Authority: Title 2.2, Chapter 2, § 2.2-208 Code of Virginia.
A. The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized to make allocations of the portion of the tax-exempt private activity bond limitation amount to be allocated annually to the Commonwealth of Virginia pursuant to the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (PL 107-16)(Section 142(k)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended) for the development of education facilities using public-private partnerships, and to provide for carryovers of any unused limitation amount. In making such allocations, the Secretary is directed to give priority to public-private partnership proposals that will serve as demonstration projects concerning the leveraging of private sector contributions and resources, the achievement of economies or efficiencies associated with private sector innovation, and other benefits that are or may be derived from public-private partnerships in contrast to more traditional approaches to public school construction and renovation. The Secretary is directed to report annually not later than August 31 to the Chairs of the Senate Finance and Appropriations and House Appropriations Committees regarding any guidelines implemented and any allocations made pursuant to this paragraph.
B. For the funds identified for reallocation in each of the higher education institutions' educational and general programs, each respective institution shall report the amounts and the specific purposes for which they were used in its six-year academic plans finalized in the fall of 2024 and the fall of 2025.
C. The Offices of the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Finance shall evaluate the feasibility and determine the initial and ongoing fiscal impact of converting the Virginia Museum of Transportation into a state agency or authority and develop a plan for the conversion if determined to be financially feasible and beneficial to the Commonwealth. The Secretary may consult representatives from the Virginia Museum of Transportation, the City of Roanoke, the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, and any other appropriate stakeholders. The Offices of the Secretary of Education and Secretary of Finance shall report the findings to the Chairs of the House Appropriations and the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committees by November 1, 20242025.
D. 1. The Secretary of Education shall review the need to establish a campus police department versus maintaining a campus security department for the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB). Such review shall consider: (i) the differences in operating a police department versus a security department to ensure the safety of the students and staff on campus; (ii) the estimated costs, if a campus police department is established, of adding employees to the Virginia Law Officers' Retirement System (VaLORS), as well as Line of Duty Act (LODA) premiums and the costs to the Virginia Retirement System for implementation costs; and (iii) consideration of partnerships with localities or other state entities to support the safety needs of VSDB. As part of the review, VSDB shall submit to the Secretary and the Department of Planning and Budget, an itemized list of current and past employees that would be eligible for VaLORS and LODA payments if a campus police department is authorized. The Secretary shall complete this work by August 15, 2025, and issue a letter with recommendations to VSDB and the Chairs of the Senate Finance and Appropriations and House Appropriations Committees. Any recommendations from this review shall be submitted by VSDB in its annual request for funding through the Department of Planning and Budget.
2. Out of this appropriation, $75,000 the first year from the general fund is provided for security needs for VSDB. The Director, Department of Planning and Budget, shall unallot this funding until such time that legislation takes effect related to campus safety at VSDB. Funds shall not revert to the general fund and shall remain available in the next fiscal year.