General Assembly Overview

The General Assembly's chief responsibilities are to represent citizens in the formulation of public policy, enact laws of the Commonwealth, approve the budget, levy taxes, elect judges and confirm appointments by the Governor.
The legislature meets every year, starting the second Wednesday in January.  "Long" sessions last 60 days in even numbered years and "short" sessions last 45 days in odd-numbered years.  The General Assembly crafts its biennial (two-year) budget during the long sessions.  During the short sessions, lawmakers simply make adjustments to the existing biennial budget eneacted the previous year.

Membership
The House of Delegates is comprised of 100 delegates, whereas the Senate of Virginia is made up of 40 senators.  The Speaker of the House is elected by the majority party and he presides over the House of Delegates during floor sessions.  The Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate of Virginia.

Special Sessions
The Governor may call a special session if he believes it is necessary, but he is obligated to do so if petitioned by two-thirds of both the House and Senate.
 

Reconvened Sessions
The recovnened session is generally known as the "veto" session, which is a one day sesssion held the the sixth Wednesday after a general session to consider the governor's recommendations and vetoed legislation.  The veto session is normally held in April.

Statewide Elected Officials
Governor                                        Robert F.  "Bob" McDonnell
Lieutenant Governor                      William T. Bolling
Attorney General                            Kenneth T. Cuccinelli II

How a Bill Becomes a Law