For Release: June 11, 2009
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Attorney General’s Office Streamlines Government With Comprehensive Review of State Administrative Code
‘Government and Regulatory Reform Task Force’ Releases Final Report,
Makes 350 Recommendations for Reform
RICHMOND – The Attorney General’s “Government and Regulatory Reform Task Force” released its full report today, making 350 recommendations for change covering more than 20 agencies and boards in state government.
The 3-year study was conducted by experts in the fields of agriculture, infrastructure, the environment, small business and health care, along with general public input. The group performed a line-by-line review of more than 8,700 pages of regulations that govern Virginians’ everyday lives.
Examples of recommendations for change included elimination of regulations no longer permitted by state law, consolidation of similar regulations in different parts of the administrative code covering the same subject area and updates to regulations, some of which had not been updated in more than 20 years.
Four significant legislative proposals of the Task Force have been approved by the General Assembly. These include: fast-tracking certain amendments to regulations, ensuring full public participation in the rule-making process, and expanding the scope and transparency of one of Virginia’s public-private partnership acts.
The systematic review began in 2006 by former Attorney General Bob McDonnell, joined by the Governor’s Office, the Lieutenant Governor, past and present legislators, business leaders, consumer advocates and private citizens. At public meetings, regulations were reviewed and voted on for modification, elimination, external action or retention.
“Virginia’s regulations affect so many aspects of our lives,” Attorney General Bill Mims said. “By bringing together citizens and policy experts to propose reforms in the administrative code, former Attorney General Bob McDonnell performed a great public service. The Task Force’s reasoned, common sense decisions will make our state government more effective and efficient.”
For a copy of the full report, click here, and for more on the “Government & Regulatory Reform Task Force” – including membership rosters, interim reports, meeting schedule, photos, press materials and media coverage – visit www.vaag.com and click “Key Issues."
