leases shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general fund.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":276579,"text":"The Director is empowered to make and execute contracts, easements and leases in the name of the Commonwealth for the removal or mining of gas, oil or any valuable minerals that may be found in any real estate, title of which is vested in the Department, whenever it appears to the Department that it will be in the best interest of the Commonwealth to make such disposition of such gas, oil or minerals. Before a contract, easement or lease is made, the same shall be approved by the Governor, and any contract, easement or lease shall be approved as to form by the Attorney General.\n\t\tBids therefor shall be received after notice by publication once a week for four successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation. The Director shall have the right to reject any or all bids and to readvertise for bids. The accepted bidder shall give bond with good and sufficient surety to the satisfaction of the Director and in such amount as he may fix for the faithful performance of all the conditions and covenants of such contract, easement or lease.\n\t\tEach such contract, easement or lease may be for a period not exceeding five years, may include the right to renew the same for an additional period not exceeding five years each and shall specify the rent royalties and other terms deemed expedient and proper. Such contracts, easements and leases may, in addition to any other rights, authorize the grantees and lessees to prospect for and take from the real estate oil, gas and such other minerals as are therein specified. No such contract, easement or lease shall in any way affect or interfere with the orderly operation of any state correctional facility. All rents or royalties collected from such contracts, easements or leases shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general fund.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":12719,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12718,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":237863,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12719,"identifier":"1","token":"53.1\/2\/1","url":"\/53.1\/2\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12718,"edition_id":1,"name":"State Correctional Facilities","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12717,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":237861,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12718,"identifier":"2","token":"53.1\/2","url":"\/53.1\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12717,"edition_id":1,"name":"Prisons and Other Methods of Correction","identifier":"53.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":237591,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12717,"identifier":"53.1","token":"53.1","url":"\/53.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":53940,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-18","catch_line":"Department to have custody of property; right to sue to protect property","url":"\/53.1-18\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-18","metadata":false},{"id":85630,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-19","catch_line":"Establishment of correctional institutions","url":"\/53.1-19\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-19","metadata":false},{"id":63511,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-20","catch_line":"Commitment of convicted persons to custody of Director","url":"\/53.1-20\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-20","metadata":false},{"id":79007,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-20.1","catch_line":"Compensation of local jails for cost of incarceration","url":"\/53.1-20.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-20.1","metadata":false},{"id":57061,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-21","catch_line":"Transfer of prisoners into and between state and local correctional facilities","url":"\/53.1-21\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-21","metadata":false},{"id":86190,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-22","catch_line":"Misdemeanant suspected of having contagious disease","url":"\/53.1-22\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-22","metadata":false},{"id":64179,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-23","catch_line":"Fingerprints, photographs and description","url":"\/53.1-23\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-23","metadata":false},{"id":56594,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-23.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/53.1-23.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-23.1","metadata":false},{"id":80095,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-23.2","catch_line":"Department to give notice of the receipt of certain prisoners","url":"\/53.1-23.2\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-23.2","metadata":false},{"id":54546,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-24","catch_line":"Record of convictions and register to be kept","url":"\/53.1-24\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-24","metadata":false},{"id":66834,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-25","catch_line":"Director to prescribe rules; rules to be available to prisoners","url":"\/53.1-25\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-25","metadata":false},{"id":56296,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-25.1","catch_line":"Rules of state correctional facilities","url":"\/53.1-25.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-25.1","metadata":false},{"id":83061,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-26","catch_line":"Confiscation of prohibited articles","url":"\/53.1-26\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-26","metadata":false},{"id":54317,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-27","catch_line":"Establishment of stores in state correctional facilities","url":"\/53.1-27\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-27","metadata":false},{"id":83094,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-28","catch_line":"Authority to fix discharge date; improper release; warrant, arrest and hearing","url":"\/53.1-28\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-28","metadata":false},{"id":70840,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-29","catch_line":"Authority for correctional officers and other employees to carry weapons","url":"\/53.1-29\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-29","metadata":false},{"id":81741,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-30","catch_line":"Who may enter interior of state correctional facilities; searches of those entering","url":"\/53.1-30\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-30","metadata":false},{"id":77086,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31","catch_line":"Sale or lease of gas, oil, or minerals","url":"\/53.1-31\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31","metadata":false},{"id":63215,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.1","catch_line":"Transportation of prisoners","url":"\/53.1-31.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.1","metadata":false},{"id":58019,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.2","catch_line":"Notification of child support due by a prisoner","url":"\/53.1-31.2\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.2","metadata":false},{"id":69710,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.3","catch_line":"Notification of incarcerated individuals ineligible for public assistance","url":"\/53.1-31.3\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.3","metadata":false},{"id":57907,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.4","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Government-issued identification; Department of Corrections-issued identification","url":"\/53.1-31.4\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":81741,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-30","catch_line":"Who may enter interior of state correctional facilities; searches of those entering","url":"\/53.1-30\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-30","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":63215,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.1","catch_line":"Transportation of prisoners","url":"\/53.1-31.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/53.1-31\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 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 1978, chapter 474; in 1982, chapter 636; in 1984, chapter 734; in 1989, chapter 733; in 2020, chapter 759<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":237933,"object_type":"law","relational_id":77086,"identifier":"53.1-31","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31","url":"\/53.1-31\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/53.1-31\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31","dublin_core":{"Title":"Sale or lease of gas, oil, or minerals","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 53.1-31","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Director<\/span> is empowered to make and execute contracts<\/span>, easements and leases in the name of the Commonwealth for the removal or mining of gas, oil or any valuable minerals that may be found in any real estate, title of which is vested in the Department<\/span>, whenever it appears to the Department<\/span> that it will be in the best interest of the Commonwealth to make such disposition<\/span> of such gas, oil or minerals. Before a contract<\/span>, easement or lease is made, the same shall be approved by the Governor, and any contract<\/span>, easement or lease shall be approved as to form by the Attorney General<\/span>.\n\t\tBids therefor shall be received after notice by publication once a week for four successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation. The Director<\/span> shall have the right to reject any or all bids and to readvertise for bids. The accepted bidder shall give bond<\/span> with good and sufficient surety<\/span> to the satisfaction of the Director<\/span> and in such amount as he may fix for the faithful performance of all the conditions and covenants of such contract<\/span>, easement or lease.\n\t\tEach such contract<\/span>, easement or lease may be for a period not exceeding five years, may include the right to renew the same for an additional period not exceeding five years each and shall specify the rent royalties and other terms deemed expedient and proper. Such contracts<\/span>, easements and leases may, in addition to any other rights, authorize the grantees and lessees to prospect for and take from the real estate oil, gas and such other minerals as are therein specified. No such contract<\/span>, easement or lease shall in any way affect or interfere with the orderly operation of any state correctional facility<\/span>. All rents or royalties collected from such contracts<\/span>, easements or leases shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the general fund.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSALE OR LEASE OF GAS, OIL, OR MINERALS (\u00a7 53.1-31)\n\nThe Director is empowered to make and execute contracts, easements and leases in\nthe name of the Commonwealth for the removal or mining of gas, oil or any\nvaluable minerals that may be found in any real estate, title of which is vested\nin the Department, whenever it appears to the Department that it will be in the\nbest interest of the Commonwealth to make such disposition of such gas, oil or\nminerals. Before a contract, easement or lease is made, the same shall be\napproved by the Governor, and any contract, easement or lease shall be approved\nas to form by the Attorney General.\n\t\tBids therefor shall be received after notice by publication once a week for\nfour successive weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation. The\nDirector shall have the right to reject any or all bids and to readvertise for\nbids. The accepted bidder shall give bond with good and sufficient surety to the\nsatisfaction of the Director and in such amount as he may fix for the faithful\nperformance of all the conditions and covenants of such contract, easement or\nlease.\n\t\tEach such contract, easement or lease may be for a period not exceeding five\nyears, may include the right to renew the same for an additional period not\nexceeding five years each and shall specify the rent royalties and other terms\ndeemed expedient and proper. Such contracts, easements and leases may, in\naddition to any other rights, authorize the grantees and lessees to prospect for\nand take from the real estate oil, gas and such other minerals as are therein\nspecified. No such contract, easement or lease shall in any way affect or\ninterfere with the orderly operation of any state correctional facility. All\nrents or royalties collected from such contracts, easements or leases shall be\npaid into the state treasury to the credit of the general fund.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 53-19.38:1; 1978, c. 474; 1982, c. 636; 1984, c. 734;\n1989, c. 733; 2020, c. 759.","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}}