The Commissioner may enter into agreements with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (42 Stat. 159), as amended. The Commissioner may act as trustee of the bonds or other security filed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and in such capacity the Commissioner may: (i) settle, allow or reject claims arising against the bonds or other security; (ii) rely on the investigative reports and recommendations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and (iii) use the administrative powers and processes of this article to settle claims. The Commissioner may institute and prosecute suits or actions in the name of the Commonwealth on behalf of claimants known and approved by the Commissioner in any appropriate court. The Commissioner may appeal a decision of any court that is contrary to any distribution recommended or authorized by him.
1976, c. 44, § 3.1-699.1; 1985, c. 354; 2008, c. 860.