Authority: Discretionary Inclusion

A. The Joint Rules Committee shall review the purpose and effectiveness of existing legislative commissions with fewer than five staff positions to identify potential opportunities for consolidation and elimination. As part of its review, the Committee shall identify savings estimated at $591,000 the second year from commission efficiencies, consolidation of staff into a centralized support unit within the Division of Legislative Services, and consolidation and/or elimination of existing commissions. In determining the need for legislative commissions, the committee shall take into account the responsibilities and activities of standing committees of the House of Delegates and Senate with the objective of avoiding duplication.

B. Upon approval by the Joint Rules Committee, out of this appropriation, $75,000 each year from the general fund shall be transferred to the Chesapeake Bay Commission for the Bi-State Blue Crab Advisory Committee.

C. Upon approval by the Joint Rules Committee, out of this appropriation, $13,200 in the first year shall be provided to fund the continuation of the Virginia Rural Prosperity Commission for the purpose of establishing the Center for Rural Virginia.

D.1. Included in this appropriation is $500,000 the first year and $434,000 the second year from the general fund and 10 positions for the Capitol Police for enhanced security at the seat of government. Prior to allocating these funds, the Committee on Joint Rules shall examine the staffing requirements necessary to ensure sufficient security measures are in place.

2. Included in this appropriation is $44,000 each year for increased Workers' Compensation costs for the Division of Capitol Police.