The Joint Legislative Committee (JLC) monitors the Virginia General Assembly during each session, reviewing new bills and changes to existing laws affecting architectural practice, in order to ensure that the complicated issues surrounding the practice of architecture are known to lawmakers. The JLC comprises representatives of the VSAIA, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia, and the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers. Mandatory continuing education, the major initiative sponsored by the Joint Legislative Committee this year, won universal support in the General Assembly and the governor's office. The law requires the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects to begin developing regulations to implement the law. Representatives from the VSAIA, professional engineers and land surveyors (the three licensed professions regulated by APELSCIDLA) worked for years preparing the way for the legislation. Over a 24-month span, this same group developed draft regulations for review by the board. Traditionally, it takes the board about two years to develop and approve such regulations. The licensed professions hope that the draft regulations will reduce that time frame. Download the 2007 Virginia Legislative Summary (PDF). Download the 2006 Virginia Legislative Summary (PDF). Download the 2005 Virginia Legislative Summary (PDF).