The document provides information about visiting the Virginia General Assembly, including: - A brief history of the General Assembly and its role in Virginia government - Details about the restoration of the Capitol building - How citizens can participate in the legislative process - Contact information and schedules for the Senate and House of Delegates

1. a visitor’s guide to the
Virginia Gener al Assembly
2012 EDITION

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ..................................................... 3
CAPITALS OF VIRGINIA .......................................................... 4
CAPITOL RESTORATION AND EXTENSION .............................. 5
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION ........................................................ 6
LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS ........................................................ 7
THE SENATE OF VIRGINIA ...................................................... 8
CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................... 9
COMMITTEE INFORMATION ............................................. 11
SEATING CHART ............................................................. 12
HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW IN VIRGINIA .......................... 14
THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES ................................................ 16
CONTACT INFORMATION ................................................. 17
COMMITTEE INFORMATION ............................................. 20
SEATING CHART ............................................................. 22
LEGISLATIVE TERMS ............................................................ 24

3. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

4. 2012
T HE G ENERAL A SSEMBLY
The Virginia General Assembly dates from the establishment of
the House of Burgesses at Jamestown in 1619. It is heralded by
Virginians as the “oldest continuous law-making body in the
New World.”
The 1776 Virginia Constitution confirmed our bicameral legislature which consists of the
Senate of Virginia and the House of Delegates. The present state Constitution, adopted in
1970, provides that the Senate shall consist of 33 to 40 members and the House of Delegates
shall consist of 90 to 100 members. All members of the General Assembly are elected by
qualified voters within their respective Senate and House districts. The terms of office are four
years for members of the Senate and two years for members of the House of Delegates.
Members may not hold any other public office during their term of office.
The General Assembly meets annually, beginning on the second Wednesday in January, for
60 days in even-numbered years and for 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an option to
extend annual Sessions for a maximum of 30 days. The Governor may call a Special Session
when it is deemed necessary or advisable, and must do so when petitioned by two-thirds of
the members of both houses. A Reconvened Session is held on the sixth Wednesday after
adjournment of each Regular or Special Session for the purpose of considering the
Governor’s recommendations and vetoed legislation.
The General Assembly’s chief responsibilities are to represent citizens in the formulation of
public policy, enact laws of the Commonwealth, approve the budget, levy taxes, elect judges,
and confirm appointments by the Governor.
3

5. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
C APITALS OF V IRGINIA
JAMESTOWN 1607 – 1699
Although four public buildings and a private residence are historically identified
as onetime seats of the colonial government, none is portrayed in any known
contemporaneous picture, etching or painting. The third state house, built about
1665, was burned in 1676 during Bacon’s Rebellion.
WILLIAMSBURG 1699 – 1780
The restored Capitol at Williamsburg, rebuilt on its original foundations, marks great
events in Virginia and American history – the introduction of Virginia’s Declaration of
Rights, Patrick Henry’s Stamp Act speech, the lowering of the British flag in favor of that
of the American colonies, and other stirring colonial and Revolutionary actions.
RICHMOND 1780 – PRESENT
The central section of the Virginia State Capitol, at Richmond, was designed by Thomas
Jefferson after the Maison Carrée at Nîmes, France, when Jefferson was Minister to
France. The cornerstone was laid in 1785 and the building was sufficiently completed for
occupancy in 1788. Here meets the oldest representative legislative assembly in the new
world – an assembly which met first at Jamestown in 1619 and later at Williamsburg when
it was the Colonial Capital of Virginia. The Congress of the Confederate States of America
met here during the War Between the States. In the Rotunda is the famous Houdon statue
of George Washington, life-size, the only statue for which the First President posed.
Surrounding that statue are busts of the other seven Virginia-born Presidents: Thomas
Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary
Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. There is also a bust of the Marquis de Lafayette, Virginia’s
first honorary citizen.
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6. 2012
C APITOL R ESTORATION AND E XTENSION
In 2004, the General Assembly and Governor Mark Warner acted on the need to restore
and preserve the Virginia Capitol and to bring it up to 21st-century standards for a
working seat of government. Problems of moisture penetration, outdated electrical and
plumbing systems (some of them 100 years old), and insufficient space were addressed
in a comprehensive plan laid out by George Skarmeas of Hillier Architecture of
Philadelphia. In addition, an underground extension beneath the Capitol’s South Lawn
was designed to provide additional work areas and a visitors’ center.
Two significant surprises came to light during the Capitol’s restoration. Decorative wall
and ceiling paintings done in 1908 by commercial Richmond painter R. L. Peters were
discovered under 24 layers of paint. Some of this work was still intact in the Capitol’s
Rotunda, but most of the paintings in the House Chamber and Senate Chamber had
been covered over by the 1930s. Restoring the Rotunda’s decorative panels without
damaging the early 20th-century fabric proved impossible. Instead, the decorative details
were encapsulated in place, and reproductions were superimposed over them.
The Capitol’s original interior woodwork was long thought to have been replaced during
its renovations of 1904-06. Working drawings of the renovations were discovered in 2002,
and they showed that architect John Kevan Peebles specified that much of the original
woodwork be saved and re-installed. Further investigation indicated that sections of
woodwork in the Rotunda area had never been removed and have remained undisturbed
since the late eighteenth century. Restoration and documentation of the woodwork were
funded by a private Richmond foundation.
By re-installing the Capitol’s decorative finishes and conserving its 18th-century wood-
work, the completed Capitol now appears, inside and out, much as it did 100 years ago.
The Capitol remains the working seat of Virginia’s government, and it now has state-of-
the-art facilities to welcome visitors to Thomas Jefferson’s temple to democracy.
5

7. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
C ITIZEN P ARTICIPATION
The election of the members of the Virginia General Assembly is the responsibility of the
citizens of Commonwealth. It is incumbent upon citizens to register to vote, research the
issues and the candidates, and exercise their right to vote on Election Day. In addition, the
citizens are responsible for being active in the legislative process of government beyond
the polls.
During the General Assembly session, Senators and Delegates can be reached at their
offices on Capitol Square. When the General Assembly is not in session, legislators
should be contacted in their district offices.
Familiarize yourself with “How a Bill Becomes a Law” located in this publication. A basic
understanding of the legislative process will help you effectively express your ideas. Visit
the Legislative Information System (http://leg1.state.va.us/) to track legislation and review
committee agendas prior to a meeting.
Contact your Senator or Delegate before the General Assembly takes action on a
particular issue. Express your views by testifying before a legislative hearing conducted
by a standing committee or interim study group. You can also voice your opinion by
telephone, letter or e-mail.
Remember, every vote counts. You can initiate change; your vote and voice can make
a difference!
6

8. 2012
L EGISLATIVE S ESSIONS
REGULAR SESSION
The General Assembly meets annually, beginning on the second Wednesday in January,
for 60 days in even-numbered years and for 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an
option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days.
SPECIAL SESSIONS
The Governor may call a special session when it is deemed necessary or advisable, and
must do so when petitioned by two-thirds of the members of both houses.
RECONVENED SESSIONS
A reconvened session is held on the sixth Wednesday after adjournment of each
regular or special session for the purpose of considering governor's recommendations
and vetoed legislation.
REGULAR SESSION DATES
January 11 – March 10, 2012
January 9 – February 23, 2013
January 8 – March 8, 2014
January 14 – February 28, 2015
January 13 – March 12, 2016
January 11 – February 25, 2017
January 10 – March 17, 2018
January 9 – March 2, 2019
January 8 – March 14, 2020
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9. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
O FFICERS OF THE
S ENATE OF V IRGINIA
WALTER A. STOSCH , President Pro Tempore
THOMAS K. NORMENT, JR ., Republican Leader
RICHARD L. SASLAW , Democratic Leader
SUSAN CLARKE SCHAAR , Clerk of the Senate
The Senate of Virginia consists of 40 members. Each member is elected for a term of
four years and receives an annual salary of $18,000. A Senator represents approximately
176,000 citizens of the Commonwealth. The membership of the Senate is composed of
attorneys, business owners and executives, a CPA, a physician and a health planner.
Presently there are 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans. In addition, seven women are
members of the Senate.
The Lieutenant Governor is the presiding officer of the Senate and is elected in a state-
wide election for a four-year term. In the event of his absence, the President pro tempore
carries out the duties of the presiding officer. The President pro tempore is elected by the
Senate for a term of four years.
The Clerk of the Senate is elected by the Senate for a four-year term. In addition to
referring bills and resolutions to committees, the Clerk’s duties include overseeing the
daily operations of the Senate, keeping the daily Journal, maintaining Senate records,
and supervising facilities management, personnel, information systems, and support
services.
8

10. 2012
Revised January 6, 2012
2012
SENATORS TELEPHONE and OFFICE NUMBERS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING
District Office No. Name Telephone
39 316 Barker, George L. 698-7539
13 308 Black, Richard H. 698-7513
14 327 Blevins, Harry B. 698-7514
40 312 Carrico, Charles W., Sr. 698-7540
29 326 Colgan, Charles J. 698-7529
25 430 Deeds, R. Creigh 698-7525
30 318 Ebbin, Adam P. 698-7530
21 301 Edwards, John S. 698-7521
31 322 Favola, Barbara A. 698-7531
22 323 Garrett, Thomas A., Jr. 698-7522
24 431 Hanger, Emmett W., Jr. 698-7524
33 329 Herring, Mark R. 698-7533
32 321 Howell, Janet D. 698-7532
2 427 Locke, Mamie E. 698-7502
18 426 Lucas, L. Louise 698-7518
37 307 Marsden, David W. 698-7537
16 432 Marsh, Henry L., III 698-7516
11 311 Martin, Stephen H. 698-7511
4 314 McDougle, Ryan T. 698-7504
9 428 McEachin, A. Donald 698-7509
8 310 McWaters, Jeffrey L. 698-7508
1 306 Miller, John C. 698-7501
5 315 Miller, Yvonne B. 698-7505
23 304 Newman, Stephen D. 698-7523
3 621 Norment, Thomas K., Jr. 698-7503
6 302 Northam, Ralph S. 698-7506
26 429 Obenshain, Mark D. 698-7526
34 317 Petersen, J. Chapman 698-7534
38 330 Puckett, Phillip P. 698-7538
36 332 Puller, Linda T. 698-7536
17 320 Reeves, Bryce E. 698-7517
15 328 Ruff, Frank M., Jr. 698-7515
35 613 Saslaw, Richard L. 698-7535
19 319 Smith, Ralph K. 698-7519
20 313 Stanley, William M., Jr. 698-7520
12 626 Stosch, Walter A. 698-7512
28 305 Stuart, Richard H. 698-7528
27 309 Vogel, Jill Holtzman 698-7527
7 303 Wagner, Frank W. 698-7507
10 331 Watkins, John C. 698-7510
Mailing Address for Members During Session Only
General Assembly Building
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Please visit the General Assembly website, http://legis.virginia.gov, for revised lists.
9

11. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Revised January 6, 2012
2012 SENATE OF VIRGINIA
BILL BOLLING, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR (804) 786-2078
SUSAN CLARKE SCHAAR, CLERK (804) 698-7400
Regular Session Convenes Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - Adjourns Saturday, March 10, 2012
(Mailing address for members during Session: Senate of Virginia, P. O. Box 396, Richmond, Virginia 23218)
DISTRICT NAME MAILING ADDRESS TELEPHONE FAX NUMBER
District
39 Barker, George L. (D) P.O. Box 10527, Alexandria 22310 (703) 303-1426 ---------------------
13 Black, Richard H. (R) P.O. Box 650370, Sterling 20165 (703) 406-2951 ---------------------
14 Blevins, Harry B. (R) P.O. Box 16207, Chesapeake 23328 (757) 546-2435 (757) 546-7346
40 Carrico, Charles W., Sr. (R) P.O. Box 1100, Galax 24333 (276) 236-0098 ---------------------
29 Colgan, Charles J. (D) 10660 Aviation Lane, Manassas 20110-2701 (703) 368-0300 (703) 257-2856
25 Deeds, R. Creigh (D) P.O. Box 5462, Charlottesville 22905-5462 (434) 296-5491 (434) 296-5949
P.O. Drawer D, Hot Springs 24445 (540) 839-2473 (540) 839-6306
30 Ebbin, Adam P. (D) P.O. Box 26415, Alexandria 22313 (571) 384-8957 --------------------
21 Edwards, John S. (D) P.O. Box 1179, Roanoke 24006-1179 (540) 985-8690 (540) 345-9950
31 Favola, Barbara A. (D) 2319 18th Street North, Arlington 22201-3506 (703) 835-4845 ---------------------
22 Garrett, Thomas A., Jr., (R) P.O. Box 33, Bumpass 23024
24 Hanger, Emmett W., Jr. (R) P.O. Box 2, Mount Solon 22843-0002 (540) 885-6898 (540) 885-6777
33 Herring, Mark R. (D) P.O. Box 6246, Leesburg 20178 (703) 729-3300 (703) 669-9091
32 Howell, Janet D. (D) P.O. Box 2608, Reston 20195-0608 (703) 709-8283 (703) 435-1995
2 Locke, Mamie E. (D) P.O. Box 9048, Hampton 23670 (757) 825-5880 (757) 825-7327
18 Lucas, L. Louise (D) P.O. Box 700, Portsmouth 23705-0700 (757) 397-8209 (757) 966-9671
37 Marsden, David W. (D) P.O. Box 10889, Burke 22009 (571) 249-3037 ---------------------
16 Marsh, Henry L., III (D) 422 East Franklin St., Suite 301, Richmond 23219 (804) 648-9073 (804) 648-2116
11 Martin, Stephen H. (R) P.O. Box 700, Chesterfield 23832 (804) 674-0242 (804) 674-7241
4 McDougle, Ryan T. (R) P.O. Box 187, Mechanicsville 23111 (804) 730-1026 (804) 730-1051
9 McEachin, A. Donald (D) 4719 Nine Mile Road, Richmond 23223 (804) 226-4111 (804) 226-8888
8 McWaters, Jeffrey L. (R) 1207 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach 23451 (757) 965-3700 ---------------------
1 Miller, John C. (D) P.O. Box 6113, Newport News 23606 (757) 595-1100 (757) 595-1106
5 Miller, Yvonne B. (D) P.O. Box 452, Norfolk 23501 (757) 627-4212 (757) 627-7203
23 Newman, Stephen D. (R) P.O. Box 480, Forest 24551 (434) 385-1065 (434) 485-8111
3 Norment, Thomas K., Jr. (R) P.O. Box 6205, Williamsburg 23188 (757) 259-7810 (757) 259-7812
6 Northam, Ralph S. (D) P.O. Box 9363, Norfolk 23505 (757) 818-5172 (757) 668-9981
26 Obenshain, Mark D. (R) P.O. Box 555, Harrisonburg 22803 (540) 437-1451 (540) 437-3101
34 Petersen, J. Chapman (D) P.O. Box 1066, Fairfax 22038 (703) 349-3361 (800) 635-9417
38 Puckett, Phillip P. (D) P.O. Box 924, Tazewell 24651-0924 (276) 979-8181 (276) 979-8383
36 Puller, Linda T. (D) P.O. Box 73, Mount Vernon 22121-0073 (703) 765-1150 (703) 765-9243
17 Reeves, Bryce E. (R) 10151 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg 22407 (540) 891-5473 ---------------------
15 Ruff, Frank M., Jr. (R) P.O. Box 332, Clarksville 23927 (434) 374-5129 (434) 955-2224
35 Saslaw, Richard L. (D) P.O. Box 1856, Springfield 22151-0856 (703) 978-0200 (703) 978-3032
19 Smith, Ralph K. (R) P.O. Box 91, Roanoke 24002 (540) 206-3597 (540) 206-3597
20 Stanley, William M., Jr. (R) 13508 Booker T Washington Highway, Moneta 24121 (540) 721-6028 (540) 721-6405
12 Stosch, Walter A. (R) Innsbrook Centre, 4551 Cox Road, Suite 110
Glen Allen 23060-6740 (804) 527-7780 ---------------------
28 Stuart, Richard H. (R) P.O. Box 1146, Montross 22520 (804) 493-8892 (804) 493-8897
27 Vogel, Jill Holtzman (R) 117 E. Piccadilly St., Suite 100-B, Winchester 22601 (540) 662-4551 (540) 341-8809
7 Wagner, Frank W. (R) P.O. Box 68008, Virginia Beach 23471 (757) 671-2250 (757) 244-7866
10 Watkins, John C. (R) P.O. Box 159, Midlothian 23113-0159 (804) 379-2063 (804) 794-7238
Please visit the General Assembly website, http://legis.virginia.gov, for revised lists.
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12. 2012
2012 SESSION—SENATE COMMITTEES
TIME AND PLACE OF MEETINGS
RULES
Senate Room A
Upon Call of the Chair
SENATORS
MCDOUGLE, Chair HANGER WAGNER COLGAN LUCAS
STOSCH NEWMAN OBENSHAIN SASLAW VOGEL
NORMENT WATKINS SMITH HOWELL
MARTIN RUFF
SUSAN CLARKE SCHAAR, Clerk of the Senate, and HOBIE LEHMAN
SENATE STANDING COMMITTEES
ALL COMMITTEES WILL MEET IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTIFIED
MONDAY WEDNESDAY
COURTS OF JUSTICE COURTS OF JUSTICE
Senate Room B Senate Room B
8:00 a.m. 1/2 hour after adjournment
SENATORS SENATORS
NORMENT, Chair EDWARDS STUART NORMENT, Chair EDWARDS STUART
SASLAW PULLER VOGEL SASLAW PULLER VOGEL
MARSH OBENSHAIN STANLEY MARSH OBENSHAIN STANLEY
HOWELL MCDOUGLE REEVES HOWELL MCDOUGLE REEVES
LUCAS MCEACHIN GARRETT LUCAS MCEACHIN GARRETT
Clerks: ANGI MURPHY and CHERYL LAW Clerks: ANGI MURPHY and CHERYL LAW
GENERAL LAWS AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSPORTATION
Senate Room A Senate Room A
45 minutes after adjournment 1/2 hour after adjournment
SENATORS SENATORS
RUFF, Chair HERRING BLACK NEWMAN, Chair WAGNER MARSDEN
COLGAN PETERSEN REEVES MILLER, Y.B. BLEVINS MCWATERS
STOSCH BARKER GARRETT MARSH DEEDS COLGAN
MARTIN VOGEL DEEDS WATKINS MCDOUGLE CARRICO
LOCKE STUART EBBIN PUCKETT SMITH FAVOLA
Clerks: MICHAEL ADAMS and JOCELYN LANCE Clerks: NICK GALVIN and BONNIE SHELHORSE
COMMERCE AND LABOR
Senate Room B
1/2 hour after adjournment
THURSDAY
SENATORS
WATKINS, Chair EDWARDS MARTIN EDUCATION AND HEALTH
Senate Room B
COLGAN WAGNER OBENSHAIN 8:30 a.m.
SASLAW NEWMAN STUART SENATORS
MILLER, Y.B. PUCKETT MCWATERS MARTIN, Chair BLEVINS SMITH
NORMENT HERRING STANLEY SASLAW LOCKE MCWATERS
STOSCH LUCAS BARKER BLACK
Clerks: HOBIE LEHMAN and BONNIE SHELHORSE HOWELL NORTHAM CARRICO
NEWMAN MILLER, J.C. GARRETT
TUESDAY Clerks: PATTY LUNG and JOCELYN LANCE
FINANCE AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Senate Room B Senate Room B
9:00 a.m. 1/2 hour after adjournment
SENATORS SENATORS
STOSCH, Chair HANGER NEWMAN HANGER, Chair OBENSHAIN MARSDEN
COLGAN WATKINS RUFF WATKINS MCEACHIN STANLEY
HOWELL MILLER, Y.B. WAGNER PUCKETT PETERSEN BLACK
SASLAW MARSH MCDOUGLE RUFF NORTHAM MILLER, J.C.
NORMENT LUCAS VOGEL BLEVINS STUART EBBIN
Clerks: PATTY LUNG and RAY FERGUSON Clerks: NICK GALVIN and JOCELYN LANCE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE
Senate Room B Senate Room B
1/2 hour after adjournment 4:30 p.m., Upon Call of the Chair
SENATORS SENATORS
SMITH, Chair PULLER STANLEY STOSCH, Chair HANGER NEWMAN
MARSH RUFF BLEVINS COLGAN WATKINS RUFF
LUCAS HERRING MILLER, J.C. HOWELL MILLER, Y.B. WAGNER
MARTIN LOCKE EBBIN SASLAW MARSH MCDOUGLE
HANGER MARSDEN FAVOLA NORMENT LUCAS VOGEL
Clerks: ANGI MURPHY and CHERYL LAW Clerks: PATTY LUNG and RAY FERGUSON
PRIVILEGES AND ELECTIONS
Senate Room A
4:00 p.m.
FRIDAY
SENATORS REHABILITATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES
OBENSHAIN, Chair EDWARDS VOGEL Senate Room B
HOWELL MCEACHIN MCWATERS 8:30 a.m.
SENATORS
MARTIN PETERSEN CARRICO WAGNER, Chair MCDOUGLE CARRICO
DEEDS SMITH REEVES MILLER, Y.B. HERRING REEVES
PUCKETT NORTHAM GARRETT PULLER BARKER FAVOLA
Clerks: HOBIE LEHMAN and BONNIE SHELHORSE HANGER NORTHAM NORMENT
LOCKE BLACK STOSCH
WEDNESDAY Clerks: MARYANN HORCH and MARIBETH TURNER
FINANCE PUBLIC HEARINGS AND EXTRA MEETINGS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN
Senate Room B THE SENATE CALENDAR PUBLISHED EACH SESSION DAY
9:00 a.m.
SENATORS Individuals requiring interpreter services or other accommodations, please call (804)
STOSCH, Chair HANGER NEWMAN 698-7450 (text callers use VRC at 1-800-828-1120) or TDD # (804) 698-7419 or write to:
COLGAN WATKINS RUFF Senate Committee Operations, P.O. Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218. State the type of accom-
HOWELL MILLER, Y.B. WAGNER modation and the meeting for which services are required. Requests should be made at least
SASLAW MARSH MCDOUGLE 5 working days in advance.
NORMENT LUCAS VOGEL SUSAN CLARKE SCHAAR
Clerk of the Senate
Clerks: PATTY LUNG and RAY FERGUSON
REV. 1/23/12 9:14 AM THP
Please visit the General Assembly website, http://legis.virginia.gov, for revised lists.
11

13. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
T HE S ENATE OF V IRGINIA S EATING C HART
MEMBER NAME SEAT NUMBER MEMBER NAME SEAT NUMBER
George L. Barker .......................19 Jeffrey L. McWaters .................. 40
Richard H. Black ....................... 36 John C. Miller .............................. 2
Harry B. Blevins ........................ 33 Yvonne B. Miller .......................... 6
Charles W. Carrico, Sr. .............. 14 Stephen D. Newman ................. 30
Charles J. Colgan .................... 28 Thomas K. Norment, Jr. ............. 29
R. Creigh Deeds ....................... 22 Ralph S. Northam........................ 3
Adam P. Ebbin ...........................17 Mark D. Obenshain ................... 34
John S. Edwards ....................... 25 J. Chapman Petersen ................ 21
Barbara A. Favola ....................... 1 Phillip P. Puckett ....................... 24
Thomas A. Garrett, Jr. ............... 16 Linda T. Puller ........................... 23
Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. .............. 10 Bryce E. Reeves ....................... 15
Mark R. Herring ......................... 4 Frank M. Ruff, Jr. ...................... 32
Janet D. Howell ........................... 7 Richard L. Saslaw ....................... 8
Mamie E. Locke .......................... 5 Ralph K. Smith .......................... 35
L. Louise Lucas ......................... 26 William M. Stanley, Jr. ............... 39
David W. Marsden ..................... 18 Walter A. Stosch ......................... 9
Henry L. Marsh, III .................... 27 Richard H. Stuart ...................... 13
Stephen H. Martin ..................... 31 Jill Holtzman Vogel .................... 37
Ryan T. McDougle ..................... 38 Frank W. Wagner ...................... 12
A. Donald McEachin .................. 20 John C. Watkins ........................ 11
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14. 13
2012
28 29
27 30
31
26
25 32
24 33
23 34
8 9
7 10
22
6 11 35
21 5 12
36
Press Press
20
4 13 37
Chief Deputy Calendar
3 Clerk 14
19 Clerk Clerk
38
Legal Deputy
18 2 Clerk
Counsel 15 39
President
17
1 16 40
Pages Pages

15. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
H OW A B ILL B ECOMES A L AW IN V IRGINIA
The following steps depict the procedure whereby a non-controversial bill
becomes a law. Bills may originate in either house of the General Assembly.
w
1 A Senator or Delegate has an idea 5 SECOND READING
for legislation or receives requests for The next day the bill title is placed in
legislation from constituents, state the printed calendar. The Clerk reads
agencies, organizations or the business the title of the bill a second time. A bill
community. on second reading is amendable. A bill
that has passed second reading with or
without an amendment is engrossed. If
2 an amendment is adopted, the bill is
He or she presents the idea to
reprinted in its final form for passage.
the Division of Legislative Services
and requests that it be drafted into a
bill. The bill is signed by the patron,
introduced, and printed. 6 THIRD READING
The next day, the engrossed bill title
is placed in the calendar. The title is
3 The bill is referred to an read a third time by the Clerk. By
appropriate committee. The members recorded vote, the bill passes or is
of the committee consider the bill and defeated.
decide what action to take. The public
is given an opportunity to address the
committee regarding the bill. 7 COMMUNICATION
When passed, the bill is sent to the
other body for its consideration.
4 FIRST READING
The bill title is printed in the calendar
or is read by the Clerk, and the bill
advances to second reading.
14

16. 2012
8 IN THE OTHER BODY 11 GOVERNOR
The bill goes through essentially the The bill is then sent to the Governor for
same procedure as it did in the house his approval. After being signed by the
of origin. The bill title is printed in the Governor, the bill is sent to the Clerk of
Calendar or is read by the Clerk. The bill the House (Keeper of the Rolls of the
Commonwealth) and is assigned a chapter
is referred to a standing committee,
number. All chapters of a session are
considered, and reported by the
compiled and bound as the Acts of Assembly.
committee. The title is read a second
and a third time before passage.
12 Bills that become law at a regular
9 session (or the reconvened session that
COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE
follows) are effective the first day of July
If the House amends a Senate bill, or
following adjournment of the regular
the Senate amends a House bill, and
session unless otherwise specified.
the house of origin disagrees with the
amendment, a Committee of
Conference, usually three members from
each legislative body, may be formed to 13 Bills enacted at a Special Session
resolve differences. (Reconvened Session) are effective the
first day of the fourth month following the
adjournment of the Special Session,
unless another date is specified.
10 ENROLLMENT
After being passed by both houses
of the General Assembly, the bill is 14 The General Appropriations Act
printed as an enrolled bill, examined, is usually effective July 1st and
and signed by the presiding officer Emergency Acts become effective
of each chamber. when signed by the Governor.
15

17. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
T HE H OUSE OF
D ELEGATES
WILLIAM J. HOWELL , Speaker
M. KIRKLAND COX , Majority Leader
DAVID J. TOSCANO , Minority Leader
G. PAUL NARDO , Clerk of the House of Delegates
The House of Delegates consists of 100 members. Each member represents
approximately 71,000 citizens. The House membership primarily consists of attorneys,
business executives, educators, and farmers. The term of office for a member of the
House of Delegates is two years. Each member receives an annual salary of $17,640.
The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the House and is elected by the
House in even-numbered years for a two-year term. The Speaker’s duties are dictated by
the Rules of the House. Among these duties are the assigning of bills to committee and
appointing the membership of the 14 House standing committees.
The Clerk of the House is elected by the House in even-numbered years and continues in
office until another is chosen. The Clerk is responsible for the administration of the House
under the direction of the Speaker.
The current political makeup of the House consists of 67 Republicans, 32 Democrats,
and 1 Independent.
16

18. 2012
2012
VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES
William J. Howell, Speaker (804) 698-1028
G. Paul Nardo, Clerk (804) 698-1619
Mailing address for members during Session: House of Delegates, P.O. Box 406, Richmond, Virginia 23218
Member Name Party District Mailing Address District Office Home Phone
Phone
Albo, David B. R 42nd 6367 Rolling Mill Place, Suite 102, Springfield, (703) 451-3555 (703) 690-5065
VA 22152
Alexander, Kenneth C. D 89th 7246 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 (757) 223-1333 (757) 333-4579
Anderson, Richard L. R 51st P.O. Box 7926, Woodbridge, VA 22195 (571) 264-9983 (703) 730-1380
BaCote, Mamye E. D 95th P. O. Box 5154, Newport News, VA 23605 (757) 244-4415 (757) 838-4321
Bell, Richard P. R 20th P.O. Box 239, Staunton, VA 24402 (540) 448-3999 (540) 448-4763
Bell, Robert B. R 58th 2309 Finch Court, Charlottesville, VA 22911 (434) 245-8900 (434) 975-0902
Brink, Robert H. D 48th P.O. Box 7668, Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 531-1048 (703) 346-8707
Bulova, David L. D 37th P.O. Box 106, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (703) 310-6752 (703) 273-3557
Byron, Kathy J. R 22nd 523 Leesville Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 (434) 582-1592 (434) 385-7393
Carr, Betsy B. D 69th P.O. Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218 (804) 698-1069 (804) 355-6852
Cline, Benjamin L. R 24th P.O. Box 1405, Amherst, VA 24521 (434) 946-9908 (540) 463-4422
Cole, Mark L. R 88th P.O. Box 41965, Fredericksburg, VA 22404- (540) 786-3402 (540) 786-3686
1965
Comstock, Barbara J. R 34th P.O. Box 6156, McLean, VA 22106 (703) 772-7168 (703) 356-9124
Cosgrove, John A. R 78th P.O. Box 15483, Chesapeake, VA 23328 (757) 547-3422 (757) 436-7439
Cox, John A. R 55th 10451 Dow-Gil Road, Ashland, VA 23005 (804) 365-9000 (804) 798-1888
Cox, M. Kirkland R 66th P.O. Box 1205, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 (804) 526-5135 (804) 520-2797
Crockett-Stark, Anne R 6th P.O. Box 628, Wytheville, VA 24382 (276) 227-0247 (276) 228-5614
B.
Dance, Rosalyn R. D 63rd P.O. Box 2584, Petersburg, VA 23804 (804) 862-2922 (804) 861-3314
Dudenhefer, L. Mark R 2nd P.O. Box 1570, Stafford, VA 22555 (703) 403-9710
Edmunds, James E., II R 60th P.O. Box 1115, Halifax, VA 24558 (434) 476-0077 (434) 572-4002
Englin, David L. D 45th City Hall, 301 King Street, Box 65, Alexandria, (703) 549-3203 (703) 549-0569
VA 22314
Fariss, C. Matthew R 59th 243-C Livestock Road, Rustburg, VA 24588 (434) 821-5929 (434) 821-2422
Farrell, Peter F. R 56th P.O. Box 87, Richmond, VA 23218 (804) 644-0266
Filler-Corn, Eileen D 41st P.O. Box 523082, Springfield, VA 22152 (571) 249-3453 (703) 569-7764
Garrett, T. Scott R 23rd 2255 Langhorne Road, Suite 4, Lynchburg, VA (434) 455-0243 (434) 384-0445
24501
Gilbert, C. Todd R 15th P.O. Box 309, Woodstock, VA 22664 (540) 459-7550 (540) 459-7580
Greason, Thomas A. R 32nd 19309 Winmeade Drive Box 427, Lansdowne, (703) 203-3203 (703) 726-2189
VA 20176
Habeeb, Gregory D. R 8th P.O. Box 882, Salem, VA 24153 (540) 915-2962
Head, Christopher T. R 17th P.O. Box 19130, Roanoke, VA 24019 (540) 283-2839 (540) 966-3282
Helsel, Gordon C., Jr. R 91st P. O. Box 2571, Poquoson, VA 23662 (757) 969-9036 (757) 880-0755
Herring, Charniele L. D 46th P.O. Box 11779, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 606-9705 (703) 658-2305
Hodges, M. Keith R 98th P.O. Box 928, Urbanna, VA 23175 (804) 277-9801 (804) 758-0211
Hope, Patrick A. D 47th P.O. Box 3148, Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 486-1010 (703) 528-8956
Howell, Algie T., Jr. D 90th P.O. Box 12865, Norfolk, VA 23541 (757) 466-7525 (757) 461-3788
Howell, William J. R 28th P.O. Box 8296, Fredericksburg, VA 22404 (540) 371-1612 (540) 373-7402
Hugo, Timothy D. R 40th P.O. Box 893, Centreville, VA 20122 (703) 968-4101 (703) 968-2594
Iaquinto, Salvatore R. R 84th P.O. Box 56437, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 (757) 430-0102 (757) 430-2882
Ingram, Riley E. R 62nd 3302 Oaklawn Boulevard, Hopewell, VA 23860 (804) 458-9873 (804) 458-2823
James, Matthew D 80th P.O. Box 7487, Portsmouth, VA 23707 (757) 967-7583 (757) 488-0592
Joannou, Johnny S. D 79th 709 Court Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 (757) 399-1700 (757) 399-1700
Johnson, Joseph P., Jr. D 4th 164 East Valley Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 628-9940 (276) 628-3954
Jones, S. Chris R 76th P.O. Box 5059, Suffolk, VA 23435 (757) 483-6242 (757) 238-3667
Keam, Mark L. D 35th P.O. Box 1134, Vienna, VA 22183-1134 (703) 350-3911 (703) 242-0884
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19. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Kilgore, Terry G. R 1st P.O. Box 669, Gate City, VA 24251 (276) 386-7011 (276) 452-2578
Knight, Barry D. R 81st 1852 Mill Landing Road, Virginia Beach, VA (757) 426-6387 (757) 426-7741
23457
Kory, Kaye D 38th 6505 Waterway Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044 (703) 354-6024 (703) 354-3591
Landes, R. Steven R 25th P.O. Box 12, Verona, VA 24482 (540) 245-5540 (540) 234-9602
LeMunyon, James M. R 67th P.O. Box 220962, Chantilly, VA 20153-0962 (703) 264-1432 (703) 264-1433
Lewis, Lynwood W., Jr. D 100th P.O. Box 760, Accomac, VA 23301 (757) 787-1094 (757) 787-5616
Lingamfelter, L. Scott R 31st 5420 Lomax Way, Woodbridge, VA 22193 (703) 580-1294 (703) 580-8899
Lopez, Alfonso H. D 49th P. O. Box 40366 , Arlington, VA 22204 (571) 336-2147 (571) 243-8717
Loupassi, G. M. R 68th 6002A West Broad Street, Suite 200, (804) 440-6223 (804) 359-1322
(Manoli) Richmond, VA 23230
Marshall, Daniel W., III R 14th P.O. Box 439, Danville, VA 24543 (434) 797-5861 (434) 797-4995
Marshall, Robert G. R 13th P.O. Box 421, Manassas, VA 20108 (703) 853-4213 (703) 368-6306
Massie, James P. R 72nd P.O. Box 29598, Richmond, VA 23242 (804) 377-0100 (804) 740-7336
(Jimmie), III
May, Joe T. R 33rd P.O. Box 2146, Leesburg, VA 20177 (703) 777-1191 (703) 777-9484
McClellan, Jennifer L. D 71st P.O. Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218 (804) 698-1171 (804) 340-2629
McQuinn, Delores L. D 70th P.O. Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218 (804) 698-1070 (804) 222-1574
Merricks, Donald W. R 16th PO Box K, Chatham, VA 24531 (434) 432-3370 (434) 724-2157
Miller, Jackson H. R 50th P.O. Box 10072, Manassas, VA 20108 (703) 244-6172 (703) 365-7718
Minchew, J. Randall R 10th P.O. Box 385, Leesburg, VA 20178 (703) 777-1570 (703) 777-2139
Morefield, James W. R 3rd P.O. Box 828, North Tazewell, VA 24630 (276) 345-4300 (940-782-1981)
(Will)
Morris, Richard L. R 64th P.O. Box 128, Carrollton, VA 23314 (757) 773-1645 (757) 331-0622
Morrissey, Joseph D. D 74th P. O. Box 406, Richmond, VA 23218 (804) 698-1074 (804) 795-9500
O'Bannon, John M., III R 73rd P.O. Box 70365, Richmond, VA 23255 (804) 282-8640 (804) 288-5451
O'Quinn, Israel D. R 5th P.O. Box 16325, Bristol, VA 24209
Orrock, Robert D., Sr. R 54th P.O. Box 458, Thornburg, VA 22565 (540) 891-1322 (540) 448-3914
Peace, Christopher K. R 97th P.O. Box 819, Mechanicsville, VA 23111 (804) 730-3737 (804) 559-8039
Plum, Kenneth R. D 36th 2073 Cobblestone Lane, Reston, VA 20191 (703) 758-9733 (703) 391-2978
Pogge, Brenda L. R 96th P.O. Box 1386, Yorktown, VA 23692 (757) 223-9690 (757) 741-2079
Poindexter, Charles D. R 9th P. O. Box 117, Glade Hill, VA 24092 (540) 576-2600 (540) 489-8484
Purkey, Harry R. R 82nd 2352 Leeward Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA (757) 481-1493 (757) 481-0724
23451
Putney, Lacey E. I 19th P.O. Box 127, Bedford, VA 24523 (540) 586-0080 (540) 586-9300
ext. 1
Ramadan, David I. R 87th 25050 Riding Plaza, #130-650, South Riding, (703) 348-7015 (703) 945-1741
VA 20152
Ransone, Margaret B. R 99th P.O. Box 358, Kinsale, VA 22488 (804) 493-8484 (804) 472-4834
Robinson, Roxann L. R 27th 9409 Hull Street Road Suite F-1 Rockwood (804) 308-1534 (804) 276-1346
Office Park, Richmond, VA 23236
Rush, Nick R 7th P.O. Box 1591, Christiansburg, VA 24068 (540) 381-2174
Rust, Thomas Davis R 86th 730 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170 (703) 437-9400 (703) 437-5410
Scott, Edward T. R 30th 206 S. Main Street, Suite 203, Culpeper, VA (540) 825-6400 (540) 547-3031
22701
Scott, James M. D 53rd P.O. Box 359, Merrifield, VA 22116 (703) 560-8338 (703) 560-2834
Sherwood, Beverly J. R 29th P.O. Box 2014, Winchester, VA 22604 (540) 667-8947 (540) 667-8840
Sickles, Mark D. D 43rd P.O. Box 10628, Franconia, VA 22310 (703) 922-6440 (703) 608-2837
Spruill, Lionell, Sr. D 77th P.O. Box 5403, Chesapeake, VA 23324 (757) 424-2178 (757) 420-0918
Stolle, Christopher P. R 83rd P.O. Box 5429, Virginia Beach, VA 23471 (757) 633-2080 (757) 496-0019
Surovell, Scott A. D 44th P.O. Box 289, Mount Vernon, VA 22121 (571) 249-4484 (703) 765-8115
Tata, Robert R 85th 4536 Gleneagle Drive, Virginia Beach, VA (757) 340-3510 (757) 499-2490
23462
Torian, Luke E. D 52nd 4222 Fortuna Plaza, Suite 659, Dumfries, VA (703) 785-2224 (703) 730-6353
22025
Toscano, David J. D 57th 211 E. High Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 220-1660 (434) 296-0981
Tyler, Roslyn C. D 75th 25359 Blue Star Highway, Jarratt, VA 23867 (434) 336-1710 (434) 246-4246
Villanueva, Ronald A. R 21st P.O. Box 61005 , Virginia Beach, VA 23466 (757) 216-3883 (757) 523-9393
Ward, Jeion A. D 92nd P.O. Box 7310, Hampton, VA 23666 (757) 827-5921 (757) 827-1928
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20. 2012
Ware, Onzlee D 11th 325 North Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA (540) 344-7410 (540) 342-7773
24016
Ware, R. Lee, Jr. R 65th P.O. Box 689, Powhatan, VA 23139 (804) 598-6696 (804) 598-4539
Watson, Michael B. R 93rd P.O. Box 6628, Williamsburg, VA 23188 (757) 645-5298 (757) 565-2933
Watts, Vivian E. D 39th 8717 Mary Lee Lane, Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 978-2989 (703) 978-2989
Webert, Michael J. R 18th P.O. Box 631, Marshall, VA 20116 (540) 999-8218 (540) 364-6128
Wilt, Tony O. R 26th P.O. Box 1425, Harrisonburg, VA 22803 (540) 437-1450 (540) 896-9376
Wright, Thomas C., Jr. R 61st P.O. Box 1323, Victoria, VA 23974 (434) 696-3061 (434) 696-2822
Yancey, David E. R 94th P.O. Box 1163, Newport News, VA 23601 (757) 897-3953 (757) 344-6681
Yost, Joseph R. R 12th P.O. Box 621, Blacksburg, VA 24063 (540) 577-4984 (540) 921-7708
Revised 1-23-12
Please visit the Virginia General Assembly website, http://legis.virginia.gov, for revised lists.
19

21. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
As of 1/11/2012
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
2012 SESSION STANDING COMMITTEES
AGRICULTURE, CHESAPEAKE AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - House Room C
Sherwood (Chair) Marshall, D.W. Wilt Plum James
Ware, R.L. Poindexter Morefield Lewis Torian
Wright Pogge Webert Bulova
Orrock Knight Ransone Sickles
Scott, E.T. (Vice Chair) Edmunds Fariss Englin
Clerk: Barbara L. Teague
APPROPRIATIONS
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, ½ hour after adjournment - Appropriations Room
Putney (Chair) Cox, M.K. (Vice Chair) Poindexter Scott, J.M. BaCote
Tata Landes Massie Joannou Dance
Ingram Jones Scott, E.T. Brink
May O'Bannon Peace Ware, O.
Sherwood Lingamfelter Greason Howell, A.T.
Clerk: John Shelhorse and David Schulteis
COMMERCE AND LABOR
Tuesday and Thursday, ½ hour after adjournment - House Room D
Kilgore (Chair) Rust Loupassi Johnson Lewis
Purkey Marshall, D.W. Cosgrove Joannou Tyler
Byron Cline Bell, R.B. Alexander
Ware, R.L. (Vice Chair) Miller Comstock McClellan
Hugo Merricks Habeeb Ward
Clerk: Terry Lynn
COUNTIES, CITIES AND TOWNS
Friday, 8:30 a.m. - House Room D
Ingram (Chair) Poindexter Stolle Spruill Kory
Marshall, R.G. Merricks LeMunyon Ware, O. Torian
Marshall, D.W. (Vice Chair) Knight Wilt McQuinn
Iaquinto Morefield Morris Howell, A.T.
Crockett-Stark Edmunds Hodges Surovell
Clerk: Annie Johnson
COURTS OF JUSTICE
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, ½ hour after adjournment - House Room C
Albo (Chair) Gilbert Farrell Toscano
Kilgore Miller Minchew Herring
Bell, R.B. (Vice Chair) Loupassi Morris McClellan
Cline Villanueva Johnson
Iaquinto Habeeb Watts
Clerk: Christine McCormick
EDUCATION
Monday, 9:00 a.m. - House Room C and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - Appropriations Room
Tata (Chair) Pogge LeMunyon Alexander Morrissey
Landes (Vice Chair) Massie Robinson Ware, O. Keam
Lingamfelter Greason Yost McClellan
Rust Bell, R.P. Yancey Tyler
Cole Stolle Dudenhefer Bulova
Clerk: Becky Cottrell
FINANCE
Monday, 8:30 a.m. and Wednesday, ½ hour after adjournment - House Room D
Purkey (Chair) Hugo (Vice Chair) Villanueva Johnson James
Orrock Cline Pogge Watts Carr
Ware, R.L. Marshall, R.G. Bell, R.P. Lewis
Byron Anderson O'Quinn Englin
Cole Garrett Head Keam
Clerk: Miriam Blackmon
20

22. 2012
As of 1/11/2012
GENERAL LAWS
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. and Thursday, ½ hour after adjournment - House Room C
Jones (Chair) Peace Cox, J.A. Ward Torian
Albo Anderson Helsel Dance McQuinn
Wright Greason Farrell Bulova
Iaquinto (Vice Chair) Knight Watson James
Gilbert LeMunyon Rush Carr
Clerk: George Cain
HEALTH, WELFARE AND INSTITUTIONS
Tuesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - House Room D
Orrock (Chair) Pogge Robinson Spruill Morrissey
O'Bannon (Vice Chair) Merricks Helsel Sickles Hope
Bell, R.B. Bell, R.P. Yost Howell, A.T.
Peace Garrett Ransone BaCote
Crockett-Stark Stolle Hodges Englin
Clerk: Becky Clarke
MILITIA, POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Friday, 9:00 a.m. - House Room C
Lingamfelter (Chair) Merricks Morris Lewis Kory
Sherwood Morefield Fariss Tyler Lopez
Wright (Vice Chair) Edmunds O'Quinn Filler-Corn
Cline Wilt Head Hope
Gilbert Webert Rush Surovell
Clerk: Betty Russo
PRIVILEGES AND ELECTIONS
Friday, 9:30 a.m. - Appropriations Room
Cole (Chair) Cosgrove Hugo Scott, J.M. Dance
Putney O'Bannon Cox, J.A. Alexander Spruill
Ingram Bell, R.B. Ramadan Joannou
Jones Miller (Vice Chair) Ransone Sickles
Albo Landes O'Quinn Howell, A.T.
Clerk: Marjorie Hrouda
RULES
Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. - Speaker's Conference Room
Howell, W.J. (Chair) Kilgore Orrock Johnson
Putney Ware, R.L. Gilbert (Vice Chair) Plum
Landes Sherwood Knight Alexander
Cox, M.K. Jones Joannou
Clerk: G. Paul Nardo
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - House Room D
Byron (Chair) Cosgrove Robinson Watts Kory
May Scott, E.T. Helsel Toscano Lopez
Purkey Crockett-Stark Ramadan Plum
Marshall, R.G. Comstock Watson Herring
Rust (Vice Chair) Anderson Dudenhefer Surovell
Clerk: William L. Owen
TRANSPORTATION
Tuesday, ½ hour after adjournment and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - House Room C
May (Chair) Tata Habeeb Ward Carr
Cosgrove (Vice Chair) Villanueva Anderson BaCote Filler-Corn
Rust Comstock Minchew Brink
Hugo Garrett Yancey Toscano
Scott, E.T. Cox, J.A. Dudenhefer McQuinn
Clerk: Claude W. Harrison
Location of House Committee Rooms
Rooms C and D Appropriations Room Speaker's Conference Room
First Floor - East Lobby Ninth Floor Sixth Floor
General Assembly Building General Assembly Building General Assembly Building
G. Paul Nardo
Clerk, House of Delegates
21

23. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
T HE H OUSE OF D ELEGATES S EATING C HART
MEMBER NAME SEAT NUMBER MEMBER NAME SEAT NUMBER
Albo, David B. ....................................... 59 Lopez, Alfonso H. .................................... 1
Alexander, Kenneth C. .......................... 22 Loupassi, G. M. (Manoli) ....................... 98
Anderson, Richard L. ............................ 38 Marshall, Daniel W., III .......................... 34
BaCote, Mamye E. .................................. 8 Marshall, Robert G. ............................... 91
Bell, Richard P. ..................................... 65 Massie, James P. (Jimmie), III ............... 85
Bell, Robert B. ...................................... 60 May, Joe T. ........................................... 53
Brink, Robert H. .................................... 16 McClellan, Jennifer L. ............................ 15
Bulova, David L. .................................... 20 McQuinn, Delores L. ............................. 13
Byron, Kathy J. ..................................... 48 Merricks, Donald W. .............................. 33
Carr, Betsy B. ....................................... 12 Miller, Jackson H. .................................. 97
Cline, Benjamin L. ................................. 66 Minchew, J. Randall .............................. 77
Cole, Mark L. ........................................ 94 Morefield, James W. (Will) ..................... 64
Comstock, Barbara J. ............................ 52 Morrissey, Joseph D. ............................. 36
Cosgrove, John A. ................................. 69 Morris, Richard L. ................................. 63
Cox, John A. ......................................... 26 O’Bannon, John M., III .......................... 46
Cox, M. Kirkland ................................... 75 O’Quinn, Israel D. ................................. 37
Crockett-Stark, Anne B. ......................... 55 Orrock, Robert D., Sr. ............................ 54
Dance, Rosalyn R. ................................ 30 Peace, Christopher K. ........................... 45
Dudenhefer, L. Mark .............................. 39 Plum, Kenneth R. .................................. 35
Edmunds, James E., II .......................... 57 Pogge, Brenda L. .................................. 87
Englin, David L. ...................................... 5 Poindexter, Charles D. ......................... 47
Fariss, C. Matthew ................................ 84 Purkey, Harry R. .................................... 71
Farrell, Peter F. ..................................... 62 Putney, Lacey E. ................................... 67
Filler-Corn, Eileen ................................. 17 Ramadan, David I. ................................ 90
Garrett, T. Scott .................................... 80 Ransone, Margaret B. ........................... 56
Gilbert, C. Todd ..................................... 72 Robinson, Roxann L. ............................. 81
Greason, Thomas A. ............................. 61 Rush, L. Nick ........................................ 32
Habeeb, Gregory D. .............................. 83 Rust, Thomas Davis .............................. 51
Head, Christopher T. ............................. 78 Scott, Edward T. .................................... 68
Helsel, Gordon C., Jr. ............................ 27 Scott, James M. .................................... 42
Herring, Charniele L. ............................. 31 Sherwood, Beverly J. ............................ 50
Hodges, M. Keith .................................. 28 Sickles, Mark D. .................................... 21
Hope, Patrick A. ...................................... 7 Spruill, Lionell, Sr. ................................. 43
Howell, Algie T., Jr. ................................ 19 Stolle, Christopher P. ............................ 99
Howell, William J. .................................. 79 Surovell, Scott A. .................................. 10
Hugo, Timothy D. .................................. 96 Tata, Robert .......................................... 70
Iaquinto, Salvatore R. ............................ 95 Torian, Luke E. ........................................ 2
Ingram, Riley E. .................................... 41 Toscano, David J. .................................... 4
James, Matthew .................................... 11 Tyler, Roslyn C. .................................... 14
Joannou, Johnny S. .............................. 23 Villanueva, Ronald A. ............................ 29
Johnson, Joseph P., Jr. ......................... 25 Ward, Jeion A. ........................................ 9
Jones, S. Chris ..................................... 92 Ware, Onzlee ........................................ 44
Keam, Mark L. ........................................ 6 Ware, R. Lee, Jr. ................................... 49
Kilgore, Terry G. .................................... 74 Watson, Michael B. ............................... 86
Knight, Barry D. .................................... 40 Watts, Vivian E. .................................... 24
Kory, Kaye .............................................. 3 Webert, Michael J. ................................ 88
Landes, R. Steven ................................. 73 Wilt, Tony O. ....................................... 100
LeMunyon, James M. ............................ 58 Wright, Thomas C., Jr. ........................... 76
Lewis, Lynwood W., Jr. .......................... 18 Yancey, David E. ................................... 89
Lingamfelter, L. Scott ............................ 93 Yost, Joseph R. ..................................... 82
22

24. 2012
23

25. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
L EGISLATIVE T ERMS
ACTS OF ASSEMBLY
Those bills passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor. An act is given a number which
represents the numerical sequence in which the bill was signed. This number refers to the “chapter” of the Acts
of Assembly, i.e. Senate Bill 79 became Chapter 23 of the Acts of Assembly, being the twenty-third bill signed
into law by the Governor. After the session, all acts are bound into volumes referred to as the Acts of Assembly.
Joint resolutions amending the Constitution of Virginia are also assigned a Chapter number, but are not signed
by the Governor, and are placed in the Acts of Assembly.
ADJOURNMENT
Termination of a session for that day, with the hour and day of the next meeting being set prior to
adjournment.
ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE
The final adjournment of the legislative Session. The Latin translation is without a day, an indefinite period.
AMENDMENT
A change made to legislation in committee or on the chamber floor that adds to, revises, or deletes language
from the legislation.
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
A substantive redrafting of legislation that incorporates the changes in a new version referred to as a
“substitute.” An amendment in the nature of a substitute may be proposed by a standing committee, a
member on the chamber floor, conference committee, or Governor.
BIENNIUM
A two-year term of legislative activity, usually used in association with the budget.
BILL
A proposal to amend, repeal or add sections to the Code of Virginia or Acts of Assembly.
BUDGET BILL
Recommended appropriations of state revenue presented by the Governor to the General
Assembly for its consideration during the legislative Session.
BY REQUEST
A member may add “by request” to his/her name when introducing a bill, which indicates that the bill has been
introduced at the request of a constituent, a governmental agency, or an organization.
CALENDAR
The daily printed agenda of business for each house. The Calendar also contains scheduled
committee meetings and public hearings.
24

26. 2012
CAUCUS
An informal meeting of a group of members, most often called on the basis of party affiliation or regional
representation.
CHAPTER
A bill passed and signed into law by the Governor. The term also applies to constitutional amendments passed
by the General Assembly and to bills passed notwithstanding the Governor’s objections or amendments.
CHARTER BILL
Legislation relating to powers of counties, cities, and towns specifically granted by the General Assembly.
Charters and changes thereto, are not codified and are found only in the Acts of Assembly.
CODE OF VIRGINIA
A compilation of laws of the Commonwealth that is arranged alphabetically by subject, with each subject
heading being referred to as a “Title.”
COMMITTEE
A group of legislators from the Senate or the House of Delegates organized for the purpose of considering and
deciding on the disposition of a bill or resolution.
Committee Actions
CARRY OVER (CONTINUE)—Action which removes the measure from consideration during an even-
numbered year Session and provides for its reconsideration at the next regular Session of the General
Assembly. No bill may be carried over in an odd-numbered year Session. A carry-over bill retains its
assigned bill number in the odd-numbered year Session.
FAIL TO REPORT (DEFEAT)—The committee rejects a motion to report a bill to the full house.
INCORPORATE—The committee incorporates one or more bills into another.
NO ACTION TAKEN—The committee takes no formal action on a measure and the bill dies at the time of
the committee deadline.
PASS BY INDEFINITELY (PBI)—An unfavorable committee action to kill a measure, known as PBI.
However, a bill may be passed by indefinitely at one committee meeting and reconsidered by the
committee at the next meeting upon a motion made by a member who voted on the prevailing side to PBI
the bill. If enough votes are changed, the bill may be reactivated and sent to the floor.
REPORT—The majority of the committee approves the bill and it is reported to the floor. The bill may be
reported three ways: without amendment(s), with amendment(s), or with an amendment in the nature of a
substitute. A bill may also be reported and referred to another committee.
REREFERRAL—The majority of the committee deems it necessary for another committee to consider the
legislation. (See Rereferral from the floor.)
STRIKE—The bill is removed from the docket. This action frequently occurs at the request of the patron.
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27. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
COMMITTEE DOCKET
A list prepared by the committee clerk of all legislation pending before a standing committee or subcommittee.
The order in which bills are taken up is determined by the Committee Chair.
COMPOSITE
A photograph made by combining two or more separate photographs.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A group of legislators, usually six, although the number may be increased, taken from the Senate and House of
Delegates, who meet to resolve the differences between the versions of a specific bill as passed by their
respective bodies.
CONSTITUENT
A citizen residing within the district of a legislator.
DILLON RULE
Restricts the authority of local governments with the respect to the enactment of ordinances. Local
governments only have powers granted by the Constitution of Virginia and/or passed by the General Assembly.
This authority is found in the Constitution of Virginia Article VII, Section 3.
DIVISION
A method of voting; a request that members stand or raise hands to be counted when the outcome of a voice
vote is unclear or in dispute.
EFFECTIVE DATE
Date on which a Chapter of the Acts of Assembly becomes a law. Laws become effective July 1 in the year they
are passed, unless otherwise specified. Laws passed at a Special Session become effective on the first day of
the fourth month following adjournment, unless otherwise specified.
EMERGENCY CLAUSE
Specifies a date other than July 1 for legislation to be effective. The effective date of legislation with an
emergency clause is the date when signed by the Governor.
ENGROSSED
A state in the legislative process when a bill passes the second reading in the house of origin. If amended, the
engrossed version of the legislation is printed incorporating all amendments that are agreed to. If not amended,
the introduced version of the legislation becomes the engrossed bill, and if an amendment in the nature of a
substitute is agreed to, the substitute becomes the engrossed bill.
ENROLLED
Legislation which has passed both the Senate and House of Delegates. It has been signed by the President of
the Senate and Speaker of the House and has been sent to the Governor, but not yet signed. If signed by the
Governor, the bill becomes a law and a Chapter of the Acts of Assembly.
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FLOOR LEADER
Refers to the majority or minority leadership in each house.
GERMANENESS
The relevance or appropriateness of amendments or substitutes relative to whether the topics of the
amendments or substitutes is relevant to the topic of the legislation being amended. Bills considered by the
General assembly shall contain only one topic. (See Constitution Article IV, Section 12.)
INTERIM
The interval between annual Sessions.
JOURNAL
The compilation of legislative actions and proceedings of the Senate and House of Delegates which are
published by their respective Clerk’s office. The Journal is the official record of each legislative body.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Permission granted to a member to be absent for a day.
LEGISLATIVE INTENT
The purpose for which a measure is introduced and/or passed.
LEGISLATOR
An elected member of a legislative body.
LEGISLATURE (GENERAL ASSEMBLY)
The branch of state government responsible for enacting laws.
LOBBYIST
A person who represents a particular interest or group of interests before the General Assembly.
MAJORITY LEADER
A member of the majority party designated to be its floor leader.
MAJORITY PARTY
The political party having the greater number of members in either house of the legislature.
MINORITY LEADER
A member of the minority party designated to be its floor leader.
MINORITY PARTY
The political party having the fewer number of members in either house of the legislature.
MORNING HOUR
A period at the beginning of each day’s Session when members may introduce distinguished visitors to their
colleagues, introduce legislation or speak on any subject by asking for a “Point of Personal Privilege.” In the
Senate, members may speak on a Point of Personal Privilege only after the Calendar has been considered.
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29. VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY
A question posed to the presiding officer for clarification of a point in the proceedings.
PATRON
A legislator who introduces a specific piece of legislation. Other legislators may show their support by
signing on as co-patrons.
READING
The presentation of a bill before either house requiring the reading and printing of the bill title. This formal
procedure is required by the Constitution and the Rules of each house and indicates to the legislators and
the public a stage in the enactment of a measure. The Constitution requires that bills receive three
readings or three printings by title on three different days in each house, unless readings are waived.
REAPPORTIONMENT
A redrawing of legislative district boundaries every ten years to provide equality of representation
according to population.
RECOMMITTAL
In the Senate, this is the reassignment of legislation to the last committee that considered it.
RECONSIDERATION
A motion which, when granted, results in another vote annulling or reaffirming an action previously taken.
Such a motion may be offered only by a member having voted previously on the prevailing side.
RECONVENED SESSION
A Session held on the sixth Wednesday after adjournment of each regular or special Session when the
legislature meets to consider and act on bills vetoed by the Governor and bills with recommendations by
the Governor. (See Article 4, Section 6 and Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia.)
REFERENDUM
A method by which a measure adopted by the legislature may be submitted to the voters.
REFERRAL
The assignment of legislation to a committee. In the Senate, referral is done by the Clerk of the Senate. In
the House of Delegates, it is done by the Speaker of the House.
REREFERRAL
In the Senate, this is the action on a measure taken by a committee of the Senate or House of Delegates
which sends that measure to another committee for consideration. It is done by the committee that is
considering it or by a member from the floor. In the House of Delegates, this is the reassignment of
legislation to the last committee that considered it.
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RESOLUTION
Legislation which requests a study or expresses legislative opinion or sentiment on a particular issue.
Resolutions do not have the force of law and do not require the signature of the Governor. Constitutional
amendments are signed by the presiding officer of each house and are assigned chapter numbers.
SESSION
The period of time for which the legislature officially convenes. In even-numbered years, the Session meets
for 60 days; in odd-numbered years it meets for 30 days. The Session may be extended for a maximum of
30 days. The odd-numbered year Sessions are usually extended to 46 days.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Regular committees of the legislature set up to perform certain legislative functions, and to consider
legislation regarding certain areas of the law.
SUBCOMMITTEE
A group of legislators who are members of a standing committee selected by the Committee Chair to
consider certain categories of bills. Subcommittees make recommendations to the full committee.
SUNSET
The expiration date of a legislative measure.
VETO
Action by which the Governor refuses to sign legislation passed by the General Assembly. The Governor
returns the vetoed bill to its house of origin. A 2/3 vote of each body is required to overturn a veto.
VOTE
Formal expression of will or decision by the legislative body.
VOTE, EN BLOC
The disposition of several items, such as a series of bills or amendments, by taking one vote.
VOTE, RECORDED
A roll call vote in which each member electronically votes yea, nay, or abstain. The vote is recorded in the
Journal of each legislative body.
VOTE, VOICE
Oral expression of the members when a question is submitted for their determination. Response is given
by “yeas” and “nays,” and the presiding officer states his/her decision as to which side prevails.
YIELD
The relinquishing of the floor by one member to another member to speak or ask a question during debate.
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31. L EGISLATIVE I NFORMATION C ONTACTS
Please visit our website at http://virginia.legis.gov or contact us:
Legislative Information and Constituent Services (LINCS) Legislative Education and Development (LEAD)
Senate of Virginia House of Delegates
PO Box 396 PO Box 406
Richmond, VA 23218 Richmond, VA 23218
(804) 698-7410 (808) 698-1500
Toll Free (888) 892-6948 Toll Free 1-877-391-FACT
information@senate.virginia.gov LEAD@house.virginia.gov
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