JLARC Statutory Authority

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is authorized to complete its studies and other legislative oversight activities pursuant to several sections of the Code of Virginia:

The duties of the Commission and the nature of its studies are specified in sections 30-56 through 30-63 of the Code of Virginia. Report findings and recommendations are to be submitted to the agencies concerned, the Governor, and the General Assembly. In 2001, the General Assembly amended the Commission's general authority to require an annual report on State spending. The 2007 General Assembly further expanded the Commission's authority to include a pilot review of State agency budget submissions.

The Program Review and Evaluation Act provides for periodic review and evaluation of selected topics from among all seven program functions of State government.

Section 2.2-803 of the Code of Virginia gives the Commission the authority to establish new internal service funds and to discontinue those no longer needed. To carry out this duty, the Commission reviews the status of these funds on a continuing basis. The Commission has adopted policies for its review of internal service funds.

The 1994 General Assembly approved the Virginia Retirement System Oversight Act (§§ 30-78 through 30-84 of the Code of Virginia), which directs the Commission to oversee and evaluate VRS on a continuing basis.

Section 2.2-4005 of the Code of Virginia directs JLARC to conduct periodic reviews of exemptions authorized by the Virginia Administrative Process Act (VAPA).

Since 1999, language in the Appropriation Act requires JLARC to assist with fiscal impact analysis and to conduct oversight of the expenditure forecasting process.

Since 2003 § 22.1-97 of the Code of Virginia has required JLARC to "report annually to the House Committees on Education and Appropriations and the Senate Committees on Finance and Education and Health the state expenditure provided each locality for an educational program meeting the Standards of Quality." This work by JLARC staff is to be coordinated with the Virginia Department of Education (DOE).

In 2006, the General Assembly amended § 2.2-2503 and § 30-58.1 of the Code of Virginia, directing JLARC to complete evaluations of the proposed mandated health insurance benefits and to report its findings to the Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Health Insurance Benefits.