Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-50).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-501 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendment updates the "List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia" offered by the department to the 2018 version.

4VAC15-20-50. Definitions; "wild animal," "native animal," "naturalized animal," "nonnative (exotic) animal," and "domestic animal."

A. In accordance with § 29.1-100 of the Code of Virginia, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them by this section when used in regulations of the board:

"Native animal" means those species and subspecies of animals naturally occurring in Virginia, as included in the department's 2014 2018 "List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia," with copies available in the Richmond and regional offices of the department.

"Naturalized animal" means those species and subspecies of animals not originally native to Virginia that have established wild, self-sustaining populations, as included in the department's 2014 2018 "List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia," with copies available in the Richmond and regional offices of the department.

"Nonnative (exotic) animal" means those species and subspecies of animals not naturally occurring in Virginia, excluding domestic and naturalized species.

The following animals are defined as domestic animals:

Domestic dog (Canis familiaris), including wolf hybrids.

Domestic cat (Felis catus), including hybrids with wild felines.

Domestic horse (Equus caballus), including hybrids with Equus asinus.

Domestic ass, burro, and donkey (Equus asinus).

Domestic cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus).

Domestic sheep (Ovis aries) including hybrids with wild sheep.

Domestic goat (Capra hircus).

Domestic swine (Sus scrofa), including pot-bellied pig and excluding any swine that are wild or for which no claim of ownership can be made.

Llama (Lama glama).

Alpaca (Lama pacos).

Camels (Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius).

Domesticated races of hamsters (Mesocricetus spp.).

Domesticated races of mink (Mustela vison) where adults are heavier than 1.15 kilograms or their coat color can be distinguished from wild mink.

Domesticated races of guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Domesticated races of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).

Domesticated races of chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger).

Domesticated races of rats (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus).

Domesticated races of mice (Mus musculus).

Domesticated breeds of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. and any lineage resulting from crossbreeding recognized breeds. A list of recognized rabbit breeds is available on the department's website.

Domesticated races of chickens (Gallus).

Domesticated races of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

Domesticated races of ducks and geese distinguishable morphologically from wild birds.

Feral pigeons (Columba domestica and Columba livia) and domesticated races of pigeons.

Domesticated races of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris).

Domesticated races of peafowl (Pavo cristatus).

"Wild animal" means any member of the animal kingdom, except domestic animals, including without limitation any native, naturalized, or nonnative (exotic) mammal, fish, bird, amphibian, reptile, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod or other invertebrate, and includes any hybrid of them, except as otherwise specified in regulations of the board, or part, product, egg, or offspring of them, or the dead body or parts of them.

B. Exception for red foxes and European rabbits. Domesticated red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) having coat colors distinguishable from wild red foxes and wild European rabbits possessed in captivity on July 1, 2017, may be maintained in captivity until the animal dies, but the animal may not be bred or sold without a permit from the department. Persons possessing domesticated red foxes or European rabbits without a permit from the department must declare such possession in writing to the department by January 1, 2018. This written declaration must include the number of individual animals in possession and date acquired, sex, estimated age, coloration, and a photograph of each fox or European rabbit. This written declaration shall (i) serve as a permit for possession only, (ii) is not transferable, and (iii) must be renewed every five years.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (4VAC15-20)

List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia, March 2012, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia, 2018, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

Federal Endangered and Threatened Animal Species as of August 4, 2016

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-190).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments (i) add waters with the special trout fishing provisions described in 4VAC14-330-160 to the category "designated stocked trout waters" so that a trout license is required to fish in such waters and (ii) correct cross references for fee fishing waters and urban fishing waters.

4VAC15-20-190. Definitions; "designated stocked trout waters."

When used in regulations of the board, "designated stocked trout waters" will include those waters that are stocked with harvestable-sized trout and are listed by the director in the annual Trout Stocking Plan. These waters will only be considered designated stocked trout waters from October 1 through June 15, both dates inclusive, except for fee fishing waters covered by 4VAC15-320-10 et seq. 4VAC15-320-120, waters covered by 4VAC15-330-160, and urban fishing waters covered by 4VAC15-330-20 et seq 4VAC15-330-200. Designated stocked trout waters are either posted by the department with appropriate "stocked trout waters" signs or are posted as fee fishing areas under 4VAC15-320-10 et seq. 4VAC15-320-120 or waters under 4VAC15-330-160.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-320. Fish: Fishing Generally (amending 4VAC15-320-25).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367‑8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments (i) remove the size limit on spotted and largemouth bass and increase the size limit for smallmouth bass for Claytor Lake; (ii) impose a 20-inch minimum size limit for smallmouth bass and a one fish per day creel limit for trophy smallmouth bass in the Levisa Fork River in Buchanan County; (iii) change the minimum length limit from October 1 to May 31 for striped bass for Buggs Island (Kerr) Reservoir, Staunton River to Leesville Dam, and Dan River to Union Street Dam to 20 inches; (iv) for September 16 through June 30, set the minimum size limit at 20 inches and the creel limit as two fish per day and for July 1 through September 15 remove the size limit and set the creel limit to four fish per day for striped bass for Claytor Lake and its tributaries; (v) set a 14-inch minimum length limit and a 10 fish per day creel limit for white bass for Buggs Island (Kerr) Reservoir, Staunton River to Leesville Dam, and Dan River to Union Street Dam; (vi) establish a nine-inch minimum length limit for crappie for Buggs Island (Kerr), Briery Creek, and Sandy River Reservoirs; (vii) revise the current creel limit for rock bass to be 25 per day in aggregate with Roanoke bass, revise the current creel limit for Roanoke bass to be 25 per day in aggregate with rock bass, and add the Blackwater River in Franklin County, Falling River, and Smith River to the rivers and tributaries where the daily limit is five rock bass and Roanoke bass in aggregate and the minimum length limit is eight inches; (viii) limit blue catfish greater than 32 inches harvested from Lake Gaston to one per day; and (ix) modify American shad creel and length limits to adhere to The Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Shad, which prohibits harvest of American shad in states where there is currently no sustainable management plan implemented.

4VAC15-320-25. Creel and length limits.

The creel limits (including live possession) and the length limits for the various species of fish shall be as follows, unless otherwise excepted by posted rules at department-owned or department-controlled waters (see 4VAC15-320-100 D).

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-320. Fish: Fishing Generally (amending 4VAC15-320-50).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments prohibit the use of any species of fish as bait in Virginia's candy darter streams of the New River drainage, including Big Stony Creek in Giles County, Dismal Creek in Bland and Giles Counties, Laurel Creek in Bland County, and Cripple Creek in Smyth and Wythe Counties, to prevent the introduction of nonnative fish species in those streams.

4VAC15-320-50. Fish used as bait prohibited in certain waters.

It shall be unlawful to use any species of fish as bait in the waters and tributaries of Lick Creek in Smyth and Bland counties, Bear Creek in Smyth County, and Laurel Creek in Tazewell and Bland counties, Big Stony Creek in Giles County, Dismal Creek in Bland and Giles Counties, Laurel Creek in Bland County, and Cripple Creek in Smyth and Wythe Counties.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-320. Fish: Fishing Generally (repealing 4VAC15-320-140).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments repeal the requirement for a permit to conduct a striped bass tournament to relieve an administrative burden from both the public and the department since tournament frequency is low enough that concerns of overfishing fisheries or of overcrowding public ramps are not an issue and data from these tournaments are no longer being collected by the department.

4VAC15-320-140. Permits required for striped bass fishing rodeos; etc. (Repealed.)

No person shall organize, conduct, supervise, or solicit entries for striped bass fishing tournaments, rodeos, or other striped bass fishing events on the inland waters of this Commonwealth, for which prizes are offered, awarded, or accepted, either in money or other valuable considerations, without having applied for and obtained a permit from the department to do so. Exercising a due regard for the distribution, local abundance, economic value, breeding habits, and natural growth potential of striped bass in the affected public water, the director is authorized on behalf of the board to issue or deny permits pursuant to this section, and to establish such special rules for each tournament as may be deemed necessary, after consulting with the state fish biologist and with the approval of the board's fish committee as designated from time to time by the chairman. Failure to comply with all special rules and other provisions of any permit issued pursuant to this section may be deemed grounds for denying the permittee a permit for a similar event to be held within three years from the date of such failure of compliance.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-330. Fish: Trout Fishing (amending 4VAC15-330-10).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments provide for closures to designated stocked trout waters to adult anglers for youth trout fishing events sponsored by the department, including (i) how a closure shall be posted, (ii) when a closure will begin the day preceding an event, and (iii) that a closure will last until the conclusion of an event.

4VAC15-330-10. Season; general open season.

Except as otherwise specifically provided in the sections appearing in this chapter, there shall be a year-round season for taking trout. However, angling in designated stocked trout waters shall only be permitted from 5 a.m. until one hour after sunset, except for waters designated by the director as Trout Heritage Waters and listed in the annual trout stocking plan (as referenced in 4VAC15-20-190). Trout Heritage Waters will be closed to fishing on the Friday prior to the first Saturday in April and will reopen to fishing at 9 a.m. on the first Saturday in April. Youth fishing events that are sponsored by the department and held on designated stocked trout waters shall be posted on site with a closure to adults (anglers older than 15 years of age) from noon the day before the event until the conclusion of the youth event. Any person older than 15 years of age and accompanying a youth who is incapable of hooking and landing a fish unassisted shall be properly licensed to fish in designated stocked trout waters.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-330. Fish: Trout Fishing (amending 4VAC15-330-150).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments require that trout fishing in Wolf Creek, within the Abingdon Muster Grounds in the Town of Abingdon from Colonial Road downstream to Stone Mill Road, and Beaver Creek, within the boundaries of Sugar Hollow Park in the City of Bristol, be catch and release using single hook artificial lures only.

4VAC15-330-150. Special provision applicable to Stewarts Creek Trout Management Area; certain portions of the Dan, Rapidan, South Fork Holston and Staunton rivers, the Brumley Creek, East Fork of Chestnut Creek, Little Stony Creek, Little Tumbling Creek, Big Tumbling Creek, North Creek, Roaring Fork, Spring Run, Stony Creek, Venrick Run, South River, and their tributaries trout fishing using artificial lures with single hook.

It shall be lawful year around to fish for trout using only artificial lures with single hooks within:

1. The Stewarts Creek Trout Management Area in Carroll County.

2. The Rapidan and Staunton rivers and their tributaries upstream from a sign at the Lower Shenandoah National Park boundary in Madison County.

3. The Dan River and its tributaries between the Townes Dam and the Pinnacles Hydroelectric Project powerhouse in Patrick County.

4. The East Fork of Chestnut Creek (Farmers Creek) and its tributaries upstream from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson and Carroll Counties.

5. Roaring Fork and its tributaries upstream from the southwest boundary of Beartown Wilderness Area in Tazewell County.

6. That section of the South Fork Holston River and its tributaries from the concrete dam at Buller Fish Culture Station downstream to the lower boundary of the Buller Fish Culture Station in Smyth County.

7. North Creek and its tributaries upstream from a sign at the George Washington National Forest North Creek Campground in Botetourt County.

8. Spring Run from it confluence with Cowpasture River upstream to a posted sign at the discharge for Coursey Springs Hatchery in Bath County.

9. Venrick Run and its tributaries within the Big Survey Wildlife Management Area and Town of Wytheville property in Wythe County.

10. Brumley Creek and its tributaries from the Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area boundary upstream to the Hidden Valley Lake Dam in Washington County.

11. Stony Creek (Mountain Fork) and its tributaries within the Jefferson National Forest in Wise and Scott Counties from the outlet of High Knob Lake downstream to the confluence of Chimney Rock Fork and Stony Creek.

12. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries within the Jefferson National Forest in Scott County from the Falls of Little Stony Creek downstream to a posted sign at the Hanging Rock Recreation Area.

13. Little Tumbling Creek and its tributaries within the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Smyth and Tazewell Counties downstream to the concrete bridge.

14. Effective January 1, 2018, Big Tumbling Creek and its tributaries within the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Smyth County from a sign starting at the foot of the mountain and extending upstream seasonally from October 1 until five days prior to the first Saturday in April.

15. South River in the City of Waynesboro from the Arch Avenue Bridge downstream 2.2 miles to the Second Street Bridge.

16. Wolf Creek and its tributaries within the Abingdon Muster Grounds in the Town of Abingdon from Colonial Road downstream to Stone Mill Road.

17. Beaver Creek and its tributaries within the boundaries of Sugar Hollow Park in the City of Bristol.

All trout caught in these waters must be immediately returned to the water. No trout or bait may be in possession at any time in these areas.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-340. Fish: Seines and Nets (amending 4VAC15-340-60).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments clarify that the use of cast nets for taking bait fish in the Roanoke and Dan Rivers in Campbell, Charlotte, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties and in the City of Danville is not prohibited.

4VAC15-340-60. Seines, traps, and nets prohibited in certain areas.

A. It shall be unlawful to use seines and nets of any kind for the taking of fish from the public waters of the Roanoke (Staunton) and Dan Rivers in Campbell, Charlotte, Halifax, and Pittsylvania Counties, and in the City of Danville; provided, however, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of hand-landing nets for the landing of fish legally hooked or the taking of fish from these waters pursuant to the provisions of 4VAC15-360. In addition, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of cast nets, also known as throw nets, for the taking of bait fish.

B. In Lick Creek and tributaries in Smyth and Bland Counties, in Bear Creek and Hungry Mother Creek above Hungry Mother Lake in Smyth County, and in Laurel Creek and tributaries upstream of Highway 16 bridge in Tazewell and Bland Counties, in Susong Branch and Mumpower Creek in Washington County and the City of Bristol, and in Timbertree Branch in Scott County, it shall be unlawful to use seines, nets, or traps; provided, however, this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of hand-landing nets for the landing of fish legally hooked.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-350. Fish: Gigs, Grab Hooks, Trotlines, Snares, etc. (amending 4VAC15-350-70).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments add goldfish to the list of fish that can be taken using bow and arrow or crossbow.

4VAC15-350-70. Taking common carp, grass carp, northern snakehead, bowfin, catfish, and gar of fish with bow and arrow or crossbow.

A. Season. Except as otherwise provided by local legislation or as posted, it shall be lawful to take common carp, northern snakehead, goldfish, and gar from the public inland waters of the Commonwealth, grass carp from public inland waters of the Commonwealth except department-owned or department-controlled lakes, and bowfin and catfish from below the fall line in tidal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay, except waters stocked with trout, by means of bow and arrow or crossbow.

B. Poison arrows or explosive-head arrows prohibited. It shall be unlawful to use poison arrows or arrows with explosive heads at any time for the purpose of taking common carp, grass carp, northern snakehead, bowfin, catfish, goldfish, or gar in the public inland waters of the Commonwealth.

C. Fishing license required. All persons taking fish in the manner mentioned described in this section shall be required to have a regular fishing license.

D. Creel limits. Common The creel limits for common carp, grass carp, northern snakehead, goldfish, and catfish – shall be unlimited, provided that any angler taking northern snakehead immediately kill such fish and notify the department, as soon as practicable, of such actions and provided that any angler taking grass carp ensure that harvested fish are dead. The creel limit for bowfin and longnose gar shall be five fish per day.

Title of Regulation: 8VAC20-131. Regulations Establishing Standards for Accrediting Public Schools in Virginia (amending 8VAC20-131-110, 8VAC20-131-430).

Statutory Authority: §§ 22.1-16 and 22.1-253.13 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Dates: May 9, 2018, through November 8, 2019.

Agency Contact: Dr. Cynthia Cave, Assistant Superintendent, Policy and Communications, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218-2120, telephone (804) 225-2092, FAX (804) 225-2524, or email cynthia.cave@doe.virginia.gov.

Preamble:

Section 2.2-4011 A of the Code of Virginia states that regulations that an agency finds are necessitated by an emergency situation may be adopted upon consultation with the Attorney General, which approval shall be granted only after the agency has submitted a request stating in writing the nature of the emergency, and the necessity for such action shall be at the sole discretion of the Governor.

The emergency action amends graduation requirements, specifically the availability of locally awarded verified credits in English and mathematics. Under the current requirements in place for students entering ninth grade on or after 2018-2019, locally awarded verified credits provide students the opportunity to receive a verified credit in a course that they have passed but failed the related end-of-course Standards of Learning test twice within a narrow margin. To receive a locally awarded verified credit, the student must take the test twice, score between 375 and 399 on one of the attempts, and demonstrate achievement and mastery in the academic content through a local appeal process.

The emergency action proposes amendments to allow students who entered the ninth grade prior to the 2018-2019 school year to be eligible for locally awarded verified credits in English and mathematics as well as students entering the ninth grade on or after the 2018-2019 school year. Currently, these students may receive locally awarded verified credits in only science and history and social science.

The emergency action amends the Standards of Accreditation as they are currently effective for the current school year and as they will be effective starting the 2018-2019 school year, providing parity among these high school cohorts.

8VAC20-131-110. Standard and verified units of credit. (effective until the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year)

A. The standard unit of credit for graduation shall be based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction and successful completion of the requirements of the course. When credit is awarded in less than whole units, the increment awarded must be no greater than the fractional part of the 140 hours of instruction provided. If a school division elects to award credit on a basis other than the 140 clock hours of instruction required for a standard unit of credit defined in this subsection, the local school division shall provide the Board of Education with satisfactory proof, based on board guidelines, that the students for whom the 140-clock-hour requirement is waived have learned the content and skills included in the relevant Standards of Learning. In addition, the local school division shall develop a written policy approved by the superintendent and school board that ensures:

1. That the content of the course for which credit is awarded is comparable to 140 clock hours of instruction; and

2. That upon completion, the student will have met the aims and objectives of the course.

B. A verified unit of credit for graduation shall be based on a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction, successful completion of the requirements of the course, and the achievement by the student of a passing score on the end-of-course SOL test for that course or additional tests as described in this subsection. A student may also earn a verified unit of credit by the following methods:

1. In accordance with the provisions of the Standards of Quality, students may earn a standard and verified unit of credit for any elective course in which the core academic SOL course content has been integrated and the student passes the related end-of-course SOL test. Such course and test combinations must be approved by the Board of Education.

2. Upon waiver of the 140-clock-hour requirement according to Board of Education guidelines, qualified students who have received a standard unit of credit will be permitted to sit for the relevant SOL test to earn a verified credit without having to meet the 140-clock-hour requirement.

3. Students who do not pass Standards of Learning tests in English, mathematics, science or history and social science may receive locally awarded verified credits from the local school board in accordance with criteria established in guidelines adopted by the Board of Education.

C. The Board of Education may from time to time approve additional tests for the purpose of awarding verified credit. Such additional tests, which enable students to earn verified units of credit, must, at a minimum, meet the following criteria:

1. The test must be standardized and graded independently of the school or school division in which the test is given;

2. The test must be knowledge based;

3. The test must be administered on a multistate or international basis, or administered as part of another state's accountability assessment program; and

4. To be counted in a specific academic area, the test must measure content that incorporates or exceeds the SOL content in the course for which verified credit is given.

The Board of Education will set the score that must be achieved to earn a verified unit of credit on the additional test options.

D. With such funds as are appropriated by the General Assembly, the Board of Education will provide opportunities for students who meet criteria adopted by the board to have an expedited retake of a SOL test to earn verified credit.

8VAC20-131-110. Standard and verified units of credit. (effective on and after the beginning of the 2018-2019 academic year)

A. A "standard unit of credit" or "standard credit" is a credit awarded for a course in which the student successfully completes 140 clock hours of instruction and the requirements of the course. A school division may waive the requirement that a student receive 140 clock hours of instruction to earn a standard credit, effective with students enrolled in the 2015-2016 school year, as prescribed in the Standards of Quality and board guidelines. When credit is awarded in less than whole units, the increment awarded must be no greater than the fractional part of the 140 hours of instruction provided. If a school division elects to award credit on a basis other than the 140 clock hours of instruction required for a standard unit of credit defined in this subsection, the local school division shall provide the board with satisfactory proof, based on board guidelines, that the students for whom the 140-clock-hour requirement is waived have learned the content and skills included in the relevant Standards of Learning. In addition, the local school division shall develop a written policy approved by the superintendent and school board that ensures:

1. That the content of the course for which credit is awarded is comparable to 140 clock hours of instruction; and

2. That upon completion, the aims and objectives of the course have been met.

B. A "verified unit of credit" or "verified credit" is a credit awarded for a course in which a student earns a standard unit of credit and completes one of the following:

1. Achieves a passing score on a corresponding end-of-course SOL test. In accordance with the provisions of the Standards of Quality, students may earn a standard and verified unit of credit for any elective course in which the core academic Standards of Learning course content has been integrated and the student passes the related end-of-course SOL test. Such course and test combinations must be approved by the board.

Upon waiver of the 140-clock-hour requirement according to board guidelines, qualified students who have received a standard unit of credit shall be permitted to sit for the relevant SOL test to earn a verified credit without having to meet the 140-clock-hour requirement.

2. Achieves a passing score on an additional test, as defined in 8VAC20-131-5, as a part of the Virginia Assessment Program.

3. Meets the criteria for the receipt of a locally awarded verified credit when the student has not passed a corresponding SOL test.

a. Students who enter the ninth grade for the first time prior to the 2018-2019 school year and do not pass SOL tests in English, mathematics, science, or history and social science may receive locally awarded verified credits from the local school board in accordance with criteria established in guidelines adopted by the board. Credit accommodations for students with disabilities may be used to confer locally awarded verified credits as provided in 8VAC20-131-50 B 3.

b. Students who enter the ninth grade for the first time in the 2018-2019 school year or thereafter and do not pass SOL tests in English, mathematics, laboratory science, or history and social science may receive locally awarded verified credits from the local school board in accordance with criteria established in guidelines adopted by the board. No more than one locally awarded verified credit may be used to satisfy graduation requirements, except as provided in 8VAC20-131-51 B 3 for students with disabilities seeking a standard diploma.

4. Meets the criteria for the receipt of a verified credit in history and social science by demonstrating mastery of the content of the associated course on an authentic performance assessment that complies with guidelines adopted by the board. Such students shall not also be required to take the corresponding SOL test in history and social science.

5. Meets the criteria for the receipt of a verified credit in English (writing) by demonstrating mastery of the content of the associated course on an authentic performance assessment, that complies with guidelines adopted by the board. Such students shall not also be required to take the corresponding SOL test in English (writing).

C. The board may from time to time approve additional tests for the purpose of awarding verified credit. Such additional tests, which enable students to earn verified units of credit, must, at a minimum, meet the following criteria:

1. The test must be standardized and graded independently of the school or school division in which the test is given;

2. The test must be knowledge based;

3. The test must be administered on a statewide, multistate, or international basis, or administered as part of another state's accountability assessment program; and

4. To be counted in a specific academic area, the test must measure content that incorporates or exceeds the Standards of Learning content in the course for which verified credit is given.

The board shall set the score that must be achieved to earn a verified unit of credit on the additional test options.

D. With such funds as are appropriated by the General Assembly, the board shall provide opportunities for students who meet criteria adopted by the board to have an expedited retake of a SOL test to earn verified credit.

8VAC20-131-430. Effective dates.

A. Graduation requirements.

1. The graduation requirements for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in the 2013–2014 school year and prior to the 2018–2019 school year shall be those provided in 8VAC20-131-50.

2. The graduation requirements for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in the 2018-2019 school year and beyond shall be those provided in 8VAC20-131-51.

3. The graduation requirements applicable to students transferring into a Virginia high school for the first time shall be as determined by 8VAC20-131-60 G.

B. Locally awarded verified credits.

1. Locally awarded verified credits conferred for English, mathematics, laboratory science, and history and social science for students entering the ninth grade for the first time prior to the 2018–2019 school year shall be as provided in 8VAC20-131-110 B 3 a.

2. Locally awarded verified credits conferred for English, mathematics, laboratory science, and history and social science for students entering the ninth grade for the first time in 2018–2019 or thereafter shall be as provided in 8VAC20-131-110 B 3 b.

C. Academic and career planning.

1. The requirements for academic and career planning prescribed in 8VAC20-131-140 B shall be effective beginning with the 2013–2014 academic year and through the 2017–2018 academic year.

2. The requirements for Academic and Career Plans prescribed in 8VAC20-131-140 C shall be effective beginning with the 2018–2019 academic year.

D. The application of the college, career, and civic readiness index as a school quality indicator used for accreditation shall be made no later than the 2021–2022 school year.

E. Unless otherwise specified, the remainder of this chapter shall become effective beginning with the 2018–2019 academic year.

Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-110. Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permit for Domestic Sewage Discharges of Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day.

Contact Information: Elleanore Daub, Department of Environmental Quality, 1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400, Richmond, VA 23219, email elleanore.daub@deq.virginia.gov.

FORMS (9VAC25-110)

VPDES Change of Ownership Agreement Form (eff. 7/2010)

Combined Application - Virginia Department of Health Discharging System Application for Single Family Dwellings Discharging Sewage Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day and State Water Control Board Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit Registration Statement for Domestic Sewage Discharges Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day (eff. 9/2011)

Combined Application - Virginia Department of Health Discharging System Application for Single Family Dwellings Discharging Sewage Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day and State Water Control Board Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit Registration Statement for Domestic Sewage Discharges Less Than or Equal to 1,000 Gallons per Day (eff. 4/2014)