What's Current ...
DLS has published the Legislator's Guide to the Division of Legislative Services.
The Division of Legislative Services is the
legislative branch agency created statutorily by the General Assembly
to provide nonpartisan legal and general research services to members
of the General Assembly and its standing committees in the House of Delegates
and Senate of Virginia.
Services we provide
Drafting Legislation
The Division drafts bills and resolutions at the request of individual legislators and legislative commissions and executive, judicial and independent agencies for consideration by the General Assembly.
Legal and Research Support and Policy Analysis
The Division provides year-round legal and research support and policy analysis to all legislators, standing committees and most permanent legislative commissions and to interim legislative study committees, subcommittees and commissions.
Legislative Reference Center
The Legislative Reference Center serves the information needs of members of the General Assembly and legislative staff.
Central Repository of Statewide Regulations
The Code Commission, staffed by the Division, serves as the central repository for all regulations adopted by state agencies, publishes the Virginia Register of Regulations, and coordinates publication of the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Administrative Code.
FOIA Opinions and Training
The Freedom of Information Advisory Council, staffed by the Division, answers questions from private citizens, state and local public officials, and the media about access to public records and meetings.
Redistricting
Using geographic information systems (GIS), the Division provides Virginia legislators and the public with information on state legislative and congressional districts and plans in order to facilitate statewide redistricting efforts following each decennial census.
