GOVERNOR
Vol. 28 Iss. 24 - July 30, 2012

GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 47 (2012)

The Governor's Advisory Board on Volunteering and National and Community Service

Importance of the Issue

Community and national service are vital to the fabric of American democracy. Volunteerism and service are critical aspects of our civic life. It is appropriate that the state and federal governments work together to develop a focal point for these efforts.

Mindful of the importance of community and national service, and by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to Section 2.2-134 of the Code of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor's Advisory Board on Volunteering and National and Community Service.

The Board is classified as a gubernatorial advisory board in accordance with Section 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia.

The Board shall be established to comply with the provisions of the National and Community Services Trust Act of 1993 and to advise the Governor and Cabinet Secretaries on matters related to promotion and development of national service in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Board shall have the following specific duties:

1. To advise the Governor, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, Natural Resources, the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, and other appropriate officials, on national and community service programs in Virginia and on fulfilling the responsibilities and duties prescribed by the federal Corporation for National Service.

2. To advise the Governor, the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources, Education, Natural Resources, the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, and other appropriate officials, on the development, implementation, and evaluation of Virginia's Unified State Plan that outlines strategies for supporting and expanding national and community service throughout the Commonwealth.

3. To promote the importance of AmeriCorps programs in meeting Virginia's most pressing human, educational, environmental, and public safety needs.

4. To collaborate with the Department of Social Services and other public and private entities to recognize and call attention to the significant community service contributions of Virginia citizens and organizations.

5. To promote volunteer and community service within the Commonwealth.

6. To work with the Department of Social Services on promoting the involvement of faith based organizations in community and national service efforts.

The Board shall be comprised of no more than twenty voting members appointed by the Governor and serving at his pleasure. No more than 25 percent of voting members may be state employees.

The Governor may appoint additional persons at his discretion as ex-officio non-voting members. The voting members of the Board shall elect the Chairman. Board voting membership shall include representatives for the categories as outlined in federal regulations issued by the Corporation for National Service.

Such staff support as is necessary to support the Board's work during the term of its existence shall be furnished by the Department of Social Services and any other executive branch agencies having definitely and closely related purposes, as the Governor may designate. An estimated 300 hours of staff time will be required to support the work of the Board.

Funding necessary to support the Board shall be provided from federal funds, private contributions, and state funds appropriated for the same purposes of the Board, authorized by Section 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia. Direct costs for this Board are estimated at no more than $15,000. Members of the Board shall serve without compensation and shall receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the discharge of their official duties.

The Board shall meet at least quarterly upon the call of the Chairperson. The Board shall make an annual report to the Governor and shall issue such other reports and recommendations as it deems necessary or as requested by the Governor.

This Executive Order shall be effective June 30, 3012 and shall remain in force and effect until June 30, 2013, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 29th day of June, 2012.

/s/ Robert F. McDonnell
Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 48 (2012)

Continuing the Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-Entry Council

Importance of the Issue

Section 2.2-221.1 of the Code of Virginia directs the Secretary of Public Safety to "establish an integrated system for coordinating the planning and provision of offender transitional and reentry services among state, local, and non-profit agencies in order to prepare offenders for successful transition into their communities upon release from incarceration." This code section also requires the Secretary to ensure that a system is in place for "improving opportunities for treatment, employment, and housing while individuals are on subsequent probation, parole, or post-release supervision."

Each year, approximately over 13,000 adult and 500 juvenile offenders are projected to be released from incarceration. The Commonwealth of Virginia seeks to improve public safety by fostering a successful transition of these offenders into their communities; and by reducing the rates at which they return to prison. In order to reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and reduce the number of crime victims, consistent with Virginia Code § 53.1-32.2, we must ensure that offenders released from incarceration have been adequately prepared to return to their communities. This preparation includes equipping offenders to find employment; providing educational opportunities; ensuring treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues; and assisting offenders re-integrate into a stable home environment. Successful integration of offenders requires collaboration, coordination, and partnership among state and local agencies, community supervision agencies, service providers, faith-based organizations, law enforcement agencies, courts, communities, and family members.

In 2010, I issued Executive Order 11, thereby establishing the Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-Entry Council. The Council's primary role was to develop collaborative re-entry strategies and to tie together re-entry initiative across state agencies, local agencies and community organizations. Through its work, the Council helped establish four year re-entry strategies for the Virginia Department of Corrections and the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. It issued over 60 recommendations to strengthen public safety, reduce recidivism, and improve collaboration among local and state agencies working on this important initiative. As a result of this important work of the Council, localities, state agencies, faith-based and community organizations, and other important stakeholders continue to aggressively move forward in their efforts to assist adult and juvenile offenders return to their communities better prepared to handle many of the challenges and barriers they face upon return from incarceration. Virginia has set forth an aggressive agenda on this initiative and continues to strive to be model for other states.

Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor, under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including but not limited to Section 2.2-134 of the Code of Virginia, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby reconstitute the Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-entry Council. The Virginia Prisoner and Juvenile Offender Re-entry Council (the Council) shall be chaired by the Secretary of Public Safety or her designee and comprised of the following Executive Branch representatives or their designees:

•  Secretary of Commerce and Trade

•  Secretary of Education

•  Secretary of Health and Human Resources

•  Secretary of Transportation

•  Senior Economic Advisor to the Governor

•  Commonwealth's Attorneys' Services Council

• Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

•  Department of Corrections

•  Department of Criminal Justice Services

•  Department of Education

•  Department of Health

•  Department of Housing and Community Development

•  Department of Juvenile Justice

•  Department of Medical Assistance Services

•  Department of Planning and Budget

•  Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

•  Department of Rehabilitative Services

•  Department of Social Services

•  Department of Veterans Services

•  Virginia Employment Commission

•  Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

•  Virginia Parole Board

The Governor may appoint additional members as he deems appropriate. The Secretary of Public Safety shall invite additional participation by the Attorney General of Virginia, General Assembly, Supreme Court, Virginia Sheriffs Association, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, faith-based organizations, and Community Advocacy Groups. All Executive Branch agencies of the Commonwealth shall participate in activities of the Council upon request. Support staff will be provided by the Office of the Secretary of Public Safety, Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Office of the Secretary of Education, and other agencies as the Secretary of Public Safety may designate.

The Council shall have the following functions:

•  Receive and review reports from appropriate agencies and partners relevant to ongoing Council recommendations.

•  Upon identification, develop, implement and enhance procedures to overcome barriers to implementations of recommendations.

• Encourage ongoing collaboration and partnership among local agencies, community-based social services providers, community organizations, faith-based organizations, as well as other stakeholders, in promoting and enhancing successful re-entry policies and programs to successfully promote and support the Council's recommendations. Submit a status report of actions taken to improve offender transitional and re-entry services to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees no later than November 15 of each year.

•  Meet at the call of the Secretary of Public Safety or her designee and as provided in procedures adopted by the Council.

Necessary funding to support the Commission and its staff shall be provided from federal funds, private contributions, and state funds appropriated for the same purposes as the Advisory Board, as authorized by Section 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia , as well as any other private sources of funding that may be identified. Estimated direct costs for this Commission are $1,000.00 per year and estimated staff time is 100 hours.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order rescinds and supersedes Executive Order 11 (2010) issued on May 11, 2010. This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until one year from its singing, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 29th day of June, 2012.

/s/ Robert F. McDonnell
Governor

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 49 (2012)

Declaration of a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth of Virginia Due to a Severe Storm Event throughout the Commonwealth

Importance of the Issue

On June 30, 2012 I verbally declared a state of emergency to exist for the Commonwealth of Virginia based on a line of severe thunderstorms with winds surpassing 80 mph impacting the Commonwealth during the evening of June 29 and continuing into June 30, 2012. These series of storms caused loss of life, damage to personal property and significant power outages.

The health and general welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth require that state action be taken to help alleviate the conditions caused by this situation. The effects of this storm constitute a disaster wherein human life and public and private property are imperiled, as described in § 44-146.16 of the Code of Virginia.

Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by § 44-146.17 of the Code of Virginia , as Governor and as Director of Emergency Management, and by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article V, Section 7 of the Constitution of Virginia and by § 44-75.1 of the Code of Virginia , as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the Commonwealth, and subject always to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby confirm, ratify, and memorialize in writing my verbal orders issued this date, whereby I proclaim that a state of emergency exists and I direct that appropriate assistance be rendered by agencies of both state and local governments to prepare for potential impacts of the storm, to alleviate any conditions resulting from significant storm events and to implement recovery and mitigation operations and activities so as to return impacted areas to pre - event conditions in so far as possible. Pursuant to § 44-75.1 A 3 and A 4 of the Code of Virginia , I also directed that a maximum of 300 members of the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Defense Force be called forth to state duty to be prepared to respond to assist in providing such aid. This shall include Virginia National Guard assistance to the Virginia State Police to direct traffic, prevent looting, and perform such other law enforcement functions as the Superintendent of State Police, in consultation with the State Coordinator of Emergency Management, the Adjutant General, and the Secretary of Public Safety, may find necessary.

In order to marshal all public resources and appropriate preparedness, response and recovery measures to meet this potential threat and recover from its effects, and in accordance with my authority contained in § 44-146.17 of the Emergency Services and Disaster Laws, I hereby order the following protective and restoration measures:

A. The implementation by agencies of the state and local governments of the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan, as amended, along with other appropriate state agency plans.

B. The activation of the Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC) and the Virginia Emergency Response Team (VERT) to coordinate the provision of assistance to local governments. I am directing that the VEOC and VERT coordinate state actions in support of potential affected localities, other mission assignments to agencies designated in the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan (COVEOP) and others that may be identified by the State Coordinator of Emergency Management, in consultation with the Secretary of Public Safety, which are needed to provide for the preservation of life, protection of property, and implementation of recovery activities.

C. The authorization to assume control over the Commonwealth's state-operated telecommunications systems, as required by the State Coordinator of Emergency Management, in coordination with the Virginia Information Technology Agency, and with the consultation of the Secretary of Public Safety, making all systems assets available for use in providing adequate communications, intelligence and warning capabilities for the event, pursuant to § 44-146.18 of the Code of Virginia.

D. The evacuation of areas threatened or stricken by effects of the storm. Following a declaration of a local emergency pursuant to § 44-146.21 of the Code of Virginia , if a local governing body determines that evacuation is deemed necessary for the preservation of life or other emergency mitigation, response or recovery, pursuant to § 44-146.17 (1) of the Code of Virginia , I direct the evacuation of all or part of the populace therein from such areas and upon such timetable as the local governing body, in coordination with the Virginia Emergency Operations Center (VEOC), acting on behalf of the State Coordinator of Emergency Management, shall determine. Notwithstanding the foregoing, I reserve the right to direct and compel evacuation from the same and different areas and determine a different timetable both where local governing bodies have made such a determination and where local governing bodies have not made such a determination. Also, in those localities that have declared a local emergency pursuant to § 44-146.21 of the Code of Virginia, if the local governing body determines that controlling movement of persons is deemed necessary for the preservation of life, public safety, or other emergency mitigation, response, or recovery, pursuant to § 44-146.17(1) of the Code of Virginia, I authorize the control of ingress and egress at an emergency area, including the movement of persons within the area and the occupancy of premises therein upon such timetable as the local governing body, in coordination with the State Coordinator of Emergency Management and the VEOC shall determine. Violations of these orders to citizens shall constitute a violation of this Executive Order and are punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

E. The activation, implementation and coordination of appropriate mutual aid agreements and compacts, including the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), and the authorization of the State Coordinator of Emergency Management to enter into any other supplemental agreements, pursuant to § 44-146.17(5) and § 44-146.28:1 of the Code of Virginia, to provide for the evacuation and reception of injured and other persons and the exchange of medical, fire, police, National Guard personnel and equipment, public utility, reconnaissance, welfare, transportation and communications personnel, and equipment and supplies. The State Coordinator of Emergency Management is hereby designated as Virginia's authorized representative within the meaning of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, § 44-146.28:1 of the Code of Virginia.

F. The authorization of the Departments of State Police, Transportation and Motor Vehicles to grant temporary overweight, over width, registration, or license exemptions to all carriers transporting essential emergency relief supplies, conducting essential emergency response operations, or providing restoration of utilities (electricity, gas, phone, water, wastewater, and cable) in and through any area of the Commonwealth in order to support the disaster response and recovery, regardless of their point of origin or destination. Such exemptions shall not be valid on posted structures for restricted weight.

The axle and gross weights shown below are the maximum allowed, unless otherwise posted.

Single Unit (3 Axles)

60,000 Pounds

Tractor - Semitrailer (4 Axles)

70,000 Pounds

Tractor - Semitrailer (5 Axles)

90,000 Pounds

Tractor - Twin Trailers (5 Axles)

90,000 Pounds

Tractor-Semitrailer (6 or more Axles)

100,000 Pounds

G. All over width loads, up to a maximum of 12 feet, and over height loads up to a maximum of 14 feet must follow Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hauling permit and safety guidelines.

In addition to the described over weight/over width transportation privileges, carriers are also exempt from registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles. This includes the vehicles in route and returning to their home base. The above - cited agencies shall communicate this information to all staff responsible for permit issuance and truck legalization enforcement.

Authorization of the State Coordinator of Emergency Management to grant limited exemption of hours worked by any carrier when transporting passengers, property, equipment, food, fuel, construction materials and other critical supplies to or from any portion of the Commonwealth for purpose of providing direct relief or assistance as a result of this disaster, pursuant to § 52-8.4 of the Code of Virginia and Title 49 of Federal Regulations, Section 390.23 and Section 395.3.

The foregoing over weight/over width transportation privileges as well as the regulatory exemption provided by § 52-8.4.A of the Code of Virginia, and implemented in 19VAC30-20-40 B of the "Motor Carrier Safety Regulations," shall remain in effect for 30 days from the onset of the disaster, or until emergency relief is no longer necessary, as determined by the Secretary of Public Safety in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, whichever is earlier.

H. The discontinuance of provisions authorized in paragraph F above may be implemented and disseminated by publication of administrative notice to all affected and interested parties by the authority I hereby delegate to the Secretary of Public Safety, after consultation with other affected Cabinet - level Secretaries.

I. The authorization of a maximum of $100,000 for matching funds for the Individuals and Household Program, authorized by The Stafford Act (when presidentially authorized), to be paid from state funds.

J. The implementation by public agencies under my supervision and control of their emergency assignments as directed in the COVEOP without regard to normal procedures pertaining to performance of public work, entering into contracts, incurring of obligations, or other logistical and support measures of the Emergency Services and Disaster Laws, as provided in § 44-146.28 (b) of the Code of Virginia. Section 44-146.24 of the Code of Virginia also applies to the disaster activities of state agencies.

K. The authorization of a maximum of $350,000 in state sum sufficient funds for State and local governments mission assignments authorized and coordinated through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management that are allowable as defined by The Stafford Act for gubernatorial and presidentially authorized events.

L. Designation of members and personnel of volunteer, auxiliary and reserve groups including search and rescue (SAR), Virginia Associations of Volunteer Rescue Squads (VAVRS), Civil Air Patrol (CAP), member organizations of the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES), volunteer fire fighters, Citizen Corps Programs such as Medical Reserve Corps (MRCs) and Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERTS), and others identified and tasked by the State Coordinator of Emergency Management for specific disaster related mission assignments as representatives of the Commonwealth engaged in emergency services activities within the meaning of the immunity provisions of § 44-146.23 (a) and (f) of the Code of Virginia, in the performance of their specific disaster-related mission assignments.

M. The authorization of appropriate oversight boards, commissions and agencies to ease building code restrictions, and to permit emergency demolition, hazardous waste disposal, debris removal, emergency landfill sitting and operations and other activities necessary to address immediate health and safety needs without regard to time - consuming procedures or formalities and without regard to application or permit fees or royalties.

N. The activation of the statutory provisions in Section 59.1-525 et seq. of the Code of Virginia related to price gouging. Price gouging at any time is unacceptable. Price gouging is even more reprehensible after a natural disaster. I have directed all applicable executive branch agencies to take immediate action to address any verified reports of price gouging of necessary goods or services. I make the same request of the Office of the Attorney General and appropriate local officials.

O. The following conditions apply to the deployment of the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Defense Force:

1. The Adjutant General of Virginia, after consultation with the State Coordinator of Emergency Management, shall make available on state active duty such units and members of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force and such equipment as may be necessary or desirable to assist in preparations and in alleviating the human suffering and damage to property.

2. Pursuant to § 52-6 of the Code of Virginia, I authorize the Superintendent of State Police to appoint any and all such Virginia Army and Air National Guard personnel called to state active duty as additional police officers as deemed necessary. These police officers shall have the same powers and perform the same duties as the State Police officers appointed by the Superintendent. However, they shall nevertheless remain members of the Virginia National Guard, subject to military command as members of the State Militia. Any bonds and/or insurance required by § 52-7 of the Code of Virginia shall be provided for them at the expense of the Commonwealth.

3. In all instances, members of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force shall remain subject to military command as prescribed by § 44-78.1 of the Code of Virginia and not subject to the civilian authorities of county or municipal governments. This shall not be deemed to prohibit working in close cooperation with members of the Virginia Departments of State Police or Emergency Management or local law enforcement or emergency management authorities or receiving guidance from them in the performance of their duties.

4. Should service under this Executive Order result in the injury or death of any member of the Virginia National Guard, the following will be provided to the member and the member's dependents or survivors:

a. Workers Compensation benefits provided to members of the National Guard by the Virginia Workers Compensation Act, subject to the requirements and limitations thereof; and, in addition,

b. The same benefits, or their equivalent, for injury, disability and/or death, as would be provided by the federal government if the member were serving on federal active duty at the time of the injury or death. Any such federal-type benefits due to a member and his or her dependents or survivors during any calendar month shall be reduced by any payments due under the Virginia Workers Compensation Act during the same month. If and when the time period for payment of Workers Compensation benefits has elapsed, the member and his or her dependents or survivors shall thereafter receive full federal-type benefits for as long as they would have received such benefits if the member had been serving on federal active duty at the time of injury or death. Any federal-type benefits due shall be computed on the basis of military pay grade E-5 or the member's military grade at the time of injury or death, whichever produces the greater benefit amount. Pursuant to § 44-14 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to the availability of future appropriations which may be lawfully applied to this purpose, I now approve of future expenditures out of appropriations to the Department of Military Affairs for such federal-type benefits as being manifestly for the benefit of the military service.

5. The following conditions apply to service by the Virginia Defense Force:

a. Compensation shall be at a daily rate that is equivalent of base pay only for a National Guard Unit Training Assembly, commensurate with the grade and years of service of the member, not to exceed 20 years of service;

b. Lodging and meals shall be provided by the Adjutant General or reimbursed at standard state per diem rates;

c. All privately owned equipment, including, but not limited to, vehicles, boats, and aircraft, will be reimbursed for expense of fuel. Damage or loss of said equipment will be reimbursed, minus reimbursement from personal insurance, if said equipment was authorized for use by the Adjutant General in accordance with § 44-54.12 of the Code of Virginia; and

d. In the event of death or injury, benefits shall be provided in accordance with the Virginia Workers Compensation Act, subject to the requirements and limitations thereof.

Upon my approval, the costs incurred by state agencies and other agents in performing mission assignments through the VEOC of the Commonwealth as defined herein and in § 44-146.28 of the Code of Virginia, other than costs defined in the paragraphs above pertaining to the Virginia National Guard and the Virginia Defense Force, in performing these missions shall be paid from state funds.

Effective Date of this Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective retroactively to June 30, 2012 and shall remain in full force and effect until June 30, 2013 unless sooner amended or rescinded by further executive order. Termination of the Executive Order is not intended to terminate any federal-type benefits granted or to be granted due to injury or death as a result of service under this Executive Order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this Third day of July, 2012.

/s/ Robert F. McDonnell
Governor