Joint Commission on Technology and Science

July 1, 1997, Richmond

Created by the 1997 Virginia General Assembly as a permanent legislative agency, the Joint Commission on Technology and Science is charged with studying all aspects of technology and science and with stimulating, encouraging, promoting, and assisting in the development of technology and science in Virginia through sound public policies. Effective July 1, the commission replaced the Joint Subcommittee Studying Technology and Science (HJR 498), which has published its final report (House Document No. 81, 1997).

Work Plan

At its first meeting, the commission adopted its 1997 work plan, which identifies six issues for active study through the establishment and work of advisory committees, to be chaired by commission members. The issues are: the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission's studies of Virginia's data processing and related services and "Year 2000" compatibility, implementation of digital signatures by the Council on Information Management, civil and criminal laws, and the Center for Innovative Technology's blueprint for technology-based economic development in Virginia.

The commission is currently seeking persons with expertise in these six issues to serve on its advisory committees. Upon official appointment by Chairman Plum, such persons will be entitled to vote in advisory committee meetings and receive the citizen per diem rate of $50 plus reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Due to the commission's budgetary constraints, Chairman Plum will be encouraging advisory committee members who are able to waive per diems and expense reimbursements.

The work plan also identifies six issues to be introduced at full commission meetings: cyber-legislatures, public records and access, taxing electronic trade and commerce, the Council on Information Management's Geographic Information Network Division and Advisory Board, genetic testing, and alternative uses of tobacco.

Meeting Schedule

All commission and advisory committee meetings are open to the public. Additional information may be obtained from the commission's web site (http://legis.state.va.us/agencies.htm). To date, the commission's 1997 meeting schedule is as follows:

Thursday, August 28, 1997, 1 p.m., CIT Advisory Committee. Briefing Room, The Center for Innovative Technology, 2214 Rock Hill Road, Herndon.

Monday, September 8, 1997, 1 p.m., Year 2000 Advisory Committee. Senate Room A, General Assembly Building, 910 Capitol Street, Richmond. Note: This meeting has been planned to follow a morning meeting of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, where it is expected that JLARC will receive a report on its study of the Year 2000 problem. JLARC's meeting is open to the public.

Wednesday, September 24, 1997, 1:30 p.m., Joint Commission. House Room C, General Assembly Building, 910 Capitol Street, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 22, 1997, 1:30 p.m., Joint Commission. Briefing Room, The Center for Innovative Technology, 2214 Rock Hill Road, Herndon. Note: Plans are being finalized to videoconference this meeting to sites in Hampton, Halifax, and Lynchburg, all of which will be open to the public.

Wednesday, November 19, 1997, 1:30 p.m., Joint Commission. House Room D, General Assembly Building, 910 Capitol Street, Richmond.