Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Minutes of the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, 1974-2005. Accession 51800, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Transferred on 13 May 2016 from JLARC, 201 N. 9th St., General Assembly Building, 11th floor, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Processing Information

This collection has been processed using minimal processing standards. The original arrangement has been maintained, the container list is brief and simple, and the records have not been refoldered and fasteners have not been removed.

Biographical Information

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is responsible for legislative oversight and government accountability. The Commission studies and makes recommendations regarding program and agency savings, helps to improve agency efficiency and effectiveness, works to maintain an informed citizenry and legislature, and oversees agency compliance with legislative intent. The work of the Commission ensures that funds appropriated by the Virginia General Assembly are used effectively and efficiently by State and local agencies.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission was created in 1973 and became operational in early 1974. The Commission is composed of nine members of the House of Delegates and five members of the Senate. At least five of the Delegates also serve on the House Appropriations Committee, and two of the Senators also serve on the Senate Finance Committee. Delegates are appointed by the Speaker of the House, and Senators by the Senate Rules Committee. The Chair is elected by a majority of Commission members and usually rotates every two years between the House and Senate. The Auditor of Public Accounts is a nonvoting, ex officio member. The Commission has a full-time staff led by a Director who is appointed by the Commission and confirmed by the General Assembly for a six-year term of office.

A fundamental change in evaluation authority occurred in 1977 with enactment of the Legislative Program Review and Evaluation Act. This act provided for a more systematic process of legislative oversight through a better defined topic selection process and direct involvement of General Assembly standing committees. (The JLARC authority is outlined in Title 30, Chapters 7 and 8 of the Code of Virginia).

Scope and Content

Minutes and related attachments, 1974-2005, documenting the meetings, activities, discussions, policy decisions and recommendations of the Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission [JLARC]. Includes minutes, as well as agendas, correspondence, reports, studies and work plans.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged chronologically.