Va. Code Ann. tit. 24.2, ch. 9.3

Va. Code Ann. tit. 24.2, ch. 9.3
in effect

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-945 Elections to which chapter applicable; chapter exclusive

A. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all elections held in Virginia, including referenda, and to nominating conventions, mass meetings, and other methods to nominate a political party candidate for public office, except nominations and elections for (i) members of the United States Congress, (ii) President and Vice President of the United States, (iii) town office in a town with a population of less than 25,000, or (iv) political party committees. The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable to a candidate for a town office in a town with a population of less than 25,000 if (a) such candidate accepts contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $25,000 within the candidate's election cycle, as set forth in § 24.2-947 , or (b) the governing body of any such town provides, by ordinance, that such provisions so apply. B. This chapter shall constitute the exclusive and entire campaign finance disclosure law of the Commonwealth, and elections to which the chapter applies shall not be subject to further regulation by local law. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-251; 1972, c. 620; 1973, c. 30; 1980, c. 639; 1982, c. 650; 1993, cc. 641, 715, § 24.2-900; 2004, c. 457 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, c. 359 ; 2019, c. 825 ; 2020, c. 772 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-945.1 Definitions

A. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Authorization" means express approval or express consent by the candidate, the candidate's campaign committee, or an agent of the candidate or his campaign committee after coordination. "Campaign committee" means the committee designated by a candidate to receive all contributions and make all expenditures for him or on his behalf in connection with his nomination or election. "Candidate" means "candidate" as defined in § 24.2-101 . "Contribution" means money and services of any amount, in-kind contributions, and any other thing of value, given, advanced, loaned, or in any other way provided to a candidate, campaign committee, political committee, or person for the purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or to an inaugural committee for the purpose of defraying the costs of the inauguration of a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General. "Contribution" includes money, services, or things of value in any way provided by a candidate to his own campaign and the payment by the candidate of a filing fee for any party nomination method. "Coordinated" or "coordination" refers to an expenditure that is made (i) at the express request or suggestion of a candidate, a candidate's campaign committee, or an agent of the candidate or his campaign committee or (ii) with material involvement of the candidate, a candidate's campaign committee, or an agent of the candidate or his campaign committee in devising the strategy, content, means of dissemination, or timing of the expenditure. "Designated contribution" means a contribution that is designated specifically and in writing for a particular candidate or candidates and that is made using a political committee solely as a conduit. "Expenditure" means money and services of any amount, and any other thing of value, paid, loaned, provided, or in any other way disbursed by any candidate, campaign committee, political committee, or person for the purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate or by any inaugural committee for the purpose of defraying the costs of the inauguration of a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General. "Federal political action committee" means any political action committee registered with the Federal Election Commission that makes contributions to candidates or political committees registered in Virginia. "Inaugural committee" means any organization, person, or group of persons that anticipates receiving contributions or making expenditures, from other than publicly appropriated funds, for the inauguration of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General and related activities. "Independent expenditure" means an expenditure made by any person, candidate campaign committee, or political committee that is not made to, controlled by, coordinated with, or made with the authorization of a candidate, his campaign committee, or an agent of the candidate or his campaign committee. "Independent expenditure" includes an expenditure made by a candidate campaign committee (i) that is not related to the candidate's own campaign and (ii) that is not made to, controlled by, coordinated with, or made with the authorization of a different candidate, his campaign committee, or an agent of that candidate or his campaign committee. "In-kind contribution" means the donation of goods, services, property, or other thing of value, other than money, including an expenditure controlled by, coordinated with, or made upon the authorization of a candidate, his campaign committee, or an agent of the candidate or his campaign committee, that is provided for free or less than the usual and normal charge. The basis for arriving at the dollar value of an in-kind contribution is as follows: new items are valued at retail value; used items are valued at fair market value; and services rendered are valued at the actual cost of service per hour. Services shall not be deemed to include personal services voluntarily rendered for which no compensation is asked or given. "Out-of-state political committee" means an entity covered by § 527 of the United States Internal Revenue Code that is not registered as a political committee or candidate campaign committee in Virginia and that does not have as its primary purpose expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate. The term shall not include a federal political action committee. "Person" means any individual or corporation, partnership, business, labor organization, membership organization, association, cooperative, or other like entity. "Political action committee" means any organization, person, or group of persons, established or maintained to receive and expend contributions for the primary purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate. The term shall not include a campaign committee, federal political action committee, out-of-state political committee, political party committee, referendum committee, or inaugural committee. "Political committee" means and includes any political action committee, political party committee, referendum committee, or inaugural committee. The term shall not include: (i) a federal political action committee or out-of-state political committee; (ii) a campaign committee; (iii) a political party committee exempted pursuant to § 24.2-950.1 ; or (iv) a person who receives no contributions from any source and whose only expenditures are made solely from his own funds and are either contributions made by him which are reportable by the recipient pursuant to this chapter or independent expenditures which are reportable by him to the extent required by § 24.2-945.2 , or a combination of such reportable contributions and independent expenditures. "Political party committee" means any state political party committee, congressional district political party committee, county or city political party committee, other election district political party committee, or organized political party group of elected officials. This definition is subject to the provisions of § 24.2-950.1 . "Primary purpose" means that 50% or more of the committee's expenditures made in the form of contributions shall be made to candidate campaign committees or political committees registered in Virginia. Administrative expenditures and the transfer of funds between affiliated or connected organizations shall not be considered in determining the committee's primary purpose. The primary purpose of the committee shall not be determined on the basis of only one report or election cycle, but over the entirety of the committee's registration. "Referendum committee" means any organization, person, group of persons, or committee, that makes expenditures in a calendar year in excess of (i) $10,000 to advocate the passage or defeat of a statewide referendum, (ii) $5,000 to advocate the passage or defeat of a referendum being held in two or more counties and cities, or (iii) $1,000 to advocate the passage or defeat of a referendum held in a single county or city. "Residence" means "residence" or "resident" as defined in § 24.2-101 . "Statewide office" means the office of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Attorney General. B. For the purpose of applying the filing and reporting requirements of this chapter, the terms "person" and "political committee," shall not include an organization holding tax-exempt status under § 501(c) (3), 501(c) (4), or 501(c) (6) of the United States Internal Revenue Code which, in providing information to voters, does not advocate or endorse the election or defeat of a particular candidate, group of candidates, or the candidates of a particular political party. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-255; 1975, c. 515, § 24.1-254.1; 1981, c. 425, § 24.1-254.2; 1983, c. 119; 1988, c. 616; 1991, cc. 9, 474, 709, § 24.1-254.3; 1993, cc. 641, 776, 921, §§ 24.2-901, 24.2-902; 1994, c. 510 ; 1996, cc. 405 , 1042 ; 2004, c. 457 ; 2006, cc. 771 , 772 , 787 , 805 , 892 , 938 ; 2007, cc. 246 , 831 ; 2008, cc. 152 , 289 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-945.2 Persons required to file independent expenditure disclosure reports; filing deadline

A. Any person, candidate campaign committee, or political committee that makes independent expenditures, in the aggregate during an election cycle, of $1,000 or more for a statewide election or $200 or more for any other election shall maintain records and report pursuant to this chapter all such independent expenditures made for the purpose of expressly advocating the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate. B. Independent expenditure reports shall be due (i) within 24 hours of the time when the funds were expended or (ii) within 24 hours of the time when materials, as described in subsection A of this section, are published or broadcast to the public, whichever (i) or (ii) first occurs. The report filed by a political action committee or political party committee shall include the information required for a statement of organization as listed in subdivisions A 1 through A 8 of § 24.2-949.2 or subdivisions 1 through 6 of § 24.2-950.2 , as appropriate, unless the committee has a current statement of organization on file with the State Board. C. Independent expenditure reports required by this section shall be filed electronically pursuant to § 24.2-946.1 . 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-255; 1975, c. 515; 1981, c. 425; 1983, c. 119; 1988, c. 616; 1991, c. 9; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-910; 1996, c. 1042 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2006, cc. 772 , 787 , 892 , 938 ; 2007, cc. 331 , 831 ; 2008, c. 825 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2024, cc. 206 , 258 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-946 Summary of election laws; forms; instructions

A. The State Board shall summarize the provisions of the election laws relating to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act of 2006 and provide for distribution of this summary and prescribed forms to each candidate, person, or committee on request or upon their first filing with the State Board pursuant to this chapter, whichever occurs first. B. The State Board shall designate the forms required for complying with this chapter which shall be the only such forms used in complying with the provisions of this chapter. C. The State Board shall provide, with the summary required by this section, instructions for persons filing reports pursuant to this chapter to assist them in completing the reports. The instructions shall include directions for the reporting of filing fees for any party nomination method. The instructions shall set out the requirements for retaining records and materials for implementing the review provisions of § 24.2-948.5 . D. The State Board shall provide instructions for candidates who seek election for successive terms in the same office for the filing of reports within each appropriate election cycle for the office and for the aggregation of contributions within each election cycle. E. The State Board, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, shall develop and publish guidance on the provisions of the Act that prohibit the personal use of campaign funds. Such guidance shall cover the provisions that prohibit the personal use of campaign funds and shall delineate the differences between prohibited personal uses of campaign funds and permitted uses of the funds and shall include examples of conduct that complies with and that violates such provisions. The State Board shall periodically update such guidance to incorporate advisory opinions and additional examples. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-252; 1975, c. 515; 1983, c. 119; 1992, c. 447; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-903; 1996, c. 405 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2010, c. 268 ; 2022, c. 258 ; 2025, cc. 535 , 537 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-946.1 Standards and requirements for electronic preparation and transmittal of campaign finance disclosure reports; database

A. The State Board shall review or cause to be developed and shall approve standards for the preparation, production, and transmittal by computer or electronic means of campaign finance reports required by this chapter. The State Board may prescribe the method of execution and certification of and the procedures for receiving electronically filed campaign finance reports required by this chapter in the office of the State Board or any local electoral board. The State Board may provide campaign finance report-creation software to filers without charge or at a reasonable cost. B. The State Board shall accept any campaign finance report filed by candidates for the General Assembly and statewide office by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the Board and using software meeting standards approved by it. This information shall be made available to the public promptly by the Board through the Internet. C. The State Board of Elections shall develop and implement a centralized system to accept reports from candidates for local and constitutional offices. Such reports shall be filed in accordance with, and using software that meets, standards approved by the State Board. The State Board shall promptly notify the general registrar of the locality in which a candidate resides and make the information contained in the report available to the general registrar. In the case of a former candidate who is no longer seeking election but has not yet filed a final report as required by § 24.2-948.4 , the State Board shall promptly notify the general registrar of the locality in which he sought office and make the information contained in the report available to such general registrar. D. The State Board shall enter or cause to be entered into a campaign finance database, available to the public through the Internet, the information from required campaign finance reports filed by computer, electronic, or other means by candidates for the General Assembly and statewide office. E. Other campaign finance reports required by this chapter to be filed by a committee with the State Board or a general registrar, or both, may be filed electronically on terms agreed to by the committee and the Board. 1996, c. 687 , § 24.2-914.1; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1998, c. 416 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2003, c. 242 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2007, cc. 151 , 286 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2018, c. 683 ; 2020, c. 769 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-946.2 Custody of reports; inspection and copying; exception for certain information

A. All campaign finance reports required to be filed under this chapter shall be open to inspection by any person during the business hours of the office in which they are filed. Copies shall be produced for any person requesting them who shall pay the reasonable cost of the copies. Copies of such reports certified by the principal administrative officer in whose office they are kept shall be evidence in all courts to the same extent as the original report would be if produced and proved. Upon request from an individual granted protected voter status under the provisions of subsection B of § 24.2-418 , the State Board shall replace the individual's residence address in copies of campaign finance reports available to the public with the individual's alternative mailing address found in the Virginia voter registration system. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to grant public access to information not required to be entered into the campaign finance database under this chapter that candidates or committees may include in campaign finance report-creation software managed by or for the State Board. B. The following applies to campaign finance reports filed by candidate campaign committees: 1. Every officer or general registrar, with whom reports are required to be filed by this chapter, shall file and preserve such reports and keep them as part of the office's records for at least one year after the final report is filed, or through the next general election for the office to which they pertain, whichever is later; or in the case of a candidate who has not filed a final report and seeks election to the same office in a successive election, through the next general election for the office to which they pertain. 2. The State Board shall file and preserve as part of its records the reports required to be filed with it by this chapter for at least one year after the final report is filed, or through the next general election for the office to which they pertain, whichever is later; or in the case of a candidate who has not filed a final report and seeks election to the same office in a successive election, through the next general election for the office to which they pertain. Thereafter, the State Board shall forward the reports it preserves to The Library of Virginia for preservation under the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.). C. The following applies to campaign finance reports filed by political committees: 1. Every officer or general registrar, with whom reports are required to be filed by this chapter, shall file and preserve such reports as part of the office's records for at least four years after the reporting deadline or one year after the final report is filed. 2. The State Board shall file and preserve as part of its records the reports required to be filed with it by this chapter for at least four years after the reporting deadline or one year after the final report is filed. Thereafter, the State Board shall forward the reports it preserves to The Library of Virginia for preservation under the Virginia Public Records Act (§ 42.1-76 et seq.). 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-261; 1980, c. 639; 1982, c. 650; 1983, c. 119; 1993, cc. 396, 641, § 24.2-926; 1994, c. 64 ; 1996, c. 6 ; 2004, c. 457 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2010, c. 297 ; 2012, c. 527 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-946.3 Reporting of certain violations; penalties

A. It shall be the duty of the State Board to report any violation of the provisions of this chapter to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth. The State Board shall report to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the City of Richmond in the case of reporting requirements for campaign committees for statewide office and to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the county or city of the residence of a candidate for the General Assembly. For political committees, the State Board shall report the violation to the attorney for the Commonwealth of the City of Richmond. If all the officers of a political committee are residents of one county or city as shown on the statement of organization required by this chapter, the State Board shall report violations for that political committee to the attorney for the Commonwealth of that county or city. B. It shall be the duty of the general registrar of a county or city to report any violation of the provisions of this chapter relating to the filing of campaign finance reports required to be filed with the general registrar to the attorney for the Commonwealth for the county or city in which the general registrar has jurisdiction. C. In order to fulfill the duty to report violations pursuant to subsections A and B, the Board shall establish and implement a system for receiving, cataloging, and reviewing reports filed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and for verifying that reports are complete and submitted on time. As part of the system referred to in this subsection, the general registrar for each county and city shall be required, in accordance with instructions provided by the Board, to receive, catalog, and review the reports filed with the general registrar and to verify that the reports are complete and submitted on time. D. The State Board, and the general registrar in accordance with the instructions of the State Board, (i) shall assess and collect the civil penalties provided in Article 8 (§ 24.2-953 et seq.) and (ii) if unable to collect the penalty, shall report the violation to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth for enforcement. E. The State Board, or the general registrar in accordance with the instructions of the State Board, shall notify, no later than 21 days after the report due date, any person submitting an incomplete report of the need for additional information. The State Board, or the general registrar in accordance with the instructions of the State Board, may request additional information to correct obvious mathematical errors and to fulfill the requirements for information on the reports. F. Upon notice of a violation of this chapter, the State Board or the general registrar shall within 90 days of the report deadline notify the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth, who shall initiate civil proceedings to enforce the civil penalties assessed by the State Board or the general registrar as provided herein. Any civil penalties collected pursuant to action by the State Board shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit to the general fund, and any civil penalties collected pursuant to action by a general registrar shall be payable to the treasurer of the locality for deposit to its general fund. G. In the case of any political committee that is required to file a statement of organization pursuant to this chapter, the State Board shall be authorized to waive a penalty that has been assessed if the filer demonstrates that there exists good cause to waive the penalty. H. The State Board shall notify the public through its official Internet website of any violation based on the failure to file a required report by a candidate for statewide office or the General Assembly and the identity of the violator. I. The State Board shall determine the schedule of civil penalties required to be followed by its staff and general registrars in assessing penalties under this chapter. No election official or staff may waive or reduce such penalties, except as provided in § 24.2-946.4 . 1975, c. 515, § 24.1-262; 1979, c. 370, § 24.1-263; 1990, c. 976; 1991, c. 709; 1993, cc. 393, 641, §§ 24.2-928, 24.2-929; 1994, cc. 752 , 903 ; 1995, c. 785 ; 1996, cc. 395 , 405 ; 1998, c. 153 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2001, cc. 620 , 635 , 648 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2004, cc. 457 , 480 ; 2005, cc. 9 , 371 , 676 , 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-946.4 Right to grant extensions in special circumstances

A. The State Board shall provide instructions to filers for delivery of campaign finance reports within the time periods prescribed by law. B. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any candidate or treasurer required to file a report pursuant to this chapter shall be entitled to a 72-hour extension of the filing deadline if his spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling died within the 72 hours before the deadline. The State Board or the general registrar shall be authorized to grant an extension of the filing deadline for a period not to exceed five days for good cause shown by the filer and found by the Board or registrar sufficient to justify the granting of the extension. C. The Commissioner of Elections shall have additional authority to extend a deadline established in this chapter for filing reports in emergency situations that interfere with the timely filing of reports. The extension shall be limited in scope to the areas and times affected by the emergency. The provisions of this subsection shall be applicable only in the case of an emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to Chapter 3.2 (§ 44-146.13 et seq.) of Title 44 or declared by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Governor by executive order as an emergency for the purposes of this subsection. D. The Commissioner of Elections shall have additional authority to extend a deadline established in this chapter for filing reports for a reasonable period for a candidate who serves as his own campaign treasurer and who is a member of a uniformed service of the United States called to active duty during a reporting period. E. The State Board shall have authority to extend any deadline applicable to reports required to be filed by computer or electronic means in the event of a failure of the computer or electronic filing system that prevents timely filing. The extension shall not exceed a period of up to five days after restoration of the filing system to operating order. F. The State Board shall have authority also to grant extensions as provided in §§ 24.2-503 and 24.2-948.3 . 1975, c. 515, § 24.1-262; 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-257.1; 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1990, c. 976; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, c. 641, §§ 24.2-927, 24.2-929; 1994, c. 752 ; 1995, c. 785 ; 1996, c. 687 , § 24.2-914.1; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1998, c. 416 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, cc. 234 , 511 , 555 ; 2001, cc. 620 , 635 , 648 ; 2002, cc. 468 , 652 ; 2003, cc. 242 , 726 ; 2004, cc. 457 , 480 ; 2005, cc. 9 , 371 , 676 , 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2013, c. 542 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-946.5 Dormant committees

A. The State Board or the general registrar of any county or city may close the file of any candidate campaign committee or political committee required to file with it provided the committee has not filed a final report and the Board or registrar cannot locate either the candidate or his campaign treasurer, or in the case of any political committee, the Board or registrar cannot locate the treasurer or custodian of the books of the committee. A candidate campaign committee file shall not be closed if the candidate has filed a report with the Board or registrar for any campaign for any office within the prior five years. A political committee file shall not be closed if the committee has filed a report within the prior five years. B. Once the committee's file has been closed, no more reports will be due and no additional penalties for failure to file will accrue. However, if the whereabouts of the candidate or his campaign treasurer, or in the case of any political committee, the treasurer or custodian of the books of the committee, later becomes known to the Board or registrar, it may reopen the file and send notice to the candidate, or in the case of any political committee, the treasurer or custodian of the books of the committee, requesting that he file the appropriate reports and pay any penalties that were levied before the file was closed by it. 1975, c. 515, § 24.1-262; 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-257.1; 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1990, c. 976; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-929; 1994, c. 752 ; 1995, c. 785 ; 2000, cc. 233 , 511 , 555 , §§ 24.2-920.1, 24.2-923.1; 2001, cc. 620 , 635 , 648 ; 2004, cc. 457 , 480 ; 2005, cc. 9 , 371 , 676 , 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947 Candidate election cycle

The candidate's election cycle shall be deemed to begin on January 1 of the year that the candidate first seeks election for the office through December 31 immediately following the election for such office. The next election cycle, and any subsequent election cycles, for the candidate who seeks election for successive terms in the same office shall begin on January 1 immediately following each election for the same office and continue through December 31 immediately following the next successive election for the same office. Solely for the purpose of filing reports pursuant to this article, a candidate with any activity to report in a new election cycle shall be presumed to be a candidate for election in the succeeding election. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-256; 1975, c. 515; 1990, c. 976; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-906; 2003, c. 248 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.1 (Effective until January 1, 2027) Statement of organization

A. Any individual seeking or campaigning for an office of the Commonwealth or one of its governmental units in a party nomination process or general, primary, or special election shall file a statement of organization within 10 days of meeting any one of the following conditions: 1. Acceptance of a contribution; 2. Expenditure of any funds; 3. The payment of a filing fee for any party nomination method; 4. The filing of a candidate statement of qualification pursuant to § 24.2-501 ; 5. The appointment of a campaign treasurer, designation of a campaign committee, or designation of a campaign depository; or 6. In the case of a candidate for a town office in a town with a population of less than 25,000 that has not otherwise adopted the provisions of this chapter by ordinance, acceptance of a contribution or expenditure of funds that brings the total amount of contributions accepted or funds expended to more than $25,000 within the candidate's election cycle, as set forth in § 24.2-947 . B. Candidates for statewide office shall file the statement with the State Board. Candidates for the General Assembly shall file the statement with the State Board and a copy of the statement with the general registrar of the locality of the candidate's residence. Candidates for local or constitutional office shall file the statement with the general registrar and, if the statement indicates that the candidate committee will be filing electronically, a copy with the State Board. C. The statement of organization shall include the following information: 1. The full name and residence address of the candidate; 2. The full name and mailing address for the campaign committee; 3. The full name, residence address, and daytime phone number of the treasurer; 4. The office being sought and district, if any, for the office; 5. The recognized political party affiliation of the candidate for statewide office or the General Assembly. In the absence of any political party affiliation, independent shall be used; 6. The name of the financial institution for his campaign depository; and 7. Such other information as shall be required by the State Board except that the account number for a designated depository account shall not be required. D. In the case of any candidate who seeks election for successive terms in the same office, the statement of organization filed by the candidate shall continue in effect for such successive elections, but the candidate shall file notice of any changes in the information provided on the form within 10 days of the change with the State Board, general registrar, or both, as appropriate. 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-253, 24.1-254; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 222; 1972, cc. 620, 622; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1983, c. 119; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-904; 1996, c. 405 ; 2003, c. 248 ; 2004, cc. 441 , 480 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2007, cc. 151 , 286 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2019, c. 825 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.2 Campaign depositories; reimbursements of expenses; petty cash fund

A. Upon meeting any of the requirements of subsection A of § 24.2-947.1 , the candidate shall designate a campaign depository, which shall be maintained in a financial institution within the Commonwealth, in an account properly identifying the name of and the existence of the political candidacy. B. No candidate, campaign treasurer, or other individual shall pay any expense on behalf of a candidate, directly or indirectly, except by a check or electronic debit drawn on such designated depository identifying the name of the campaign committee and candidate. However, a candidate, treasurer, or other authorized member of the candidate's campaign staff may be reimbursed, by a check or electronic debit drawn on the designated depository, or according to the provisions of subsection C, for the payment of expenses (i) paid by him by cash, check or electronic debit, or credit card, (ii) made on behalf of the campaign, and (iii) fully documented by complete records of the expenditure, maintained as required by this chapter, and including receipts identifying the nature of the expenses and the names and addresses of each person paid by the recipient of the reimbursement. C. A campaign committee (i) may establish a petty cash fund to be utilized for the purpose of making expenditures or reimbursing verified credit card expenditures of less than $200 if complete records of such expenditures are maintained as required by this chapter and (ii) may transfer funds from the designated campaign depository to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account. D. 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section pertaining to campaign committee depositories and accounts, the campaign committee's treasurer may establish a separate federal compliance account in the candidate's designated campaign depository for the purpose of complying with requirements of federal law including, without limitation, restrictions on sources and amounts of campaign contributions applicable to federal candidates and officeholders. The candidate and campaign treasurer shall report all contributions and expenditures for an account established pursuant to this subsection on a consolidated basis with the candidate's campaign account established pursuant to this section in disclosure reports filed pursuant to this article. In addition, the treasurer may transfer funds from a federal compliance account created pursuant to this subsection to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account created pursuant to subsection A, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account. 2. A committee registered with the Federal Election Commission which is not otherwise required by this chapter to file with the State Board, shall not be deemed to have triggered such filing requirements solely by virtue of one or more contributions to one or more federal compliance accounts created pursuant to this subsection. 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-253, 24.1-254; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 222; 1972, cc. 620, 622; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1983, c. 119; 1984, c. 480; 1993, c. 641, §§ 24.2-904, 24.2-905; 1996, cc. 217 , 405 ; 2000, c. 326 ; 2001, c. 633 ; 2002, cc. 213 , 232 ; 2003, cc. 248 , 967 , § 24.2-905.1; 2004, cc. 441 , 457 , 480 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 349 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.3 Campaign committee treasurer requirements and responsibilities

A. Upon meeting any of the requirements of subsection A of § 24.2-947.1 , the candidate shall appoint a single campaign treasurer who shall be a registered voter in Virginia. Every treasurer so appointed shall accept the appointment, in writing on the statement of organization, prior to the filing thereof. No individual shall act as treasurer unless the required statement of appointment has been filed. The same person may serve as campaign treasurer for more than one candidate. B. In the event of the death, resignation, removal, or change of the treasurer, the candidate shall designate a successor and file the name and address of the successor within 10 days of the change with the State Board, general registrar, or both, as provided in subsection B of § 24.2-947.1 . C. Any candidate who fails to appoint a treasurer or successor treasurer shall be deemed to have appointed himself treasurer and shall comply as such with the provisions of this chapter. D. All contributions and expenditures received or made by any candidate, or received or made on his behalf or in relation to his candidacy by any person, except independent expenditures, shall be paid over or delivered to the candidate's treasurer or shall be reported to the treasurer in such detail and form as to allow him to comply fully with this chapter. An independent expenditure shall be reported pursuant to § 24.2-945.2 in lieu of being reported to the candidate's treasurer. E. The candidate or his treasurer shall keep detailed and accurate accounts of all contributions turned over to and expenditures made by the candidate or his treasurer on behalf of the candidate or his campaign committee, or reported to any candidate or his treasurer pursuant to this article. Such account shall set forth the date of the contribution or expenditure, its amount or value, the name and address of the person or committee making the contribution or to whom the expenditure was made, and the object or purpose of the contribution or expenditure. Such books and records may be destroyed or discarded at any time after (i) one year from the date of filing the final report required by § 24.2-948.4 or (ii) three years after the December 31 immediately following the election, whichever last occurs, unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall order their retention for a longer period. F. The treasurer shall be responsible for retaining all bank statements for, and copies of checks issued on, the campaign depository and bills, invoices, and receipts for any expenditure greater than $500. The treasurer for a nonincumbent candidate shall retain such records and materials for a period starting from the date of the designation of the campaign depository for the campaign through July 1 of the year immediately following the year of the election. The treasurer for incumbent candidates shall retain such records and materials for a period starting from the date that the incumbent was sworn into office for the term being served at the time of the election through July 1 of the year immediately following the year of the election. The treasurer shall make such records and materials available to the Department or its designee upon request pursuant to the provisions of § 24.2-948.5 . G. It shall be unlawful for any candidate, his treasurer, or any person receiving contributions or making expenditures on a candidate's behalf or in relation to his candidacy, to fail to report every contribution and expenditure as required by this article. 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-253, 24.1-254, 24.1-255, 24.2-256; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 222; 1972, cc. 620, 622; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1981, c. 425; 1983, c. 119; 1984, c. 480; 1988, c. 616; 1990, c. 976; 1991, c. 9; 1993, cc. 641, 776, 921, §§ 24.2-904, 24.2-906, 24.2-907; 1996, c. 405 ; 2003, c. 248 ; 2004, cc. 441 , 480 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2022, c. 258 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.3:1 Certain contributions received from federal political action and out-of-state political committees; campaign committee responsibilities

Prior to accepting contributions of $10,000 or more in the aggregate in any calendar year from any one federal political action committee or out-of-state political committee, the candidate campaign committee shall (i) request the federal political action committee's or out-of-state political committee's State Board of Elections registration number from the committee and (ii) verify that number with the State Board. 2006, cc. 771 , 805 , § 24.2-907.1.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.4 Information to be included on campaign finance reports for campaign committees

A. The reports required by this article shall be filed on a form prescribed by the State Board and shall include all financial activity of the campaign committee. All completed forms shall be submitted in typed, printed, or legibly hand printed format or electronically as provided in § 24.2-946.1 . Persons submitting the forms shall do so subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 . B. The report of receipts shall include: 1. The total number of contributors, each of whom has contributed an aggregate of $100 or less, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the date of the report, and the total amount of contributions from all such contributors; 2. For each contributor who has contributed an aggregate of more than $100, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the ending date of the report, the campaign committee shall itemize each contributor on the report and list the following information: a. the name of the contributor, listed alphabetically, b. the mailing address of the contributor, c. the amount of the contribution, d. the aggregate amount of contributions from the contributor to date, e. the date of the contribution, f. the occupation of the contributor, g. the name of his employer or principal business, and h. the city and state where employed or where his business is located. For each such contributor, other than an individual, the principal type of business and place of business of the contributor shall be substituted for subdivisions f and g, respectively. For each such contributor other than an individual, it shall be sufficient to list the address of the contributor one time on the report of receipts. 3. For each designated contribution received by the campaign committee from a political committee, out-of-state political committee, or federal political action committee, the campaign committee shall list the name of the person who designated the contribution and provide the information required by this subsection. C. The report of disbursements shall include all expenditures and give: 1. The name and address of the person paid; 2. A brief description of the purpose of the expenditure; 3. The name of the person contracting for or arranging the expenditure; 4. The amount of the expenditure; and 5. The date of the expenditure. The report of disbursements shall itemize any expenditure made by credit card payment. D. Each report for a candidate shall list separately those receipts and expenditures reported to the candidate or his treasurer by any person, campaign committee, or political committee pursuant to subsection D of § 24.2-947.3 , and in the case of in-kind contributions, shall set forth in each instance the source of the information reported. E. The report shall list separately all loans and, for each loan, shall give: 1. The date the loan was made; 2. The name and address of the person making the loan and any person who is a co-borrower, guarantor, or endorser of the loan; 3. The amount of the loan; 4. The date and amount of any repayment of the loan; and 5. For any loan or part of a loan that is forgiven by the lender, the amount forgiven listed as both a contribution and loan repayment. F. The State Board shall provide for a "no activity" report that may be filed for any reporting period in which the filer has no activity to report. G. It is the joint responsibility of the candidate and his treasurer that the report of a candidate be filed, that the report be in full and accurate detail, and that the report be received by the State Board, general registrar, or both, by the deadline for filing the report. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-258; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 247; 1972, c. 620; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 381; 1983, c. 119; 1990, c. 156; 1993, cc. 341, 641, § 24.2-914; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, c. 304 ; 2001, cc. 618 , 810 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2003, c. 248 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, cc. 152 , 289 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.4:1 Loans to candidate campaign committees; prohibited interest payments; civil penalty

This section shall apply to any loan made to a candidate campaign committee by the candidate or by a member of his immediate family as that term is defined in § 30-101 . There shall be no interest paid to the candidate or his immediate family member by the candidate campaign committee on the amount of the loan, and the committee shall repay no more than the face value of the loan. Any person who accepts or makes an interest payment in violation of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty equal to the amount of the prohibited interest payment or $500, whichever amount is greater. The attorney for the Commonwealth shall initiate civil proceedings to enforce the civil penalty provided herein. Any civil penalties collected shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit to the general fund. 2012, c. 163 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.5 With whom candidates file reports; electronic filing requirement

A. Candidates for statewide office and for the General Assembly shall file the reports required by this article by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the State Board. B. Candidates for local or constitutional office in any locality shall file reports required by this article with the State Board by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the State Board and shall not be required to file reports with the general registrar of the locality in which the candidate resides. C. Except as provided in § 24.2-948.1 , candidates for any other office who file reports in nonelectronic format shall file with the general registrar of the locality in which the candidate resides. D. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection C, a former candidate who is no longer seeking election but has not yet filed a final report as required by § 24.2-948.4 and who files reports in nonelectronic format shall file with the general registrar of the locality in which he sought office. E. Any report that may be filed with the State Board by mail shall be (i) received by the State Board by the deadline for filing the report or (ii) transmitted to the State Board by telephonic transmission to a facsimile device by the deadline for filing the report with an original copy of the report mailed to the State Board and postmarked by the deadline for filing the report. 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-253, 24.1-254; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 222; 1972, cc. 620, 622; 1975, c. 515; 1978, c. 778; 1983, c. 119; 1984, c. 480; 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, §§ 24.2-904, 24.2-915; 1996, c. 405 ; 2000, cc. 304 , 511 , 555 ; 2001, cc. 618 , 794 , 810 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2003, c. 248 ; 2004, cc. 441 , 480 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2007, cc. 151 , 286 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2018, cc. 538 , 683 ; 2020, c. 769 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.6 Filing schedule for candidates for office; November elections

A. Any candidate for any office to be filled at a November general election shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows: 1. Not later than July 15 in a nonelection year for the period January 1 through June 30; 2. Not later than January 15 following a nonelection year for the period July 1 through December 31; 3. In an election year, not later than April 15 for the period January 1 through March 31 and pursuant to subdivisions 4 through 9 of this section; 4. Not later than the eighth day before the primary date complete through the twelfth day before the primary date; 5. Not later than July 15 complete through June 30; 6. Not later than September 15 complete through August 31; 7. Not later than October 15 complete through September 30; 8. Not later than the eighth day before the November election date complete through the twelfth day before the election date; 9. Not later than the thirtieth day after the November election date complete through the twenty-third day after the election date; and 10. Not later than January 15 following an election year complete through December 31, and then in accordance with subdivisions A 1 and A 2 or subdivisions A 3 through A 9, as appropriate, of this subsection until a final report is filed. B. Any candidate, who was subject to the election year filing schedule set out in subdivisions A 3 through A 9 and who has not filed a final report, shall file reports in any subsequent election year for the same office in accordance with the election year filing schedule set out in subdivisions A 3 through A 9. C. Any candidate shall also file any report of certain large contributions required by § 24.2-947.9 , if applicable. 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1991, c. 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-916; 1995, c. 785 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2010, c. 696 ; 2015, c. 646 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.7 Filing schedule for candidates for office; May elections

A. Any candidate for election to a local office to be filled at a May general election shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows: 1. Not later than July 15 in a nonelection year for the period January 1 through June 30; 2. Not later than January 15 following a nonelection year for the period July 1 through December 31; 3. For municipal primary candidates only, not later than the eighth day before the primary date complete through the twelfth day before the primary; 4. Not later than April 15 of the election year complete through March 31; 5. Not later than the eighth day before the election date complete through the twelfth day before the election date; 6. Not later than June 15 of the election year complete through June 10; 7. Not later than July 15 of the election year complete through June 30; and 8. Not later than the following January 15 complete through December 31, and then in accordance with subdivisions A 1 and A 2 or subdivisions A 3 through A 7, as appropriate, of this subsection until a final report is filed. B. Any candidate, who was subject to the election year filing schedule set out in subdivisions A 3 through A 8 and who has not filed a final report, shall file reports in any subsequent election year for the same office in accordance with the election year filing schedule set out in subdivisions A 3 through A 8. C. Any candidate shall also file any report of certain large contributions required by § 24.2-947.9 , if applicable. 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-917; 1995, c. 785 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, c. 650 ; 2010, c. 696 ; 2015, c. 646 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.8 Filing requirements for special elections

A. Candidates for nomination or election to an office to be filled by a special election held on a regular election date shall file the prescribed reports of contributions and expenditures which apply to regularly scheduled elections for that office. B. In the case of a special election held on a date other than a regularly scheduled general election, the candidate shall file as follows: 1. A report not later than the eighth day before the special election date complete through the twelfth day before that date; 2. A postelection report no later than the thirtieth day after the election and prior to taking office; and 3. A postelection report not later than January 15 and July 15 each year until a final report is filed. C. Any candidate, who has been subject to the election year filing schedule set out in subdivisions B 1 through B 3 and who has not filed a final report, shall file reports in any subsequent election year for the same office in accordance with the election year filing schedule set out in § 24.2-947.6 or 24.2-947.7 as appropriate for that office. D. Any candidate shall also file any report of certain large contributions required by § 24.2-947.9 , if applicable. 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1991, c. 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-918; 2005, c. 831 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2010, c. 696 ; 2015, c. 646 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.9 Special report required of certain large pre-election contributions

A. Any contribution reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the first report required by this article after any election. B. Except as provided in subsection C, any single contribution of $5,000 or more for a statewide office, $1,000 or more for the General Assembly, or $500 or more for any other office, knowingly received or reported by the candidate or his treasurer on behalf of his candidacy on and after the eleventh day preceding (i) a primary and before the primary date, (ii) a general election and before the general election date, or (iii) any other election in which the individual is a candidate and before the election day, shall be reported in writing as provided in §§ 24.2-947.4 and 24.2-947.5 or electronically pursuant to § 24.2-946.1 , and the report shall be received by the State Board or general registrar, as appropriate, by 11:59 p.m. on the following day or for a contribution received on a Saturday by 11:59 p.m. on the following Monday. However, any such contribution received within the 24 hours prior to the election day shall be reported and a report thereof received on the day prior to the election. C. The reports required by subsection B of this section shall also be required of any candidate for nomination by a political party to serve as the party's nominee in a general or special election if (i) the party nominates by convention or any method other than a primary and (ii) there are at least two candidates for nomination pursuant to the rules and procedures of the party. In such case, candidates for nomination shall be required to file the reports required by subsection B for the 11-day period, as specified by subsection B, immediately preceding: 1. The caucus, mass meeting, convention, or other nominating event at which the party's nomination shall be finally determined pursuant to the rules and procedures of the party; and 2. Any caucus, mass meeting, convention, or other nominating event, other than that at which the party's nomination shall be finally determined, at which delegates are chosen who are pledged to support a specified candidate on at least one ballot at a subsequent district or state convention required as part of the nominating process. D. No report shall be required pursuant to subsection C if the candidate is or has become, by virtue of the withdrawal of any opponent or the operation of the rules and procedures of the party, unopposed for nomination at the time such report otherwise would be required to be made. E. Any person who is named as the candidate on the statement of organization for more than one campaign committee required to file campaign finance reports under this article shall be required to file special reports pursuant to this section for all such committees during the period applicable to any such campaign committee. 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1991, c. 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-919; 1995, c. 785 ; 1998, c. 382 ; 2000, c. 304 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2007, cc. 151 , 286 ; 2008, c. 380 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 , 646 ; 2016, c. 401 ; 2020, c. 347 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.10 Filing requirements for persons with multiple campaign committees

Any person who is named as the candidate on the statement of organization for more than one campaign committee required to file campaign finance reports under this article shall have separate campaign finance reports filed for all such campaign committees by the deadline for filing campaign finance reports for any such campaign committee. Such campaign finance reports shall be complete through the period prescribed for the associated deadline. 2020, c. 347 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-947.11 Special report required of certain large pre-legislative session contributions

A. Any candidate for a statewide office or the General Assembly shall, not later than January 15, file a report with the State Board of any single contribution in excess of $1,000, or any combination of contributions with an aggregate value in excess of $1,000 from a single person, that is knowingly received or reported by the candidate or his treasurer on behalf of his candidacy during the period beginning January 1 and ending on the day immediately before the first day of a regular session of the General Assembly. This report shall be filed as provided in § 24.2-947.5 , and the report shall be received by the State Board not later than January 15. B. Any contribution reported pursuant to subsection A shall not be required to be reported on any subsequent report required by this article following the date of the contribution. 2020, c. 770 , § 24.2-947.10; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 343 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.1 Exemption from reporting requirements for certain candidates for local office and for directors of soil and water conservation districts

A. This section shall apply to candidates for local office and for director of soil and water conservation districts. A candidate for local office or for director of a soil and water conservation district may seek an exemption from the requirements for filing campaign finance disclosure reports set out in this chapter except for the filing requirements of §§ 24.2-945.2 , 24.2-947.1 , and 24.2-948.4 pertaining to certain independent expenditures, the statement of organization, and the filing of a final report. The request for an exemption shall be filed with the general registrar of the county or city where the candidate resides on a form prescribed by the State Board and in accordance with instructions by the State Board for the time for filing and the process for approval by the general registrar. B. To qualify for an exemption, the candidate shall certify on the form that (i) he has not and will not solicit or accept any contribution from any other person or political committee during the course of his campaign, (ii) he has not and will not contribute to his own campaign more than $1,000, (iii) he has not and will not expend more than $1,000 in the course of his campaign, and (iv) that he has complied and will comply with the requirements of this chapter. This certification shall apply for the duration of the campaign until the filing of a final report in compliance with § 24.2-948.4 after the election. A candidate may rescind his certification and exemption at any time during the campaign and shall file in accordance with the appropriate filing schedule thereafter, provided that the candidate rescinds his certification prior to engaging in the activities described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of this subsection. The first report filed shall account for all prior contributions and expenditures pertaining to his campaign. C. A candidate for director of a soil and water conservation district may also seek an exemption from the requirement that he designate a separate campaign depository pursuant to § 24.2-947.1 by certifying, on the same form as provided for other exemptions in subsection A, that (i) he has not and will not contribute any money to his own campaign and (ii) he has not and will not expend any money in the course of the campaign. A candidate may rescind his certification and exemption at any time during the campaign and shall file in accordance with the appropriate filing schedule thereafter, provided that the candidate rescinds his certification prior to engaging in the activities described in clauses (i) and (ii). D. Any candidate who has qualified for an exemption from reporting requirements pursuant to this section shall not be permitted to qualify for any office, enter upon the duties thereof, or receive any salary or emoluments therefrom until a final report has been filed that details all financial activity of the candidate's campaign and states that all reporting for the nomination and election is complete and final. No officer authorized by the laws of the Commonwealth to issue certificates of election shall issue one to any person determined to be elected to any such office, until copies of the final report cited above have been filed as required in this chapter. E. A candidate who has a current exemption under the provisions of this section, or who is otherwise exempt from reporting contributions and expenditures under this chapter, may purchase voter lists from the State Board under the provisions of §§ 24.2-405 and 24.2-406 with a check drawn on the candidate's personal account. 2001, c. 794 , § 24 .2-906.1; 2005, c. 384 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2010, c. 696 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 ; 2020, c. 772 ; 2024, cc. 110 , 124 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.2 Reports as condition to qualification for office

A. No person shall be permitted to qualify for any office, enter upon the duties thereof, or receive any salary or emoluments therefrom until he has filed the campaign finance reports required in subdivisions A 3 through A 9 of § 24.2-947.6 ; subdivisions A 3 through A 6 of § 24.2-947.7 ; and subdivisions B 1 and B 2 of § 24.2-947.8 , as applicable; and a final report if required by subsection D of § 24.2-948.1 ; and has responded to and complied with any notice that additional information is required to complete a report in compliance with § 24.2-953.3 . No person shall be permitted to qualify for any office, enter upon the duties thereof, or receive any salary or emoluments therefrom until he has paid any civil penalty and returned any contribution required to be returned pursuant to § 24.2-953.5 . No officer authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to issue certificates of election shall issue one to any person determined to be elected to any such office, until copies of the reports cited above have been filed as required in this article. B. Notwithstanding the requirements of subsection A, a person who is elected to fill a vacancy at a special election held on a general election day may qualify for the office and be issued a certificate of election in advance of filing the postelection report required to be filed under subdivision A 9 of § 24.2-947.6 in the case of a November election, or under subdivision A 6 of § 24.2-947.7 in the case of a May election, upon the filing of a postelection report complete through the election day. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-260; 1972, c. 620; 1982, c. 650; 1986, c. 558; 1988, c. 734; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-922; 1995, c. 785 ; 1999, c. 120 ; 2005, c. 384 ; 2006, cc. 771 , 787 , 805 , 892 ; 2008, c. 650 ; 2024, cc. 110 , 124 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.3 Compliance with reporting requirements of campaign finance disclosure act as requirement of candidacy for certain offices

A. It shall be a requirement of candidacy in any election for statewide office or the General Assembly that the candidate shall have filed the disclosure reports required by this chapter for any election in which he participated as a candidate for any such office and which was held within the five years preceding the date of the election in which he seeks to be a candidate. For the purposes of this section, the candidate shall be presumed to have complied with the candidate disclosure reporting requirements unless (i) the State Board or general registrar, whichever is appropriate, has notified the candidate, at least 60 days prior to the applicable deadline for him to file his written statement of qualification set out in § 24.2-503 , that he has failed to file a required report or reports and (ii) the candidate fails to file the specified report or reports by the applicable deadline for filing his written statement of qualification. B. The authority of the State Board to grant an extension of the deadline established in § 24.2-503 shall include the authority to grant such extension with respect to the requirements of this section. 1994, c. 752 , § 24.2-503.1; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.4 Final report requirement; disbursement of surplus funds

A. A final report shall be filed by every campaign committee that sets forth (i) all receipts and disbursements not previously reported, (ii) an accounting of the retirement of all debts, and (iii) the disposition of all surplus funds as provided in subsection D. The final report shall include a termination statement, signed by the candidate, that all reporting for the campaign committee is complete and final. Once a campaign committee's final report has been filed, no further report relating to that election shall be required. B. A final report shall be required when (i) a candidate no longer seeks election to the same office in a successive election, (ii) a candidate seeks election to a different office, or (iii) the candidate is deceased. C. If the candidate is deceased, the final report shall be filed and signed by the treasurer. If the candidate was serving as his own treasurer, his executor shall file and sign the final report. Any excess contributed funds shall be disposed of pursuant to the provisions of subsection D. D. Amounts received by a candidate or his campaign committee as contributions that are in excess of the amount necessary to defray his campaign expenditures or items acquired using campaign contributions may be disposed of only by one or any combination of the following: (i) transferring the excess or items acquired using campaign contributions for use in a succeeding election or to retire the deficit in a preceding election; (ii) returning the excess or items acquired using campaign contributions to a contributor in an amount not to exceed the contributor's original contribution; (iii) donating the excess or items acquired using campaign contributions to any organization described in § 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iv) contributing the excess or items acquired using campaign contributions to one or more candidates or to any political committee that has filed a statement of organization pursuant to this chapter; (v) contributing the excess or items acquired using campaign contributions to any political party committee; and (vi) defraying any ordinary, nonreimbursed expense related to his elective office. 1986, c. 558, § 24.1-257.2; 1988, c. 734; 1990, c. 931, § 24.1-258.1; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, §§ 24.2-920, 24.2-921; 2000, c. 233 ; 2003, c. 248 ; 2004, c. 457 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2009, c. 231 ; 2025, cc. 535 , 537 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.5 Reviews of campaign finance reports and records

A. The Department shall have the authority to review the reports and records of the campaign committees. The purposes of the review shall be to (i) reconcile the balance in the campaign depository with the amounts reported in the candidate's reports of receipts and expenditures and (ii) review the reports for mathematical accuracy and facial completeness including the reporting of specific information required by law. In the performance of its review, the Department is authorized to request the production of monthly bank statements for, and copies of checks issued on, campaign depositories and itemized bills, invoices, and receipts for any expenditure of campaign funds in an amount greater than $500. B. The Department shall review the reports and records of the campaign committees within 180 days following the general election. The Department shall review the reports and records of all of the campaign committees for candidates, including losing primary candidates, for statewide office; 10 percent of the campaign committees for candidates, including losing primary candidates, for the Senate and House of Delegates; and one percent of candidates, including losing primary candidates, for all other offices in any year in which such offices are elected. The State Board shall meet publicly to select the campaign committees to be reviewed by a drawing that ensures selection on a random basis. C. No review shall be conducted of a campaign committee for any office that has received less than $25,000 in contributions during the campaign, including the transfer of surplus funds from a prior campaign. Campaign committees for candidates that are exempt from review pursuant to this subsection shall not be included in the drawing provided for in subsection B or counted in determining the number that equals the relevant percentage of the campaign committees to be reviewed. D. In the performance of its duties under this section, the Department may employ the services of additional personnel to the extent that appropriated funds are available to the Department for such purpose. E. The Department shall make a report of the results of its reviews available to the State Board, the Governor, and the General Assembly by July 1 of each year following the election year for the office to which the review pertains and the same shall be posted to the Department's website. 2022, c. 258 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.6 Use of campaign funds

A. A contribution accepted by a candidate or his campaign committee may be used for the following purposes: 1. For otherwise authorized expenditures in connection with the candidate's campaign; 2. For ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the duties of the individual as an officeholder; 3. For contributions to any organization described in § 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; 4. For transfers to any federal, state, or local political party committee; 5. For contributions to federal, state, and local candidates subject to the provisions of prevailing law; 6. For dependent care expenses that are incurred as a direct result of the person's seeking, holding, or maintaining public office; or 7. For any other lawful purpose unless prohibited by subsection B. B. Contributions to a candidate or his campaign committee shall not be converted by any person to personal use. For the purpose of this subsection, a contribution shall be considered to be converted to personal use if the contribution is used to fulfill any commitment, obligation, or expense of a person that would exist irrespective of the person's seeking, holding, or maintaining public office, which includes the following: 1. A home mortgage, rent, or utility payment; 2. A clothing purchase, except for clothing of de minimis value that is used in the campaign, such as T-shirts or caps imprinted with a campaign slogan; 3. A non-campaign-related automobile expense; 4. A country club membership; 5. A vacation or other non-campaign-related trip; 6. A household food item; 7. A tuition payment, other than those associated with the training of campaign staff; 8. Admission to a sporting event, a concert, a theater, or any other form of entertainment not associated with an election campaign; 9. Dues, fees, and other payments to a health club or recreational facility unless the payments are made in connection with a specific fundraising event that takes place on the organization's premises; and 10. Salary payments to a member of a candidate's family, unless the family member is providing bona fide services to the campaign and receives compensation that is no greater than the fair market value of the services provided. 2025, cc. 535 , 537 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.7 Violations of the ban on personal use of campaign funds; complaint; notice; hearing; civil penalties

A. A person who believes a violation of § 24.2-948.6 has occurred and (i) contributes to a candidate or his campaign committee that has allegedly committed the violation or (ii) is qualified to vote in the election for the office for which such candidate is running is qualified to file a complaint with the Department. Such complaint shall be filed electronically or in writing on a form provided by the Department, signed and sworn to by the person filing such complaint, notarized, and made under penalty of perjury and subject to the provisions of § 24.2-1016 . The complaint shall clearly identify the complainant and the person against whom the complaint is addressed (the respondent) and contain (a) a credible allegation of a violation of § 24.2-948.6 with regard to a specific use of campaign contributions by the candidate or his campaign committee, (b) attached documentation supporting the allegation, (c) the names and contact information of any person the complainant knows to have knowledge of facts relating to the allegation, and (d) any other information required by the Department. The complaint form shall include a sworn statement, signed by the complainant, agreeing to strict confidentiality regarding the complaint and all related matters for the 10 days preceding the complaint's submission. If the State Board determines that the complainant knowingly violated his agreement to strict confidentially, the State Board may assess a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $10,000. Any civil penalty collected under this provision shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Prohibited Personal Use Enforcement Fund established pursuant to § 24.2-948.9 . The procedure to enforce a civil penalty provided in this section shall be as stated in § 24.2-946.3 . The Department shall provide a copy of the complaint to the respondent within 24 hours of receipt. The Department shall complete its review of such complaints and, within 10 days, transmit to the State Board any credible and complete complaint from a qualified complainant and send written notice to the complainant and respondent of the Department's ultimate determination of the complaint's disposition. The State Board shall not act upon any complaint that does not meet the requirements of this subsection but shall be authorized to initiate an inquiry upon its own motion. B. Upon receipt of a complaint or upon its own motion, the State Board shall conduct a preliminary investigation into the specific use of campaign contributions by the candidate. Such preliminary investigation shall be conducted in closed meetings held pursuant to § 2.2-3711 . The State Board shall determine, during its preliminary investigation, whether the facts stated in the complaint or that serve as the basis of the State Board's motion taken as true are sufficient to show a violation of § 24.2-948.6 . If such facts fail to give rise to such a violation, then the State Board shall dismiss the complaint. If the facts give rise to such a violation, then the State Board shall request that the complainant appear and testify under oath as to the complaint and the allegations therein. If the inquiry was initiated by the State Board's own motion, the State Board may request that witnesses appear and testify under oath as to the allegations raised by the State Board. The State Board shall notify the respondent that a preliminary investigation has commenced within 24 hours of initiating such investigation. Before the State Board conducts any vote on the complaint, other than a vote to dismiss, the respondent shall have 30 days to provide to the State Board documentation or other evidence that no action should be taken against the respondent on the basis of the complaint or the allegations brought by the State Board. If the respondent provides such documentation or such other evidence, the State Board shall review the response and determine whether to proceed with the inquiry. After hearing testimony and reviewing any other evidence provided by the complainant, witnesses, or the respondent, the State Board shall dismiss the complaint if the State Board fails to find by a preponderance of the evidence that such violation has occurred. If the State Board finds otherwise, it shall proceed with the inquiry by calling for a public hearing. If at any point prior to the State Board's call for a public hearing on the matter the respondent pays back to the campaign committee from his personal funds the amount that was allegedly converted to his personal use, the State Board shall dismiss the complaint or motion and end the inquiry into the matter. Prior to the State Board's holding a public hearing on the matter, the complaint, the State Board's written notice, and any related records shall not be subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) and shall not be made public, except by the respondent. However, once the State Board has commenced a public meeting to further inquire into alleged conversion of campaign funds to personal use, its materials, meetings, and hearings on the matter shall be open to the public. C. If after such preliminary investigation the State Board determines to proceed with an inquiry into the specific use of campaign contributions by the respondent, the State Board (i) shall immediately notify in writing the complainant and the respondent as to the fact of the inquiry and the allegations against the respondent and (ii) shall schedule one or more hearings on the matter. The respondent shall have the right to postpone the hearing if it is scheduled within the 30 days immediately preceding an election in which the respondent is a candidate for office. If the complaining party declines to participate in the hearing, the complaint shall be dismissed and no further action shall be taken. The respondent shall have the right to access all records obtained during the investigation, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, face and examine the accuser, and be represented by counsel at any hearings. The State Board may grant the respondent any other rights or privileges not specifically enumerated in this subsection. If at any time the State Board determines that the complaint is without merit, the State Board shall dismiss the complaint, so advise the complainant and the respondent, and take no further action. D. A decision to dispose of a complaint under this section shall require a vote of four members of the State Board. Failure of the State Board to dispose of a complaint within 120 days of the Department's transmission of the signed and sworn complaint shall result in the summary dismissal of the matter, after which no further action shall be taken. Within 120 days of the Department's transmission of the signed and sworn complaint to the State Board or a motion to begin an inquiry, the State Board may dispose of the matter in one of the following ways: 1. If for any reason the State Board dismisses the matter during its preliminary investigation and prior to holding a public hearing on the matter, the State Board shall so advise the complainant and the respondent and take no further action. In such case, the records and findings on the matter shall not be subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.) and shall not be made public unless the respondent requests in writing that the records and findings be made public. 2. If at any time after the commencement of the initial public hearing on the matter the State Board dismisses the matter, the State Board shall so advise the complainant and the respondent and prepare a written judgment stating the grounds for the dismissal. 3. If after a public hearing the State Board determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent has violated the provisions of § 24.2-948.6 but that the violation was not made willfully and knowingly, the State Board may require the respondent to repay an amount not to exceed the amount unlawfully converted to the personal use of the respondent. Respondents who claim an inability to repay the amount the State Board has determined is owed may be asked to provide documentation as to their financial condition. The State Board may negotiate a payment plan that enables a respondent to repay. The procedure to enforce repayment under this section shall be as stated in § 24.2-946.3 . The State Board shall prepare a written judgment stating its determination of the matter, its recommended remedy, and reasons therefor. A copy of the judgment shall be sent to each party and posted on the State Board's website no later than three days after it has been issued. 4. If the State Board determines by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent willfully and knowingly violated any provision of § 24.2-948.6 , the State Board shall direct the respondent to repay the amount unlawfully converted to his personal use. The State Board may also assess an additional civil penalty, in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per itemized expenditure found to be in violation of any provision of § 24.2-948.6 and in no case greater than $10,000. Respondents who claim an inability to pay an appropriate civil penalty may be asked to provide documentation as to their financial condition. The State Board may negotiate a payment plan that enables a respondent to pay an appropriate civil penalty. Any civil penalty collected under this subdivision shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Prohibited Personal Use Enforcement Fund established pursuant to § 24.2-948.9 . The procedure to enforce a civil penalty provided in this section shall be as stated in § 24.2-946.3 . The State Board shall prepare a written judgment stating its determination of the matter, its recommended remedy, and reasons therefor. A copy of the judgment shall be sent to each party and posted on the State Board's website no later than three days after it has been issued. 5. Any records and findings related to a complaint that was not dismissed pursuant to subdivision 1 shall become archival records, as defined in § 42.1-77 , maintained permanently by the Library of Virginia. Electronic copies of such records shall be made publicly available on the State Board's website no later than 30 days after a final disposition of the matter has been decided. E. A person found by the State Board to have violated the provisions of this section shall have a right to the direct review of the finding by a court of competent jurisdiction as provided in the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). The provisions of the Administrative Process Act shall not otherwise apply, however, to the finding of a violation by the State Board pursuant to this section. F. The State Board may, by a vote of four members, make a finding that a complaint is frivolous. Such a finding shall be prima facie evidence of abuse of process by the complainant. The State Board shall prepare a written judgment stating its determination of the matter and reasons therefor. A copy of the judgment shall be sent to each party and posted on the State Board's website no later than three days after it has been issued. 2025, cc. 535 , 537 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.8 Advisory opinions

A. Any person subject to the provisions of § 24.2-948.6 may submit a complete written request for an advisory opinion concerning the application of that section to a specific transaction or activity on a form provided by the Department. The Department shall transmit any such complete written request for an advisory opinion to the State Board. B. The State Board shall, upon receipt, make public any request for an advisory opinion. Before rendering an advisory opinion, the State Board shall accept written comments submitted by any interested party within the 10-day period following the date the request is made public. C. The State Board shall issue a written advisory opinion within 60 days of receipt of the request for an advisory opinion. However, if an advisory opinion is requested by a candidate or his campaign committee during the 60-day period before any election involving the requesting party, the State Board shall render a written advisory opinion relating to such request no later than 20 days after the State Board receives a complete written request. D. Any advisory opinion rendered by the State Board under subsection C may be relied upon by (i) any person involved in the specific transaction or activity with respect to which such advisory opinion is rendered and (ii) any person involved in any specific transaction or activity that is indistinguishable in all its material aspects from the transaction or activity with respect to which such advisory opinion is rendered. E. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who relies upon any provision or finding of an advisory opinion in accordance with the provisions of subsection D and who acts in good faith in accordance with the provisions and findings of such advisory opinion shall not, as a result of any such act, be subject to any sanction provided under § 24.2-948.7 . 2025, cc. 535 , 537 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-948.9 Prohibited Personal Use Enforcement Fund

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Prohibited Personal Use Enforcement Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All civil penalties levied pursuant to § 24.2-948.7 shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used solely for the purposes of administering the provisions of §§ 24.2-948.6 , 24.2-948.7 , and 24.2-948.8 . Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Commissioner of Elections. 2025, cc. 535 , 537 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949 Political action committee election cycle

The political action committee's election cycle shall be deemed to begin on January 1 and continue through December 31 of each calendar year. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.1 Establishment of political action committees by certain entities

Any stock or nonstock corporation, labor organization, membership organization, cooperative, or other group of persons may establish and administer for political purposes, and solicit and expend contributions for, a political action committee, provided that: 1. No political action committee shall make a contribution or expenditure by utilizing money or anything of value secured by physical force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, threat of force, or as a condition of employment. 2. Any person soliciting a contribution to a political action committee shall, at the time of solicitation, inform the person being solicited of (i) his right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal and (ii) the political purposes of the committee. 1981, c. 425, § 24.1-254.2; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-909; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.2 Statement of organization for a political action committee

A. Except as provided in subsection B or C, each political action committee that anticipates receiving contributions or making expenditures in excess of $200 in a calendar year shall file with the State Board a statement of organization within 10 days after its organization, or if later, within 10 days after the date on which it has information that causes the committee to anticipate it will receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of $200 or on which it otherwise becomes subject to the provisions of this chapter. Any change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization shall be reported to the State Board within 10 days following the change. The statement of organization shall include: 1. The name of the political action committee and its address in the Commonwealth; 2. The names, addresses, and relationships of affiliated or connected organizations; 3. The area, scope, or jurisdiction of the political action committee accompanied by the statement that the primary purpose of the committee is to advocate the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate; 4. The name and business address of the treasurer and his residence address in the Commonwealth who shall be deemed the agent of the political action committee for the purpose of service of process on the political action committee; 5. The name, residence address in the Commonwealth, business address, and position of the custodian of the books and accounts, who works under the direction of the treasurer, and the address in the Commonwealth where the books are maintained; 6. The name, address, office sought, and party affiliation of each individual whom the political action committee is supporting or opposing for nomination or for election to any public office whatever or, if supporting the entire ticket of any party, the name of the party; 7. The designated depository to be used for the receipt and holding of funds and contributions received by the political action committee, in an account in a financial institution within the Commonwealth; and 8. Such other information as shall be required by the State Board except that the account number for the designated depository account shall not be required. The State Board shall not register or issue a registration number to any political action committee that fails to state pursuant to subdivision 3 that its primary purpose is to influence the outcome of nonfederal elections in Virginia. B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a political action committee that is established or controlled by a corporation doing business in Virginia shall provide the following information in its statement of organization in lieu of the information required in subdivisions 1, 4, 5, and 7 of subsection A: 1. The name and address of the political action committee; 2. The name and residence and business addresses of the treasurer; 3. The name, residence address, and position of the custodian of the books who works under the direction of the treasurer; and 4. A listing of all banks, safe-deposit boxes, or other repositories used. C. A federal political action committee that makes expenditures for the purpose of influencing the outcome of any election in Virginia, other than federal elections, shall provide the following information in its statement of organization: 1. The name and address of the committee; 2. The committee's Federal Election Commission registration identification number; and 3. The name and address of its treasurer. The State Board shall be required to provide a link from its Internet website to the federal political action committee's electronically displayed Federal Election Commission campaign finance disclosure reports. 1975, c. 515, § 24.1-254.1; 1983, c. 119; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-908; 1996, c. 1042 ; 2000, cc. 852 , 872 ; 2004, cc. 441 , 457 ; 2006, cc. 771 , 787 , 805 , 892 ; 2007, c. 246 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.3 Use of candidate's name in name of political committee

A. No political action committee required to file a statement of organization pursuant to § 24.2-949.2 shall include in any part of its name the name of a candidate unless the political action committee either (i) has obtained, prior to filing, the written authorization of the candidate to use the candidate's name as part of the name of the political action committee or (ii) has mailed by certified mail, 21 or more days prior to filing, written notice to the candidate of its intent to use his name as part of the name of the political action committee. B. Any political action committee which intends to use the name of a candidate as part of the name of the political action committee shall file with the statement of organization required by § 24.2-949.2 either (i) a copy of the written authorization of the candidate consenting to the use of his name or (ii) a copy of its notice to the candidate and evidence of its timely mailing. If two candidates seeking the same office have the same surname, the political action committee shall include the first name, or other initial or nickname, and the last name of the candidate, in the name of the political action committee so as to identify which candidate is associated with the political action committee; and either the written authorization of the identified candidate or written notice to the identified candidate shall be required by this section. 1996, cc. 586 , 601 , § 24.2-908.1; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.4 Political action committee treasurer requirements and responsibilities

A. The treasurer shall keep detailed and accurate accounts of all contributions turned over to and expenditures made by the committee, the treasurer, or other officer on behalf of the political action committee, or reported to the treasurer pursuant to this chapter. Such account shall set forth the date of the contribution or expenditure, its amount or value, the name and address of the person or committee making the contribution or to whom the expenditure was made, and the object or purpose of the contribution or expenditure. Such books and records may be destroyed or discarded at any time after (i) one year from the date of filing the final report required by § 24.2-949.9 or (ii) a period of three years, whichever first occurs, unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall order their retention for a longer period. B. All receipts and expenditures received or made by any political action committee, or received or made on its behalf or in relation to the committee by any individual or person, except independent expenditures, shall be paid over or delivered to the political action committee's treasurer or shall be reported to the treasurer in such detail and form as to allow him to comply fully with this article. An independent expenditure shall be reported pursuant to § 24.2-945.2 in lieu of being reported to the political action committee's treasurer. C. It shall be unlawful for any political action committee, its treasurer, or any person receiving contributions or making expenditures on the committee's behalf or in relation to the committee, to fail to report every contribution and expenditure as required by this article. D. No political action committee treasurer or other individual shall pay any expense on behalf of the committee, directly or indirectly, except by a check or electronic debit drawn on such designated depository identifying the name of the political action committee. However, a treasurer or other authorized officer of the political action committee may be reimbursed, by a check or electronic debit drawn on the designated depository, for the payment of expenses (i) paid by him by cash, check or electronic debit, or credit card, (ii) made on behalf of the committee, and (iii) fully documented by complete records of the expenditure, maintained as required by this chapter, and including receipts identifying the nature of the expenses and the names and addresses of each person paid by the recipient of the reimbursement. E. A treasurer of a political action committee (i) may establish a petty cash fund to be utilized for the purpose of making expenditures or reimbursing verified credit card expenditures of less than $200 if complete records of such expenditures are maintained as required by this chapter and (ii) may transfer funds from the designated campaign depository to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 349 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.5 Information to be included on campaign finance reports for political action committees

A. The reports required by this article shall be filed on a form prescribed by the State Board and shall include all financial activity of the political action committee. All completed forms shall be submitted in typed, printed, or legibly hand printed format or electronically as provided in § 24.2-946.1 . Persons submitting the forms shall do so subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 . B. The report of receipts shall include: 1. The total number of contributors, each of whom has contributed an aggregate of $100 or less, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the date of the report, and the total amount of contributions from all such contributors; 2. For each contributor who has contributed an aggregate of more than $100, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the ending date of the report, the political action committee shall itemize each contributor on the report and list the following information: a. the name of the contributor, listed alphabetically, b. the mailing address of the contributor, c. the amount of the contribution, d. the aggregate amount of contributions from the contributor to date, e. the date of the last contribution, f. the occupation of the contributor, g. the name of his employer or principal business, and h. the locality where employed or where his business is located. For each such contributor, other than an individual, the principal type of business and place of business of the contributor shall be substituted for subdivisions f and g, respectively. For each such contributor other than an individual, it shall be sufficient to list the address of the contributor one time on the report of receipts. C. Upon transfer of a designated contribution to a designated candidate's campaign committee, the committee shall provide information to the campaign committee to identify the contributor as provided by § 24.2-947.4 . D. The report of disbursements shall include all expenditures and give: 1. The name and address of the person paid; 2. A brief description of the purpose of the expenditure; 3. The name of the person contracting for or arranging the expenditure; 4. The amount of the expenditure; and 5. The date of the expenditure. The report of disbursements shall itemize any expenditure made by credit card payment. E. Each report for a political action committee shall list separately those receipts and expenditures reported to the treasurer or other officer of the committee by any person, candidate campaign committee, or political committee, pursuant to subsection B of § 24.2-949.4 , and in the case of in-kind contributions, shall set forth in each instance the source of the information reported. F. The report shall list separately all loans, and for each loan, shall give: 1. The date the loan was made; 2. The name and address of the person making the loan and any person who is a co-borrower, guarantor, or endorser of the loan; 3. The amount of the loan; 4. The date and amount of any repayment of the loan; and 5. For any loan or part of a loan that is forgiven by the lender, the amount forgiven listed as both a contribution and loan repayment. G. The State Board shall provide for a "no activity" report that may be filed for any reporting period in which the filer has no activity to report. H. It is the responsibility of the treasurer that the report for the political action committee be filed and that the report be in full and accurate detail. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-258; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 247; 1972, c. 620; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 381; 1983, c. 119; 1990, c. 156; 1993, cc. 341, 641, § 24.2-914; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, c. 304 ; 2001, cc. 618 , 810 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2003, c. 248 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, cc. 152 , 289 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.6 Filing schedule for political action committees

A. Political action committees shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports with the State Board in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section. The first filed report shall be complete for the entire period from the time the committee was organized or contributions were received. B. The reporting requirements shall continue in effect for each committee until a final report is filed. C. Political action committees shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows: 1. Not later than April 15 complete from the preceding report through March 31; 2. Not later than June 1 complete from the preceding report through May 25; 3. Not later than September 15 complete from the preceding report through August 31; 4. Not later than October 15 complete from the preceding report through October 7; and 5. Not later than January 15 complete from the preceding report through December 31, and then continuing in accordance with this subsection until a final report is filed. D. A political action committee that files its statement of organization on or after March 15 and before the third Tuesday in June in any odd-numbered year shall file with its statement of organization a campaign finance report as provided in § 24.2-949.5 for that year, complete through the date that it files its statement of organization, and if such political action committee files its statement of organization before May 25, such political action committee shall file its next campaign finance report in accordance with subdivision C 2. E. A political action committee that files its statement of organization on or after August 15 and before the November election day in any odd-numbered year shall file with its statement of organization a campaign finance report as provided in § 24.2-949.5 for that year, complete through the date that it files its statement of organization, and if such political action committee files its statement of organization before October 7, such political action committee shall file its next campaign finance report in accordance with subdivision C 4. 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-923; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-923; 1995, c. 785 ; 2002, cc. 156 , 237 ; 2003, c. 256 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2005, c. 9 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, c. 547 ; 2012, c. 525 ; 2016, c. 401 ; 2023, c. 764 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.7 Large dollar contribution reporting requirement for political action committees

In addition to the scheduled reports required by § 24.2-949.6 , political action committees shall report any single contribution or loan of $10,000 or more received at any time during the calendar year within three business days of receipt of the contribution or loan. 1. The report shall be filed on a "large dollar contribution report" form prescribed by the State Board and shall be filed in writing or electronically in the same manner as the political action committee files its scheduled reports. 2. Any contribution or loan reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the next subsequent report required under § 24.2-949.6 following receipt of the contribution or loan. 3. For the purposes of this section, political action committees shall report as one contribution multiple contributions from a single source that have been subdivided into smaller amounts or given through different bank accounts for the purpose of evading the $10,000 threshold. A political action committee that receives contributions from affiliated organizations shall not be deemed to be receiving contributions from a single source. 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-923; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-923; 1995, c. 785 ; 2002, cc. 156 , 237 ; 2003, c. 256 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2005, c. 9 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2023, c. 764 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.7:1 Special report required of certain large pre-election expenditures

A. Any contribution or expenditure reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the first report required by this article after any election. B. Political action committees shall report any single contribution received or expenditure made of $1,000 or more between May 26 and the third Tuesday in June in odd-numbered years. Such contribution or expenditure shall be reported electronically pursuant to § 24.2-946.1 , and the report shall be received by the State Board by 11:59 p.m. on the following day or, for a contribution received or expenditure made on a Saturday, by 11:59 p.m. on the following Monday. However, any such contribution received or expenditure made within the 24 hours prior to the third Tuesday in June shall be reported and a report thereof received on the day prior to the third Tuesday in June. C. Political action committees shall report any single contribution received or expenditure made of $1,000 or more between October 8 and the date of the November general election. Such contribution or expenditure shall be reported electronically pursuant to § 24.2-946.1 , and the report shall be received by the State Board by 11:59 p.m. on the following day or, for a contribution received or expenditure made on a Saturday, by 11:59 p.m. on the following Monday. However, any such contribution received or expenditure made within the 24 hours prior to the election day shall be reported and a report thereof received on the day prior to the election. 2023, c. 764 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.8 With whom political action committees file reports; electronic filing requirement

A. Political action committees required to file reports by this article shall file all statements and campaign finance reports with the State Board. B. A political action committee that is required by this chapter to file reports with the State Board, and that accepts contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $10,000 in any calendar year, or that accepted contributions or made expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the previous calendar year, shall file its reports with the State Board by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the State Board until such time as the political action committee files a final report. Any political action committee that has been filing electronically, but does not anticipate accepting contributions or making expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the upcoming calendar year, may sign a waiver, on a form prescribed by the State Board, to exempt the committee from the electronic filing requirement for the calendar year. Such waiver form shall be submitted and received no later than the date the first report is due covering activity for that calendar year. C. For political action committees that are not subject to the provisions of subsection B, any report required to be filed with the State Board shall be deemed to be filed by the deadline for the report if it is mailed and postmarked not later than the deadline for filing the report. 1996, c. 687 , § 24.2-914.1; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1998, c. 416 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2003, c. 242 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.9 Final report requirement; disbursement of surplus funds

A. Any political action committee that, after having filed a statement of organization, disbands or determines it will no longer receive contributions or make expenditures during the calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding $200 shall so notify the State Board. A final report shall be filed by the committee that sets forth (i) all receipts and disbursements not previously reported, (ii) an accounting of the retirement of all debts, and (iii) the disposition of the committee's surplus funds. This final report shall include a termination statement, signed by the treasurer or other principal officer listed on the statement of organization, that all reporting for the committee is complete and final. B. Amounts received by a political action committee as contributions may be disposed of only by one or any combination of the following: (i) transferring the excess to an affiliated organization of the committee; (ii) returning the excess to a contributor in an amount not to exceed the contributor's original contribution; (iii) donating the excess to any organization described in § 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iv) contributing the excess to one or more candidates or to any political committee that has filed a statement of organization pursuant to this chapter; (v) contributing the excess to any political party committee; and (vi) defraying any ordinary, nonreimbursed expense related to the political action committee. It shall be unlawful for any person to convert any contributed moneys, securities, or like intangible personal property to his personal use or to the use of a member of the "immediate family," as that term is defined in § 30-101 , of the committee's treasurer or chief executive. 1990, c. 931, § 24.1-258.1; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-921; 2004, c. 457 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2009, c. 231 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.10 Out-of-state political committees; statements of organization

A. Out-of-state political committees shall submit a statement of organization on or before the date on which the committee makes contributions of $10,000 or more in the aggregate in a calendar year to candidate campaign committees or political committees registered with the State Board of Elections. B. The statement of organization shall include information as required pursuant to subsection B of § 24.2-949.2 except that the committee shall not be required to establish a depository account in a financial institution in the Commonwealth. C. In addition to the information required pursuant to § 24.2-949.2 , the committee shall include on its statement of organization (i) its taxpayer identification number, (ii) the federal and state agencies with which it is required to file financial disclosure information, and (iii) the registration number assigned to it by each agency listed under clause (ii). D. On the same day that an out-of-state political committee submits its statement of organization to the State Board, (i) it shall file a list of each contributor who has contributed to the committee $2,500 or more in the aggregate between the immediately preceding January 1 and the date on which the statement of organization is filed with the contributor's name, address, occupation, employer, and place of business and the dates and amounts of the contributor's contributions during the period covered by the report; and (ii) it shall file a report of the contributions it has made to candidate campaign committees or political committees registered with the State Board between the immediately preceding January 1 and the date on which the statement of organization is filed. E. Any political organization as defined in § 527 of the United States Internal Revenue Code that is shown on the list of contributors required by this section and that has contributed $50,000 or more to the committee filing the list of contributors required by this section shall be required to file a statement of organization and the lists of its contributors and its contributions as provided in subsection D. 2006, cc. 771 , 805 , § 24.2-908.2.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.11 Out-of-state political committees; reporting requirements

A. The provisions of this section are applicable only to out-of-state political committees. B. After the committee has met the requirements of § 24.2-949.10 and upon making any contribution to a candidate campaign committee or political committee registered in Virginia, the committee shall report its contributions and contributors in accordance with subsection C to the State Board of Elections by computer or electronic means as prescribed in § 24.2-946.1 . C. The report required by subsection B shall include (i) a report of the contributions the committee has made to candidate campaign committees or political committees in the Commonwealth since the filing of a report of its contributions pursuant to subsection D of § 24.2-949.10 or this subsection during the period covered by the report and (ii) a list of each contributor who has contributed to the committee $2,500 or more in the aggregate since the filing of a list of its contributors pursuant to subsection D of § 24.2-949.10 or this subsection with the contributor's name, address, occupation, employer, and place of business and the dates and amounts of the contributor's contributions during the period covered by the report. D. Upon transfer of a designated contribution to a designated candidate's campaign committee, the committee shall provide information to the campaign committee to identify the contributor as provided by § 24.2-947.4 . E. The reporting requirements of this section shall continue in effect for each committee until a final report is filed that sets forth all contributions and expenditures not previously reported. The final report shall include a termination statement, signed by an officer of the committee, that all reporting is complete and final. 2006, cc. 771 , 805 , § 24.2-910.2; 2008, cc. 152 , 289 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.12 Out-of-state political committees; additional requirements

Prior to accepting contributions of $10,000 or more in the aggregate in any calendar year from any other out-of-state political committee, an out-of-state political committee shall (i) request its State Board of Elections registration number from that other out-of-state political committee and (ii) verify that number with the State Board. 2006, cc. 771 , 805 , § 24.2-910.3.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-949.13 Certain contributions received from federal political action and out-of-state political committees; political committee responsibilities

Prior to accepting contributions of $10,000 or more in the aggregate in any calendar year from any one federal political action committee or out-of-state political committee, a political committee shall (i) request the federal political action committee's or out-of-state political committee's State Board of Elections registration number from the committee and (ii) verify that number with the State Board. 2006, cc. 771 , 805 , § 24.2-910.4.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950 Political party committee election cycle

The political party committee's election cycle shall be deemed to begin on January 1 and continue through December 31 of each calendar year. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.1 Certain political party committees exempt

A. Except as provided in subsections B and C of this section and subsection D of § 24.2-947.3 , any local district, county, or city party committee shall be exempt from the reporting requirements of this chapter. Contributions made by such committee to any candidate, his campaign committee, or a political committee shall be reported by the recipient of the contribution in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. B. The exemption provided in this section shall not be applicable to state political party committees, congressional district political party committees, or county or city political party committees for any county or city with a population of more than 100,000, or organized political party groups of elected officials. Any other political party committee shall be exempt from the reporting and notification requirements of this chapter, except as provided in § 24.2-945.2 , in each calendar year in which it does not accept contributions totaling more than $15,000, or make contributions and expenditures totaling more than $15,000. Any such committee shall be subject to such reporting requirements as soon as it accepts aggregated contributions, or makes aggregated contributions and expenditures, in excess of $15,000 in a calendar year. The first report filed pursuant to § 24.2-950.6 shall account for all receipts and disbursements during the calendar year and shall be complete through the completion date for the report period. C. Upon transfer of a designated contribution to a designated candidate's campaign committee, each local district, county, or city political party committee shall provide information to the campaign committee to identify the contributor as provided by § 24.2-947.4 . 1970, c. 462, §§ 24.1-254.1, 24.1-255; 1975, c. 515; 1981, c. 425; 1983, c. 119; 1988, c. 616; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, cc. 641, 776, 921, § 24.2-911; 2004, c. 469 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, cc. 152 , 289 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.2 Statement of organization for a political party committee

Except as provided in § 24.2-950.1 , each political party committee that anticipates receiving contributions or making expenditures in excess of $200 in a calendar year shall file with the State Board a statement of organization within 10 days after its organization, or if later, within 10 days after the date on which it has information that causes the committee to anticipate it will receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of $200 or on which it otherwise becomes subject to the provisions of this article. Any change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization shall be reported to the State Board within 10 days following the change. The statement of organization shall include: 1. The name of the political party committee and its address in the Commonwealth; 2. The name and business address of the treasurer and his residence address in the Commonwealth who shall be deemed the agent of the political party committee for the purpose of service of process on the political party committee; 3. The name, residence in the Commonwealth, business address, and position of the custodian of the books and accounts, who works under the direction of the treasurer, and the address where the books are maintained; 4. The name, address, office sought, and party affiliation of each individual whom the committee is supporting or opposing for nomination or for election to any public office whatever, or if supporting the entire ticket of any party, the name of the party; 5. The designated depository to be used for the receipt and holding of funds and contributions received by the political party committee, in an account in a financial institution within the Commonwealth; and 6. Such other information as shall be required by the State Board except that the account number for the designated depository account shall not be required. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.3 Political party committee treasurer requirements and responsibilities

A. The treasurer shall keep detailed and accurate accounts of all contributions turned over to and expenditures made by the political party committee, the treasurer, or other officer on behalf of the political party committee, or reported to the treasurer pursuant to this article. Such account shall set forth the date of the contribution or expenditure, its amount or value, the name and address of the person or committee making the contribution or to whom the expenditure was made, and the object or purpose of the contribution or expenditure. Such books and records may be destroyed or discarded at any time after (i) one year from the date of filing the final report required by § 24.2-950.9 or (ii) a period of three years, whichever first occurs, unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall order their retention for a longer period. B. All contributions and expenditures received or made by any political party committee, or received or made on its behalf or in relation to the committee by any person, except independent expenditures, shall be paid over or delivered to the political party committee's treasurer or shall be reported to the treasurer in such detail and form as to allow him to comply fully with this article. An independent expenditure shall be reported pursuant to § 24.2-945.2 in lieu of being reported to the political party committee's treasurer. C. It shall be unlawful for any political party committee, its treasurer, or any person receiving contributions or making expenditures on the committee's behalf or in relation to the committee, to fail to report every contribution and expenditure as required by this article. D. No political party committee treasurer or other individual shall pay any expense on behalf of the committee, directly or indirectly, except by a check or electronic debit drawn on such designated depository identifying the name of the political party committee. However, a treasurer or other authorized officer of the political party committee may be reimbursed, by a check or electronic debit drawn on the designated depository, for the payment of expenses (i) paid by him by cash, check or electronic debit, or credit card, (ii) made on behalf of the party committee, and (iii) fully documented by complete records of the expenditure, maintained as required by this chapter, and including receipts identifying the nature of the expenses and the names and addresses of each person paid by the recipient of the reimbursement. E. A treasurer of a political party committee (i) may establish a petty cash fund to be utilized for the purpose of making expenditures or reimbursing verified credit card expenditures of less than $200 if complete records of such expenditures are maintained as required by this chapter and (ii) may transfer funds from the designated campaign depository to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 349 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.4 Information to be included on campaign finance reports for political party committees

A. The reports required by this article shall be filed on a form prescribed by the State Board and shall include all financial activity of the political party committee. All completed forms shall be submitted in typed, printed, or legibly hand printed format or electronically as provided in § 24.2-946.1 . Persons submitting the forms shall do so subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 . B. The report of receipts shall include: 1. The total number of contributors, each of whom has contributed an aggregate of $100 or less, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the date of the report, and the total amount of contributions from all such contributors; 2. For each contributor who has contributed an aggregate of more than $100, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the ending date of the report, the political party committee shall itemize each contributor on the report and list the following information: a. the name of the contributor, listed alphabetically, b. the mailing address of the contributor, c. the amount of the contribution, d. the aggregate amount of contributions from the contributor to date, e. the date of the last contribution, f. the occupation of the contributor, g. the name of his employer or principal business, and h. the locality where employed or where his business is located. For each such contributor, other than an individual, the principal type of business and place of business of the contributor shall be substituted for subdivisions f and g, respectively. For each such contributor other than an individual, it shall be sufficient to list the address of the contributor one time on the report of receipts. C. Upon transfer of a designated contribution to a designated candidate's campaign committee, the committee shall provide information to the campaign committee to identify the contributor as provided by § 24.2-947.4 . D. The report of disbursements shall include all expenditures and give: 1. The name and address of the person paid; 2. A brief description of the purpose of the expenditure; 3. The name of the person contracting for or arranging the expenditure; 4. The amount of the expenditure; and 5. The date of the expenditure. The report of disbursements shall itemize any expenditure made by credit card payment. E. Each report for a political party committee shall list separately those receipts and expenditures reported to the treasurer or other officer of the committee by any person, campaign committee, or political committee pursuant to subsection B of § 24.2-950.3 , and in the case of in-kind contributions, shall set forth in each instance the source of the information reported. F. The report shall list separately all loans, and for each loan, shall give: 1. The date the loan was made; 2. The name and address of the person making the loan and any person who is a co-borrower, guarantor, or endorser of the loan; 3. The amount of the loan; 4. The date and amount of any repayment of the loan; and 5. For any loan or part of a loan that is forgiven by the lender, the amount forgiven listed as both a contribution and loan repayment. G. The State Board shall provide for a "no activity" report that may be filed for any reporting period in which the filer has no activity to report. H. It is the responsibility of the treasurer that the report for the political party committee be filed and that the report be in full and accurate detail. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, cc. 152 , 289 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.6 Filing schedule for political party committees

A. Political party committees shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports in accordance with the applicable provisions of this section. The first filed report shall be complete for the entire period from the time the committee was organized or contributions were received. B. The reporting requirements shall continue in effect for each committee until a final report is filed. C. Political party committees shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows: 1. Not later than April 15 complete from the preceding report through March 31; 2. Not later than July 15 complete from the preceding report through June 30; 3. Not later than October 15 complete from the preceding report through September 30; and 4. Not later than January 15 complete from the preceding report through December 31, and then continuing in accordance with this subsection until a final report is filed. 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-923; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-923; 1995, c. 785 ; 2002, cc. 156 , 237 ; 2003, c. 256 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2005, c. 9 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.7 Large dollar reporting requirement for political party committees

In addition to the quarterly reports required by § 24.2-950.6 , political party committees shall report any single contribution or loan of $10,000 or more received at any time during the calendar year within three business days of receipt of the contribution or loan. 1. The report shall be filed on a "large dollar contribution report" form prescribed by the State Board and shall be filed in writing or electronically in the same manner as the person or committee files its quarterly disclosure reports. 2. Any contribution or loan reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the next subsequent report required under § 24.2-950.6 following receipt of the contribution or loan. 3. For the purposes of this section, political party committees shall report as one contribution multiple contributions from a single source that have been subdivided into smaller amounts or given through different bank accounts for the purpose of evading the $10,000 threshold. A political party committee that receives contributions from affiliated organizations shall not be deemed to be receiving contributions from a single source. 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-923; 1991, cc. 9, 709; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-923; 1995, c. 785 ; 2002, cc. 156 , 237 ; 2003, c. 256 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2005, c. 9 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.8 With whom political party committees file reports

A. Except as provided in subsection B, a political party committee that is required by this chapter to file reports with the State Board, and that accepts contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $10,000 in any calendar year, or that accepted contributions or made expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the previous calendar year, shall file its reports with the State Board by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the State Board until such time as the political party committee files a final report. Any political party committee that has been filing electronically, but does not anticipate accepting contributions or making expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the upcoming calendar year, may sign a waiver, on a form prescribed by the State Board, to exempt the committee from the electronic filing requirement for the calendar year. Such waiver form shall be submitted and received no later than the date the first report is due covering activity for that calendar year. B. A county, city, or local district political party committee shall not be required to file by computer or electronic means if it files its reports with the general registrar of that county or city. C. Other political party committees required to file reports by this article shall file all campaign finance reports with the State Board, if filing by electronic means, or with the State Board and the general registrar for its jurisdiction if filing campaign finance reports by nonelectronic means. 1996, c. 687 , § 24.2-914.1; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1998, c. 416 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2003, c. 242 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-950.9 Final report requirement; transfer of surplus funds

A. Any political party committee that, after having filed a statement of organization, disbands or determines it will no longer receive contributions or make expenditures during the calendar year in an aggregate amount exceeding $200 shall so notify the State Board. A final report shall be filed by the committee that sets forth (i) all receipts and disbursements not previously reported, (ii) an accounting of the retirement of all debts, and (iii) the disposition of the committee's surplus funds. This final report shall include a termination statement, signed by the treasurer or other principal officer listed on the statement of organization, that all reporting for the committee is complete and final. B. Amounts received by a political party committee as contributions may be disposed of only by one or any combination of the following: (i) transferring the excess to an affiliated organization of the committee; (ii) returning the excess to a contributor in an amount not to exceed the contributor's original contribution; (iii) donating the excess to any organization described in § 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iv) contributing the excess to one or more candidates or to any political committee that has filed a statement of organization pursuant to this chapter; (v) contributing the excess to any political party committee; and (vi) defraying any ordinary, nonreimbursed expense related to the political party committee. It shall be unlawful for any person to convert any contributed moneys, securities, or like intangible personal property to his personal use or to the use of a member of the "immediate family," as that term is defined in § 30-101 , of the committee's treasurer or chief executive. 1990, c. 931, § 24.1-258.1; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-921; 2004, c. 457 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2009, c. 231 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951 Referendum committee election cycle; political advertisement requirements

A. The referendum committee's election cycle shall be deemed to begin on the date that the referendum committee first organizes for the referendum through December 31 immediately following the referendum. B. The provisions of Chapter 9.5 (§ 24.2-955 et seq.) shall not be applicable to referendum committees subject to the provisions of this article. 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.1 Statement of organization for a referendum committee

A. Any referendum committee subject to the provisions of this article shall file with the State Board a statement of organization within 10 days after its organization, or if later, within 10 days after the date on which it has information that causes the committee to anticipate it will receive contributions or make expenditures in excess of the pertinent amounts stated in the definition of referendum committee in § 24.2-945.1 . Any change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization shall be reported to the State Board within 10 days following the change. B. The statement of organization for a referendum committee shall include: 1. The name of the referendum committee and its address in the Commonwealth; 2. The names, addresses, and relationships of affiliated or connected organizations; 3. The area, scope, or jurisdiction of the committee; 4. The name and business address of the treasurer and his residence address in the Commonwealth who shall be deemed the agent of the referendum committee for the purpose of service of process on the referendum committee; 5. The name, business address, and position of the custodian of the books and accounts who works under the direction of the treasurer, and the address in the Commonwealth where the books are maintained; 6. The subject of the referendum, the date and location of the election, and a statement whether the committee is promoting or opposing the referendum question; 7. The designated depository to be used for the receipt and holding of funds and contributions received by the referendum committee, in an account in a financial institution within the Commonwealth; and 8. Such other information as shall be required by the State Board except that the account number for the designated depository account shall not be required. 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.2 Referendum committee treasurer requirements and responsibilities

A. The treasurer shall keep detailed and accurate accounts of all contributions turned over to and expenditures made by the referendum committee, the treasurer, or other officer on behalf of the referendum committee, or reported to the treasurer pursuant to this article. Such account shall set forth the date of the contribution or expenditure, its amount or value, the name and address of the person or committee making the contribution or to whom the expenditure was made, and the object or purpose of the contribution or expenditure. Such books and records may be destroyed or discarded at any time after (i) one year from the date of filing the final report required by § 24.2-951.9 or (ii) a period of three years, whichever first occurs, unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall order their retention for a longer period. B. All contributions and expenditures received or made by any referendum committee, or received or made on its behalf or in relation to the committee by any person, except independent expenditures, shall be paid over or delivered to the referendum committee's treasurer or shall be reported to the treasurer in such detail and form as to allow him to comply fully with this article. An independent expenditure shall be reported pursuant to § 24.2-945.2 in lieu of being reported to the referendum committee's treasurer. C. It shall be unlawful for any referendum committee, its treasurer, or any person receiving contributions or making expenditures on the committee's behalf or in relation to the committee, to fail to report every contribution and expenditure as required by this article. D. No referendum committee treasurer or other individual shall pay any expense on behalf of the committee, directly or indirectly, except by a check or electronic debit drawn on such designated depository identifying the name of the referendum committee. However, a treasurer or other authorized officer of the referendum committee may be reimbursed, by a check or electronic debit drawn on the designated depository, for the payment of expenses (i) paid by him by cash, check or electronic debit, or credit card, (ii) made on behalf of the committee, and (iii) fully documented by complete records of the expenditure, maintained as required by this chapter, and including receipts identifying the nature of the expenses and the names and addresses of each person paid by the recipient of the reimbursement. E. A treasurer of a referendum committee (i) may establish a petty cash fund to be utilized for the purpose of making expenditures or reimbursing verified credit card expenditures of less than $200 if complete records of such expenditures are maintained as required by this chapter and (ii) may transfer funds from the designated campaign depository to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account. 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 349 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.3 Information to be included on campaign finance reports for referendum committees

A. The reports required by this article shall be filed on a form prescribed by the State Board and shall include all financial activity of the referendum committee. All completed forms shall be submitted in typed, printed, or legibly hand printed format or electronically as provided in § 24.2-946.1 . Persons submitting the forms shall do so subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 . B. The report of receipts shall include: 1. The total number of contributors, each of whom has contributed an aggregate of $100 or less, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the date of the report, and the total amount of contributions from all such contributors; 2. For each contributor who has contributed an aggregate of more than $100, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the ending date of the report, the referendum committee shall itemize each contributor on the report and list the following information: a. the name of the contributor, listed alphabetically, b. the mailing address of the contributor, c. the amount of the contribution, d. the aggregate amount of contributions from the contributor to date, e. the date of the last contribution, f. the occupation of the contributor, g. the name of his employer or principal business, and h. the locality where employed or where his business is located. For each such contributor, other than an individual, the principal type of business and place of business of the contributor shall be substituted for subdivisions f and g, respectively. For each such contributor other than an individual, it shall be sufficient to list the address of the contributor one time on the report of receipts. C. The report of disbursements shall include all expenditures and give: 1. The name and address of the person paid; 2. A brief description of the purpose of the expenditure; 3. The name of the person contracting for or arranging the expenditure; 4. The amount of the expenditure; and 5. The date of the expenditure. The report of disbursements shall itemize any expenditure made by credit card payment. D. Each report for a referendum committee shall list separately those receipts and expenditures reported to the treasurer or other officer of the committee by any person, campaign committee, or political committee, pursuant to subsection B of § 24.2-951.2 and, in the case of in-kind contributions, shall set forth in each instance the source of the information reported. E. The report shall list separately all loans and, for each loan, shall give: 1. The date the loan was made; 2. The name and address of the person making the loan and any person who is a co-borrower, guarantor, or endorser of the loan; 3. The amount of the loan; 4. The date and amount of any repayment of the loan; and 5. For any loan or part of a loan that is forgiven by the lender, the amount forgiven listed as both a contribution and loan repayment. F. The State Board shall provide for a "no activity" report that may be filed for any reporting period in which the filer has no activity to report. G. It is the responsibility of the treasurer that the report for the referendum committee be filed and that the report be in full and accurate detail. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-258; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 247; 1972, c. 620; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 381; 1983, c. 119; 1990, c. 156; 1993, cc. 341, 641, § 24.2-914; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, c. 304 ; 2001, cc. 618 , 810 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2003, cc. 248 , 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.4 Filing schedule for referendum committees for referendums to be decided at November elections

A. A referendum committee supporting or opposing a question on the ballot in a November election shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows: 1. Not later than July 15 in any year in which the referendum is not on the ballot for the period January 1 through June 30; 2. Not later than January 15 in any year in which the referendum is not on the ballot for the period July 1 through December 31; 3. In an election year, not later than April 15 for the period January 1 through March 31 and pursuant to subdivisions 4 through 9 of this section; 4. Not later than the eighth day before the primary date complete through the thirteenth day before the primary date; 5. Not later than July 15 complete through June 30; 6. Not later than September 15 complete through August 31; 7. Not later than October 15 complete through September 30; 8. Not later than the eighth day before the November election date complete through the thirteenth day before the election date; 9. Not later than the thirtieth day after the November election date complete through the twenty-third day after the election date; and 10. Not later than January 15 following an election year complete through December 31. B. A referendum committee may either (i) file a final report within six months after the referendum is held or (ii) continue as a political action committee more than six months after the referendum is held, provided that the committee submits an amended statement of organization to the State Board redesignating the committee as a political action committee and complies with the requirements for political action committees in Article 4 of this chapter including the reporting schedule set forth in § 24.2-949.6 . 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.5 Filing schedule for referendum committees for referendums to be decided at May general elections

A. A referendum committee supporting or opposing a question on the ballot at a May election shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows: 1. Not later than the eighth day before the election date complete through the eleventh day before the election date; 2. Not later than June 15 of the election year complete through June 10; and 3. Not later than July 15 of the election year complete through June 30. B. A referendum committee may either (i) file a final report within six months after the referendum is held or (ii) continue as a political action committee more than six months after the referendum is held, provided that the committee submits an amended statement of organization to the State Board redesignating the committee as a political action committee and complies with the requirements for political action committees in Article 4 of this chapter including the reporting schedule set forth in § 24.2-949.6 . 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.6 Filing schedule for referendum committees for referendums to be decided at special elections

A. A referendum committee supporting or opposing a question on the ballot at a special election shall file the prescribed campaign finance reports as follows: 1. A report not later than the eighth day before the special election date complete through the eleventh day before that date; and 2. A postelection report no later than the thirtieth day after the election. B. A referendum committee may either (i) file a final report within six months after the referendum is held or (ii) continue as a political action committee more than six months after the referendum is held, provided that the committee submits an amended statement of organization to the State Board redesignating the committee as a political action committee and complies with the requirements for political action committees in Article 4 of this chapter including the reporting schedule set forth in § 24.2-949.6 . 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.7 Large dollar contribution reporting requirement for referendum committees

In addition to the reports required by §§ 24.2-951.4 , 24.2-951.5 and 24.2-951.6 , referendum committees shall report any single contribution or loan of $10,000 or more received at any time during the calendar year within three business days of receipt of the contribution or loan. 1. The report shall be filed on a "large dollar contribution report" form prescribed by the State Board and shall be filed in writing or electronically in the same manner as the person or committee files its quarterly disclosure reports. 2. Any contribution or loan reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the next subsequent report required under this article following receipt of the contribution or loan. 3. For the purposes of this section, referendum committees shall report as one contribution multiple contributions from a single source that have been subdivided into smaller amounts or given through different bank accounts for the purpose of evading the $10,000 threshold. 4. A referendum committee that receives contributions from affiliated organizations shall not be deemed to be receiving contributions from a single source. 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.8 With whom referendum committees file reports; electronic filing requirement

A. Referendum committees required to file statements or reports by this article shall file all reports with the State Board. B. A referendum committee that is required by this chapter to file reports with the State Board, and that accepts contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $10,000 in any calendar year, or that accepted contributions or made expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the previous calendar year, shall file its reports with the State Board by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the State Board until such time as the referendum committee files a final report or until subject to the provisions of subsection B of § 24.2-951.1 . C. Any referendum committee that has been filing electronically, but does not anticipate accepting contributions or making expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the upcoming calendar year, may sign a waiver, on a form prescribed by the State Board, to exempt the committee from the electronic filing requirement for the calendar year. Such waiver form shall be submitted and received no later than the date the first report is due covering activity for that calendar year. 1996, c. 687 , § 24.2-914.1; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1998, c. 416 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2003, cc. 242 , 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-951.9 Final report requirement; disbursement of surplus funds

A. Any referendum committee that disbands after having filed a statement of organization shall so notify the State Board. A final report shall be filed by the committee that sets forth (i) all receipts and disbursements not previously reported, (ii) an accounting of the retirement of all debts, and (iii) the disposition of the committee's surplus funds. This final report shall include a termination statement, signed by the treasurer or other principal officer listed on the statement of organization, that all reporting for the committee is complete and final. B. Amounts received by a referendum committee as contributions may be disposed of only by one or any combination of the following: (i) transferring the excess to an affiliated organization of the committee; (ii) returning the excess to a contributor in an amount not to exceed the contributor's original contribution; (iii) donating the excess to any organization described in § 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; (iv) contributing the excess to one or more candidates or to any political committee that has filed a statement of organization pursuant to this chapter; (v) contributing the excess to any political committee; and (vi) defraying any ordinary, nonreimbursed expense related to the referendum committee. It shall be unlawful for any person to convert any contributed moneys, securities, or like intangible personal property to his personal use or to the use of a member of the "immediate family," as that term is defined in § 30-101 , of the committee's treasurer or chief executive. 1990, c. 931, § 24.1-258.1; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-921; 2003, c. 257 , § 24.2-910.1; 2004, c. 457 ; 2005, c. 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2009, c. 231 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952 General provisions

Any inaugural committee shall maintain all inaugural funds in a separate account and in such detail and form as to allow full compliance with this chapter. A candidate's campaign committee shall not serve as an inaugural fund committee. 1991, cc. 474, 709, § 24.1-254.3; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-913; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952.1 Statement of organization for an inaugural committee

Each inaugural committee shall file with the State Board a statement of organization within 10 days after its organization. Any change in information previously submitted in a statement of organization shall be reported to the State Board within 10 days following the change. The statement of organization shall include: 1. The name of the committee and its address in the Commonwealth; 2. The name and business address of the treasurer and his residence address in the Commonwealth who shall be deemed the agent of the inaugural committee for the purpose of service of process on the inaugural committee; 3. The name, residence address in the Commonwealth, business address, and position of the custodian of the books and accounts who works under the direction of the treasurer and the address where the books are maintained, if different from the business address of the custodian of the books and accounts; 4. The name and residence address of the elected official for whose inauguration the committee is organized; 5. The designated depository to be used for the receipt and holding of funds and contributions received by the committee, in an account in a financial institution within the Commonwealth; and 6. Such other information as shall be required by the State Board except that the account number for the designated depository account shall not be required. 1991, cc. 474, 709, § 24.1-254.3; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-913; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952.2 Inaugural committee treasurer requirements and responsibilities

A. The treasurer shall keep detailed and accurate accounts of all contributions turned over to and expenditures made by the committee, the treasurer, or other officer on behalf of the inaugural committee, or reported to the treasurer pursuant to this article. Such account shall set forth the date of the contribution or expenditure, its amount or value, the name and address of the person or committee making the contribution or to whom the expenditure was made, and the object or purpose of the contribution or expenditure. Such books and records may be destroyed or discarded at any time after (i) one year from the date of filing the final report required by § 24.2-952.7 or (ii) a period of three years, whichever first occurs, unless a court of competent jurisdiction shall order their retention for a longer period. B. All contributions and expenditures received or made by any inaugural committee, or received or made on its behalf or in relation to the committee by any person, except independent expenditures, shall be paid over or delivered to the inaugural committee's treasurer or shall be reported to the treasurer in such detail and form as to allow him to comply fully with this article. An independent expenditure shall be reported pursuant to § 24.2-945.2 in lieu of being reported to the inaugural committee's treasurer. C. It shall be unlawful for any inaugural committee, its treasurer, or any person receiving contributions or making expenditures on the committee's behalf or in relation to the committee, to fail to report every contribution and expenditure as required by this article. D. No inaugural committee treasurer or other individual shall pay any expense on behalf of the committee, directly or indirectly, except by a check or electronic debit drawn on such designated depository identifying the name of the inaugural committee. However, a treasurer or other authorized officer of the inaugural committee may be reimbursed, by a check or electronic debit drawn on the designated depository, for the payment of expenses (i) paid by him by cash, check or electronic debit, or credit card, (ii) made on behalf of the committee, and (iii) fully documented by complete records of the expenditure, maintained as required by this article, and including receipts identifying the nature of the expenses and the names and addresses of each person paid by the recipient of the reimbursement. E. A treasurer of an inaugural committee (i) may establish a petty cash fund to be utilized for the purpose of making expenditures or reimbursing verified credit card expenditures of less than $200 if complete records of such expenditures are maintained as required by this chapter and (ii) may transfer funds from the designated campaign depository to an account or instrument to earn interest on the funds so long as the transferred funds and earned interest are returned to the designated depository account, complete records are maintained, and all expenditures are made through the designated depository account. 1991, cc. 474, 709, § 24.1-254.3; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-913; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2020, c. 349 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952.3 Information to be included on campaign finance reports for inaugural committees

A. The reports required by this article shall be filed on a form prescribed by the State Board and shall include all financial activity of the inaugural committee. All completed forms shall be submitted in typed, printed, or legibly hand printed format or electronically as provided in § 24.2-946.1 . Persons submitting the forms shall do so subject to felony penalties for making false statements pursuant to § 24.2-1016 . B. The report of receipts shall include: 1. The total number of contributors, each of whom has contributed an aggregate of $100 or less, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the date of the report, and the total amount of contributions from all such contributors; 2. For each contributor who has contributed an aggregate of more than $100, including cash and in-kind contributions, as of the ending date of the report, the campaign committee shall itemize each contributor on the report and list the following information: a. the name of the contributor, listed alphabetically, b. the mailing address of the contributor, c. the amount of the contribution, d. the aggregate amount of contributions from the contributor to date, e. the date of the last contribution, f. the occupation of the contributor, g. the name of his employer or principal business, and h. the locality where employed or where his business is located. For each such contributor, other than an individual, the principal type of business and place of business of the contributor shall be substituted for subdivisions f and g, respectively. For each such contributor other than an individual, it shall be sufficient to list the address of the contributor one time on the report of receipts. C. The report of disbursements shall include all expenditures and give: 1. The name and address of the person paid; 2. A brief description of the purpose of the expenditure; 3. The name of the person contracting for or arranging the expenditure; 4. The amount of the expenditure; and 5. The date of the expenditure. The report of disbursements shall itemize any expenditure made by credit card payment. D. Each report for an inaugural committee shall list separately those receipts and expenditures reported to the treasurer or other officer of the committee by any person, candidate campaign committee, political committee, pursuant to subsection B of § 24.2-952.2 , and in the case of in-kind contributions, shall set forth in each instance the source of the information reported. E. The report shall list separately all loans, and for each loan, shall give: 1. The date the loan was made; 2. The name and address of the person making the loan and any person who is a co-borrower, guarantor, or endorser of the loan; 3. The amount of the loan; 4. The date and amount of any repayment of the loan; and 5. For any loan or part of a loan that is forgiven by the lender, the amount forgiven listed as both a contribution and loan repayment. F. The State Board shall provide for a "no activity" report that may be filed for any reporting period in which the filer has no activity to report. G. It is the responsibility of the treasurer that the report for the inaugural committee be filed and that the report be in full and accurate detail. 1970, c. 462, § 24.1-258; 1971, Ex. Sess., c. 247; 1972, c. 620; 1975, c. 515; 1976, c. 616; 1978, c. 381; 1983, c. 119; 1990, c. 156; 1991, cc. 474, 709, § 24.1-254.3; 1993, cc. 341, 641, §§ 24.2-913, 24.2-914; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, c. 304 ; 2001, cc. 618 , 810 ; 2002, c. 468 ; 2003, c. 248 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952.4 Filing schedule for inaugural committees

An inaugural committee shall file the prescribed reports of contributions and expenditures as follows: 1. Not later than March 15 immediately following the inauguration for all contributions and expenditures made prior to the preceding March 1; 2. Not later than July 15 of the inauguration year complete through June 30; 3. Not later than the following January 15 complete through December 31; and 4. Not later than January 15 complete through December 31 and annually thereafter until a final report is filed. 1991, cc. 474, 709, §§ 24.1-254.3, 24.1-924; 1993, c. 641, §§ 24.2-913, 24.2-924; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952.5 Large dollar contribution reporting requirement for inaugural committees

In addition to the reports required by § 24.2-952.4 , inaugural committees shall report any single contribution or loan of $10,000 or more received at any time during the calendar year within three business days of receipt of the contribution or loan. 1. The report shall be filed on a "large dollar contribution report" form prescribed by the State Board and shall be filed in writing or electronically in the same manner as the committee files its quarterly disclosure reports. 2. Any contribution or loan reported pursuant to this section shall also be reported on the next subsequent report required under § 24.2-952.4 following receipt of the contribution or loan. 3. For the purposes of this section, inaugural committees shall report as one contribution multiple contributions from a single source that have been subdivided into smaller amounts or given through different bank accounts for the purpose of evading the $10,000 threshold. 4. An inaugural committee that receives contributions from affiliated organizations shall not be deemed to be receiving contributions from a single source. 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-923; 1991, cc. 9, 474, 709, § 24.1-254.3; 1993, cc. 639, 641, § 24.2-913, 24.2-923; 1995, c. 785 ; 2002, cc. 156 , 237 ; 2003, c. 256 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2005, c. 9 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952.6 With whom inaugural committees file reports; electronic filing requirement

A. Inaugural committees required to file reports by this chapter shall file all campaign finance reports with the State Board. B. An inaugural committee that is required by this chapter to file reports with the State Board, and that accepts contributions or makes expenditures in excess of $10,000 in any calendar year, or that accepted contributions or made expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the previous calendar year, shall file its reports with the State Board by computer or electronic means in accordance with the standards approved by the State Board until such time as the committee files a final report. C. Any inaugural committee that has been filing electronically, but does not anticipate accepting contributions or making expenditures in excess of $10,000 in the upcoming calendar year, may sign a waiver, on a form prescribed by the State Board, to exempt the committee from the electronic filing requirement for the calendar year. Such waiver form shall be submitted and received no later than the date the first report is due covering activity for that calendar year. 1984, c. 480, § 24.1-923; 1991, cc. 9, 474, 709, § 24.1-254.3; 1993, cc. 639, 641, §§ 24.2-913, 24.2-923; 1995, c. 785 ; 1996, c. 687 , § 24.2-914.1; 1997, cc. 364 , 392 ; 1998, c. 416 ; 1999, c. 864 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2002, cc. 156 , 237 ; 2003, cc. 242 , 256 ; 2004, c. 26 ; 2005, c. 9 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-952.7 Final report requirement; disbursement of surplus funds

A. Any inaugural committee that, after having filed a statement of organization, disbands shall so notify the State Board. A final report shall be filed by the committee that sets forth (i) all receipts and disbursements not previously reported, (ii) an accounting of the retirement of all debts, and (iii) the disposition of the committee's surplus funds. This final report shall include a termination statement, signed by the treasurer or other principal officer listed on the statement of organization, that all reporting for the committee is complete and final. B. It shall be unlawful for any person to disburse any funds or receipts of an inaugural committee which are in excess of the amount necessary to defray expenditures for inaugural activities other than by one or any combination of the following: (i) returning the excess to a contributor in an amount not to exceed the contributor's original contribution or (ii) making one or more charitable contributions as defined in § 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. It shall be unlawful for any person to convert any contributed moneys, securities, or like intangible personal property to his personal use or to the use of a member of the "immediate family," as that term is defined in § 30-101 , of the committee's treasurer or chief executive. 1990, c. 931, § 24.1-258.1; 1991, cc. 474, 709, §§ 24.1-924, 24.1-254.3; 1993, c. 641, §§ 24.2-913, 24.2-921, 24.2-925; 1994, c. 607 ; 2004, c. 457 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2007, c. 622 ; 2009, c. 231 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953 General provisions

A. The procedures to enforce the provisions of this article are found in § 24.2-946.3 . B. Either the failure to file any statement or report or the late filing of any statement or report required by this chapter shall constitute a violation of this chapter subject to the penalties provided in this article. C. Any person who violates, or aids, abets, or participates in the violation of, this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $100, unless a greater penalty is imposed by this article. D. In the case of a willful violation, the violator shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that the violation of this chapter was willful if the violation is based on a person's failure to file a report required by this chapter and his failure to file continues for more than 60 days following his actual receipt of written notice of his failure to file sent to him by certified mail, return receipt requested, by the State Board or a general registrar. Such notice shall be sent to the most recent mailing address provided by the candidate or committee. E. In the case of a failure to file a required statement or report by the specified deadline, the length of the delinquency shall be a factor in determining the amount of the civil penalty assessed. F. The statute of limitations applicable to a violation of this chapter is stated in § 19.2-8 . G. The requirements of this chapter for the filing of timely and complete statements and reports by any candidate campaign committee or political committee shall at all times remain in full force and effect and shall not be vacated, suspended, or modified as the result of any pending or completed criminal or civil investigation of the candidate campaign committee, the political committee, or any individual participant in the committee. 1975, c. 515, § 24.1-262; 1990, c. 976; 1991, c. 709; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-929; 1994, c. 752 ; 1995, c. 785 ; 2000, cc. 511 , 555 ; 2001, cc. 620 , 635 , 648 ; 2004, cc. 457 , 480 ; 2005, cc. 9 , 371 , 676 , 745 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2012, c. 298 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953.1 Failure to file the required reports

A. In the case of a failure to file the statement of organization for a candidate campaign committee or political committee required by this chapter, there shall be a civil penalty not to exceed $500. B. In the case of the failure to file a required report, the candidate campaign committee or political committee shall be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $500. In the case of the failure to file a report required pursuant to subsection D or E of § 24.2-949.6 , the political action committee shall be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $500. In the case of a second or any subsequent such violation pertaining to one election cycle, the candidate campaign committee or political committee shall be assessed a civil penalty of $1,000 for each such failure to file. C. In the case of a failure to file the report of any large pre-election contribution required by § 24.2-947.9 or 24.2-949.7:1 or a report required pursuant to subsection D or E of § 24.2-949.6 , there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the violation was willful. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2008, c. 547 ; 2010, c. 696 ; 2023, c. 764 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953.2 Late filing of required reports

A. In the case of the late filing of the statement of organization required by this chapter for a candidate campaign committee or political committee, there shall be a civil penalty not to exceed $500. B. In the case of a late filing of a required report, the candidate campaign committee or political committee shall be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $500. In the case of a second or any subsequent such violation pertaining to one election cycle, the candidate campaign committee or political committee shall be assessed a civil penalty of $1,000 for each such late filing. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953.3 Incomplete reports

A. In the case of a violation of this chapter that relates to the filing of an incomplete report, the violator shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500 unless a greater penalty is imposed pursuant to this section. However the civil penalty shall in no case exceed $500 unless the total of the filer's reportable contributions or the total of the filer's reportable expenditures is $10,000 or more. B. Prior to assessing a penalty pursuant to this section for the filing of an incomplete report, the Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar shall notify, by certified mail, the candidate and treasurer, or person or political committee required to file a report with that board, that a filed report has not been completed, citing the omissions from the report. No penalty shall be assessed if the information required to complete the report is filed within 10 days of the date of mailing the written notice. C. If the information required to complete the report is not filed within the 10-day period, the Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar shall then assess against the candidate and treasurer, who shall be jointly and severally liable, or person or political committee required to file a report, a civil penalty not to exceed $500. The Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar shall consider the following factors in determining the civil penalty assessed: the number of omissions, the amount of money involved, and the proportion of contributions or expenditures containing omissions. D. The Commissioner of Elections or the general registrar may grant an additional period for compliance, not to exceed two weeks, to permit the completion of a filed report for good cause shown and in response to a request filed within the 10-day period. However, no additional period shall be granted thereafter for compliance. E. The civil penalty assessed for filing an incomplete report shall be increased by $500 every 60 days following the date for compliance established pursuant to this section and until compliance is complete. If the failure to comply continues for more than 120 days following the date for compliances established pursuant to this section, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the violation was willful, and the matter shall be forwarded to the appropriate attorney for the Commonwealth. F. The civil penalty assessed for filing any subsequent incomplete report (i) that is filed more than 20 days after notice has been given of a violation or (ii) that is filed during the 60 days prior to the elections for which the person is a candidate shall be $1,000. G. The State Board shall notify the public through its official Internet website of a failure to file a complete report by a candidate for statewide office or the General Assembly and the identity of the violator following the date for compliance established pursuant to this section. 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2013, c. 542 ; 2015, cc. 644 , 645 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953.4 Additional civil penalties for late and incomplete filings for statewide campaigns

A. In addition to the penalties provided in §§ 24.2-953.1 , 24.2-953.2 , and 24.2-953.3 , any candidate for statewide office, and his campaign treasurer, who fails to file any report required in Article 3 (§ 24.2-947 et seq.) in a timely manner or files an incomplete report may be assessed a civil penalty by the Commissioner of Elections pursuant to this section. B. Prior to assessing a penalty pursuant to this section, the Commissioner shall notify, within 14 days of the deadline for the required report, the candidate and treasurer in writing that a report has not been filed or that a filed report has not been completed, citing the omissions from the report. No penalty shall be assessed pursuant to this section if the report or information required to complete the report is filed within seven days of the date of mailing the written notice. C. If the report or information required to complete the report is not filed within the seven-day period, the Commissioner shall assess against the candidate and treasurer, who shall be jointly and severally liable, a civil penalty of $500 for each day that the violation continues on and after the eighth day following the date of mailing the written notice. The Commissioner may grant an additional period for compliance, not to exceed two weeks, for good cause shown and in response to a request filed within the seven-day period. However, no additional period shall be granted for compliance with the requirement under subdivision A 8 of § 24.2-947.6 to file a report not later than the eighth day before the election. The State Board shall notify the public through its official Internet website of the violation and identity of the violator. D. If requested by the Commissioner, the attorney for the Commonwealth of the City of Richmond shall assist the Commissioner in collecting the civil penalty. E. Any candidate or treasurer aggrieved by the assessment pursuant to this section shall have a right to the direct review of the assessment by a court of competent jurisdiction as provided in the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.). The provisions of the Act shall not apply, however, to the assessment of civil penalties by the Commissioner pursuant to this section. F. Civil penalties collected pursuant to this section shall be payable to the State Treasurer for deposit to the general fund. 1991, c. 548, § 24.1-263.1; 1993, c. 641, § 24.2-930; 2001, c. 620 ; 2005, c. 371 ; 2006, cc. 787 , 892 ; 2013, c. 542 .

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953.5 Additional penalties related to federal political action or out-of-state political committees

A. Acceptance of contributions of $10,000 or more in the aggregate in any calendar year from an unregistered federal political action committee or out-of-state political committee shall result in a civil penalty equal to the amount of the contributions made to a candidate campaign committee or political committee. B. The provisions of this subsection are applicable regardless of the assessment of a civil penalty pursuant to subsection A. The failure of any federal political action committee or out-of-state political committee to comply with the provisions of § 24.2-949.2 , 24.2-949.10 , 24.2-949.11 , or 24.2-949.12 shall result in a civil penalty not to exceed the amount of the contribution made to a candidate campaign committee or political committee. C. The State Board of Elections shall institute proceedings pursuant to § 24.2-104 against any committee that fails to comply with the provisions of § 24.2-947.3:1 , 24.2-949.2 , 24.2-949.10 , 24.2-949.11 , 24.2-949.12 , or 24.2-949.13 and, after notice by the State Board, continues for more than five days to remain noncompliant. 2006, cc. 771 , 805 , § 24.2-930.1.

Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-953.6 Appeal of penalties

A. Any person or committee shall have the right to appeal a civil penalty assessed to it pursuant to this chapter by filing a petition of appeal with the State Board, on a form prescribed by the State Board, within the 60 days following its actual receipt of written notice of such penalty. The petition shall state the grounds upon which the appeal is being made in addition to any additional information required by the State Board. B. The appeal shall be adjudicated by the State Board in a public hearing. The State Board shall develop procedures for the conduct of such hearing. At least 10 days prior to such hearing, the State Board shall send notice by certified mail to any person whose petitions of appeal will be reviewed at such hearing. Notice shall include the time, date, and place of the hearing. Consideration on appeal shall be limited to whether the petition and any supporting documents submitted by the petitioner establish (i) facts of circumstances present within a reasonable amount of time of the filing deadline that made filing or requesting an extension impracticable or (ii) an administrative error in the assessment of the penalty. C. The State Board shall be authorized to provide relief for good cause shown by the petitioner and found by the Board sufficient to justify the relief requested. Such relief may include forgiveness of all or a portion of an assessed civil penalty, the retroactive extension of a deadline, or other appropriate remedy. Such relief shall not include an exemption from filing a report that is otherwise required to be filed pursuant to this chapter. D. For each appeal that it hears, the State Board shall issue a written opinion, which shall include the facts put before the State Board, the State Board's decision, and the State Board's rationale for reaching such decision. The State Board's opinion shall be published on the Department of Elections website and a copy of the opinion shall be mailed to the petitioner as notice of the State Board's decision not later than 21 days after the conclusion of the appeal hearing. The decision on appeal shall be final and not subject to further appeal. E. The time for notifying an attorney for the Commonwealth of a violation of this chapter pursuant to subsection F of § 24.2-946.3 shall be tolled from the time the State Board receives a petition of appeal until notification to the petitioner by the State Board of its decision on such petition. 2025, c. 360 .
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title24.2/chapter9.3/Fetched: 10/16/2026

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