Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions

Preferred Citation

Minutes of the Virginia House of Delegates, [cite specific accession and date used]. State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Accession 35166 transferred prior to 1905; accessioned 1997 Oct 22.

Accession 35167 transferred c. 1937; accessioned 1997 Oct 22.

Accession 35168 transferred c. 1950; accessioned 1997 Oct 22.

Accession 25579 transferred 1962 June 8.

Accession 35169 transferred c. 1960; accessioned 1997 Oct 22.

Accession 27646 transferred 1971 Oct 20.

Accession 28146 transferred 1973 Nov 27.

Accession 37566 transferred 2000 Aug 15.

Historical Information

The House of Delegates' predecessor, the House of Burgesses, was modeled after the House of Commons, in Parliament. The House of Burgesses existed from 1643 to 1776. The first session of the General Assembly, which took place in 1776, established the first constitution and made the House of Delegates the most powerful branch in state government. It was not until the constitution of 1851 was adopted that a more equitable balance among the branches of government was established. In the General Assembly, members of the House of Delegates and the Senate vote on legislation entered during the legislative session. Legislative bills can originate either in the House of Delegates or in the Senate, with both chambers having the ability to establish study committees. Each serves as a check upon the other to ensure a thorough debate on the merits of each bill.

Scope and Content

These minute books document the daily recording of House of Delegates proceedings. They include order of business; bills and resolutions introduced or acted upon; notations of correspondence, reports, and petitions read; ballots counted; appointments; and additional summaries of legislative action. The library has minute books for 1776-1860, 1900-1973 and 1975-1977. Volumes are also referred to as Order books.