Virginia Legislative Research

Virginia Legislative Research Subject Guide

This subject guide covers Virginia legislative research available at the Johnston Memorial Library, including full-text journals, magazine, and newspaper articles, grants management websites, and printed materials in the Reference Collection. This is not a comprehensive subject guide, but rather a selective list of materials that are most useful for locating information in this field. Library location and call number are provided for print publications.

Electronic Information

Print Resources

Electronic Information

Code of Virginia. Online access to all the exiting laws of Virginia. Includes a listing of all code titles and popular name listing of acts and laws.

House and Senate Documents. Full-text access to reports to the General Assembly. Site can be searched.

How Bills Become Laws. Good explanation of how a bill become law.

Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The General Assembly identifies topics for the commission to review and analyze. These reports provide in depth information on current problems facing the Commonwealth.

Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe. This database provides access to several full-text Virginia newspapers. When the General Assembly is in session this is an excellent way to obtain background information on current legislation. The same would apply when seeking background information on historic bills. Full-text Law Reviews are available at this site. This includes the Virginia Law Review. This would be a good source to locate information about laws and legislation on Virginia.

Opinions of the Attorney General. Searching the opinions can provide pertinent information on a topic.

Virginia General Assembly. Online access to complete bill status, searchable text of legislation, patron history, and roll call votes (committee and floor) from 1994- present.

Who's My Legislator. Quick way to find your General Assembly representatives.

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Print Resources

Acts of Assembly. Annual. Contains enactments of the Virginia General Assembly for each session.
Location: Reference Collection, First Floor. Call Number: REF XL1000 L4a.
Code of Virginia. Periodic new volumes, updated annually by pocket parts.This work is a codification of the general and permanent laws of the Commonwealth. Sections are arranged numerically within titles. Location: Reference Collection, First Floor. Call Number: XL4000.C6 L4.
House and Senate Documents. Issued as printed throughout the year; bound annually. Reports requested by and submitted to the General Assembly. Location: Reference Collection, First Floor. Call Number: XL1000 S7d.

House and Senate Journals. Detailing of floor activities, including roll call votes, committee reports, and conference reports. Location: Reference Collection, First Floor. Call Number: XL3000 S7j.

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