VA HB780

Grants governing boards of Virginia's public higher education institutions authority to hire or retain their own legal counsel, removing the previous requirement to use the Attorney General's office for legal services.

Requires each institution's governing board to appoint a general counsel as chief legal officer who reports solely to the board and chief executive officer, with authority to manage outside legal services.

Allows institutions with fewer than 7,500 full-time students to delegate legal authority back to the Attorney General, with notice required by January 1, 2027, or subsequent odd-numbered years.

Mandates Attorney General approval for legal settlements exceeding $5 million and agreements with the U.S. Department of Education or Department of Justice.

Restructures the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) membership so that of 12 nonlegislative members, four are appointed by the Governor, four by the Senate Committee on Rules, and four by the House Committee on Rules.