VA SB1118

Requires that hearing officers presiding over motor vehicle franchise dealer disputes have at least five years of experience in administrative hearings in the Commonwealth, be active members of the Virginia State Bar, and have telephone and email capability

Establishes discovery rules for the hearing process, allowing parties to obtain documents and materials pursuant to Rules 4:9 and 4:9A of the Supreme Court of Virginia and to exchange expert reports meeting Rule 4:1 standards

Hearing officers are selected from a list prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Supreme Court of Virginia within 60 days of a hearing request, using a rotation system

Allows the Commissioner to assess civil penalties up to $1,000 per day against parties that fail to comply with hearing decisions by the designated compliance date

Directs the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles to report to the Chairmen of the House and Senate Committees on Transportation by December 1, 2015, and December 1, 2016, on the feasibility of hiring hearing officers as contemplated under the amended statute