{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/30-28.16.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/30-28.16.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/30-28.16.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/30-28.16.html"}],"law_id":358667,"edition_id":2,"section_id":358667,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.16","catch_line":"Duties of Division and of Director","history":"1966, c. 676; 1973, c. 322; 1977, c. 672; 1979, c. 311; 1980, cc. 687, 723; 1984, c. 202; 1989, c. 412; 1990, c. 485; 2006, c. 662; 2008, c. 677; 2011, c. 765.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Division shall:\n\n1\n\nEstablish a reference library which develops and maintains a library collection to support the work of the Division and the General Assembly and which provides general and specific reference services to members of the General Assembly;\n\n2\n\nKeep on file copies of all bills, resolutions, amendments thereto, reports of committees and other documents printed by order of either house of the General Assembly;\n\n3\n\nAccumulate data and statistics regarding the practical operation and effect of statutes of this and other states;\n\n4\n\nCarry out such research projects as shall be assigned to it by the Committees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate;\n\n5\n\nFurnish upon written request of any person a copy of any charter of a city or town of the Commonwealth at the charge prevailing from time to time for reproducing same;\n\n6\n\nCarry out research and obtain and analyze information for members of the General Assembly and its committees; and\n\n7\n\nProvide an annual report to the General Assembly, indexed according to standing committee jurisdiction, on the status of all reports, actions, or data collection that is required by legislation enacted by the General Assembly or otherwise requested by the General Assembly of agencies and collegial bodies of state government. The report for the most recently completed calendar year shall be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor as soon as practicable after the first day of the next regular session and may be provided through the legislative electronic information system.\n\nB\n\nUpon the request of the Governor, any member of the General Assembly, any Governor’s Secretary, or the head of any legislative, judicial or independent agency, the Division shall:\n\n1\n\nDraft or aid in drafting legislative bills or resolutions and amendments thereto;\n\n2\n\nAdvise as to the constitutionality or probable legal effect of proposed legislation;\n\n3\n\nPrepare summaries of existing laws affected by proposed legislation, compilations of laws in other states or countries relating to the subject matter of such legislation, and statements of the operation and effect of such laws; or\n\n4\n\nMake researches and examinations as to any subject of proposed legislation.\n\nC\n\nThe Director shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Committees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1334225,"text":"The Division shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":1334226,"text":"Establish a reference library which develops and maintains a library collection to support the work of the Division and the General Assembly and which provides general and specific reference services to members of the General Assembly;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":1334227,"text":"Keep on file copies of all bills, resolutions, amendments thereto, reports of committees and other documents printed by order of either house of the General Assembly;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":1334228,"text":"Accumulate data and statistics regarding the practical operation and effect of statutes of this and other states;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":1334229,"text":"Carry out such research projects as shall be assigned to it by the Committees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":1334230,"text":"Furnish upon written request of any person a copy of any charter of a city or town of the Commonwealth at the charge prevailing from time to time for reproducing same;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":1334231,"text":"Carry out research and obtain and analyze information for members of the General Assembly and its committees; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A7"},"7":{"id":1334232,"text":"Provide an annual report to the General Assembly, indexed according to standing committee jurisdiction, on the status of all reports, actions, or data collection that is required by legislation enacted by the General Assembly or otherwise requested by the General Assembly of agencies and collegial bodies of state government. The report for the most recently completed calendar year shall be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor as soon as practicable after the first day of the next regular session and may be provided through the legislative electronic information system.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"A7","prefix_anchor":"A7","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"B"},"8":{"id":1334233,"text":"Upon the request of the Governor, any member of the General Assembly, any Governor’s Secretary, or the head of any legislative, judicial or independent agency, the Division shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A7","next_prefix":"B1"},"9":{"id":1334234,"text":"Draft or aid in drafting legislative bills or resolutions and amendments thereto;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"10":{"id":1334235,"text":"Advise as to the constitutionality or probable legal effect of proposed legislation;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"11":{"id":1334236,"text":"Prepare summaries of existing laws affected by proposed legislation, compilations of laws in other states or countries relating to the subject matter of such legislation, and statements of the operation and effect of such laws; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"12":{"id":1334237,"text":"Make researches and examinations as to any subject of proposed legislation.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C"},"13":{"id":1334238,"text":"The Director shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Committees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B4"}},"ancestry":[{"id":51300,"edition_id":2,"name":"Division of Legislative Services","identifier":"2.2","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":4,"parent_id":51255,"metadata":{"child_laws":9,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:40:25","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:56","permalink":{"id":1426773,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51300,"identifier":"2.2","token":"30\/2.2","url":"\/30\/2.2\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51255,"edition_id":2,"name":"General Assembly","identifier":"30","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":73,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":476,"child_structures":87},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:39:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:55","permalink":{"id":1426021,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51255,"identifier":"30","token":"30","url":"\/30\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":358663,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.12","catch_line":"Creation of Division; appointment, term and qualifications of Director","url":"\/30-28.12\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.12","metadata":false},{"id":358664,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.13","catch_line":"Assistants, draftsmen and clerks","url":"\/30-28.13\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.13","metadata":false},{"id":358665,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.14","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/30-28.14\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.14","metadata":false},{"id":358666,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.15","catch_line":"Use of state libraries; withdrawal of books; charges","url":"\/30-28.15\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.15","metadata":false},{"id":358667,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.16","catch_line":"Duties of Division and of Director","url":"\/30-28.16\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.16","metadata":false},{"id":358668,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.17","catch_line":"Books and documents to be accessible to officers and general public","url":"\/30-28.17\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.17","metadata":false},{"id":358669,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.18","catch_line":"Requests for drafting bills or resolutions; bills to conform to request; public access","url":"\/30-28.18\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.18","metadata":false},{"id":358670,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.19","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/30-28.19\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.19","metadata":false},{"id":358671,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.20","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/30-28.20\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.20","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":358666,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.15","catch_line":"Use of state libraries; withdrawal of books; charges","url":"\/30-28.15\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.15","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":358668,"structure_id":51300,"section_number":"30-28.17","catch_line":"Books and documents to be accessible to officers and general public","url":"\/30-28.17\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.17","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/30-28.16\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1966. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 676 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1966 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 10 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1973, chapter 322; in 1977, chapter 672; in 1979, chapter 311; in 1980, chapters 687 and 723; in 1984, chapter 202; in 1989, chapter 412; in 1990, chapter 485; in 2006, chapter 662<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 677<\/a>; in 2011, chapter 765<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1426791,"object_type":"law","relational_id":358667,"identifier":"30-28.16","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.16","url":"\/30-28.16\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/30-28.16\/","token":"30\/2.2\/30-28.16","dublin_core":{"Title":"Duties of Division and of Director","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 30-28.16","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Division shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Establish a reference library which develops and maintains a library collection to support the work of the Division and the General Assembly and which provides general and specific reference services to members of the General Assembly; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Keep on file copies of all bills, resolutions, amendments thereto, reports of committees and other documents printed by order<\/span> of either house of the General Assembly; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Accumulate data and statistics regarding the practical operation and effect of statutes<\/span> of this and other states; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Carry out such research projects as shall be assigned to it by the Committees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Furnish upon written request of any person a copy of any charter of a city or town of the Commonwealth at the charge prevailing from time to time for reproducing same; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Carry out research and obtain and analyze information for members of the General Assembly and its committees; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> Provide an annual report to the General Assembly, indexed according to standing committee jurisdiction<\/span>, on the status of all reports, actions, or data collection that is required by legislation enacted by the General Assembly or otherwise requested by the General Assembly of agencies and collegial bodies of state government. The report for the most recently completed calendar year shall be submitted to the General Assembly and the Governor as soon as practicable after the first day of the next regular session and may be provided through the legislative electronic information system. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Upon the request of the Governor, any member of the General Assembly, any Governor’s Secretary, or the head of any legislative, judicial or independent agency, the Division shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Draft or aid in drafting legislative bills or resolutions and amendments thereto; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Advise as to the constitutionality or probable legal effect of proposed legislation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Prepare summaries of existing laws<\/span> affected by proposed legislation, compilations of laws<\/span> in other states or countries relating to the subject matter of such legislation, and statements of the operation and effect of such laws<\/span>; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Make researches and examinations as to any subject of proposed legislation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Director shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Committees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDUTIES OF DIVISION AND OF DIRECTOR (\u00a7 30-28.16)\n\nA. The Division shall:\n\n 1. Establish a reference library which develops and maintains a library\n collection to support the work of the Division and the General Assembly and\n which provides general and specific reference services to members of the\n General Assembly;\n\n 2. Keep on file copies of all bills, resolutions, amendments thereto, reports\n of committees and other documents printed by order of either house of the\n General Assembly;\n\n 3. Accumulate data and statistics regarding the practical operation and effect\n of statutes of this and other states;\n\n 4. Carry out such research projects as shall be assigned to it by the\n Committees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate;\n\n 5. Furnish upon written request of any person a copy of any charter of a city\n or town of the Commonwealth at the charge prevailing from time to time for\n reproducing same;\n\n 6. Carry out research and obtain and analyze information for members of the\n General Assembly and its committees; and\n\n 7. Provide an annual report to the General Assembly, indexed according to\n standing committee jurisdiction, on the status of all reports, actions, or\n data collection that is required by legislation enacted by the General\n Assembly or otherwise requested by the General Assembly of agencies and\n collegial bodies of state government. The report for the most recently\n completed calendar year shall be submitted to the General Assembly and the\n Governor as soon as practicable after the first day of the next regular\n session and may be provided through the legislative electronic information\n system.\n\nB. Upon the request of the Governor, any member of the General Assembly, any\nGovernor’s Secretary, or the head of any legislative, judicial or\nindependent agency, the Division shall:\n\n 1. Draft or aid in drafting legislative bills or resolutions and amendments\n thereto;\n\n 2. Advise as to the constitutionality or probable legal effect of proposed\n legislation;\n\n 3. Prepare summaries of existing laws affected by proposed legislation,\n compilations of laws in other states or countries relating to the subject\n matter of such legislation, and statements of the operation and effect of such\n laws; or\n\n 4. Make researches and examinations as to any subject of proposed legislation.\n\nC. The Director shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the\nCommittees on Rules of the House of Delegates and the Senate.\n\nHISTORY: 1966, c. 676; 1973, c. 322; 1977, c. 672; 1979, c. 311; 1980, cc. 687,\n723; 1984, c. 202; 1989, c. 412; 1990, c. 485; 2006, c. 662; 2008, c. 677; 2011,\nc. 765.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}