Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 9.1 a section numbered 9.1-116.9 as follows:

§9.1-116.9. Establishment of Task Force on Fentanyl and Heroin Enforcement.

A. There is hereby created the Task Force on Fentanyl and Heroin Enforcement (the Task Force), which shall consist of (i) two members of the House of Delegates appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; (ii) two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; (iii) the Attorney General, or his designee; (iv) the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, or his designee; (v) the Director of the Department, or his designee; (vi) the Superintendent of State Police, or his designee; (vii) a representative of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police; (viii) a representative of the Virginia Sheriffs' Association; and (ix) an attorney for the Commonwealth representing the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys. The Task Force shall annually elect a chairman from among its members.

B. The purpose of the Task Force is to study ways to enhance the ability of law-enforcement officers throughout the Commonwealth to combat the illegal manufacturing, importation, and distribution of fentanyl, heroin, and other similar controlled substances.

C. The Task Force shall meet at least annually and upon call of the chairman and shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1 of each year regarding its activities and any recommendations.