Division of Legislative Services

About DLS Mission The Division's mission is to assist legislators in fulfilling their duties and obligations as members of the General Assembly. This is accomplished by providing clear, concise, and objective information to all 140 members of the General Assembly. DLS History In 1914 the Virginia General Assembly created, within the Office of the Attorney General, the Legislative Reference Bureau. The Bureau's sole function was to draft legislation for introduction in the General Assembly. During a major governmental reorganization in 1930, the Bureau became the Division of Statutory Research and Drafting and was moved from the Attorney General's Office to the Legislative Branch of state government. In addition to continuing the bill-drafting duties, this new agency was charged with other legal services in support of the General Assembly.. In 1973 the Division of Statutory Research and Drafting was redesignated the Division of Legislative Services, changing it from a purely legal service agency to a legal and general service agency. In 1975, following a pilot program, the Division was given the responsibility of providing both legal and research staff support to all legislators and standing committees of both houses of the General Assembly.