Virginia Code Commission

January 21, 2010

The Virginia Code Commission met in Richmond to discuss proposed changes to the Code of Virginia published by LexisNexis.

Presentation

Anders Ganten, Sr. Director, Government Content Acquisition, LexisNexis
Mr. Ganten advised members that LexisNexis is building a new system for publishing all of its state codes. The goals for the new system include providing consistency between the various state codes and making sure the format and appearance are current and relevant.

Mr. Ganten stated that LexisNexis proposed to implement style changes to the Code of Virginia in the July 2010 supplements and replacement volumes. The proposed changes include increased spacing and in some cases, increased font sizes. The new format would be phased in as volumes are replaced. As inventory sells out, a determination will be made about whether to implement the new formatting changes in the reprinted volumes.

The primary concern expressed by the Code Commission was that the proposed formatting changes would likely result in an increase in the page count of each volume. Mr. Ganten estimated that the size of the Code of Virginia will increase by approximately 8-10 percent.

Mr. Ganten explained that LexisNexis performed market research on the issue, which showed that law students do not generally use the Code of Virginia in book form. However, later in their careers the students discover the utility of the actual book. The proposed appearance and formatting changes cater to a generation that is used to reading material online. The changes are intended to make the book easier to browse and navigate.

A motion was approved to authorize LexisNexis to move forward with implementing the changes in 2010.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Code Commission will be Wednesday, August 18, 2010.

Chairman:
The Hon. John S. Edwards

For information, contact:
Jane Chaffin, DLS Staff