About DLAS

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ABOUT THE AGENCY

The Division of Legislative Automated Systems (DLAS) was created in 1980 to "represent the interests of the General Assembly in activities involving obtaining and maintaining data processing services, electronic components, and other related items". Specific duties and responsibilities identified in the Code of Virginia include:

operate a data processing center

establish and maintain a legislative information system

obtain and manage publishing and printing services

perform computing and programming services

provide technical assistance, and

collect fees to offset service and printing costs

The division employs 18 staff organized into five operational units; 1) Local Area Network Systems, 2) Wide Area Network Systems, 3) User Services, 4) Publication Development, and 5) Publication Distribution and Printing. DLAS staff strive to design, implement, and maintain information system solutions that enhance the on-going activities of the General Assembly and legislative agencies.

Services provided by DLAS are two-fold: 1) technical and user services and 2) publication services.

Technical and User Services

DLAS staff work together to provide information systems and support for the General Assembly, legislative agencies, and the public. For the General Assembly and legislative agencies, DLAS provides:

systems development and programming services.
inter-connectivity among and between agencies.
application training and assistance.
assistance in procuring computer equipment and services.
maintenance of equipment and connections.
systems to record and monitor the status of bills active in the legislative process.
telephone and personnel support to assist in resolving problems with systems and services.

DLAS is also directed in the Code of Virginia to provide an electronic legislative information system for all state agencies, political subdivisions, and the public, as well as the General Assembly and its agencies. DLAS continually works to improve access and the quality of the Legislative Information System (LIS). System features include:

full text, history, amendments, and votes for each bill and resolution.
committee meetings and dockets.
daily minutes and calendars.
legislator's addresses, phone numbers, and introduced legislation.
on-line searchable legislation, Code of Virginia, and Virginia Administrative Code data bases.

Publication Services

The Code of Virginia directs DLAS to "order and ....requisition" printing at the direction of the House and Senate and to charge and collect fees to cover the cost of "printing, binding, handling, ....and mailing". Specific legislative documents include bills, resolutions, House and Senate documents, Journals of the House and Senate, and the Acts of Assembly. DLAS staff carry out this mandate by overseeing the composition, printing, and distribution of these documents. The legislative document publication process is monitored to ensure format continuity and quality. Services include:

data entry and composition.
on-demand printing services.
technical assistance and document processing guidelines.
printing contracts management.

DLAS operates the Legislative Bill Room located in the basement of the General Assembly building as the central receiving and distribution point for all legislative documents. The Legislative Publication Subscription Service is available for complete sets of legislative documents and Acts of Assembly.

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