Bill > HB1262

This bill amends the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to require anyone advertising immigration assistance services to clearly state that they are neither a licensed attorney in Virginia nor accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice to represent individuals before federal immigration authorities. Willful failure to include this notice will result in civil penalties, with a first violation costing between $5,000 and $10,000, and subsequent violations incurring a higher penalty of $10,000 to $15,000. Furthermore, if such an entity practices law without authorization or advertises fraudulently, they face an additional civil penalty of $18,000 to $20,000 per violation, on top of any existing criminal penalties. The bill also grants the Attorney General the power to issue civil investigative demands to enforce these provisions and seek injunctions, restitution, and legal expenses.

Business and Industry, Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1262