The General Assembly, at its 1966 Regular Session, directed the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to conduct a study and render a report on matters relating to per diem compensation for members of State boards and commissions.

The Council appointed Dr. J. D. Hagood of Clover, member of the Senate and the Council, to serve as Chairman of a Committee to make the preliminary study and Report.

The following individuals accepted the Council's invitation to serve on the Committee: Lloyd C. Bird, member of the Senate, Chesterfield County; William M. Lightsey, member of the House, Arlington County; Charles L. McCormick, III, Attorney at Law, Halifax; James W. Roberts, member of the House, Norfolk; W. Roy Smith, member of the House, Petersburg; and C. B:. Taylor, Executive Vice-President and Secretary, Virginia Manufacturers Association, Richmond.

Colonel Roberts was elected Vice-Chairman of the Committee. G. M. Lapsley and Daniel E. Bray, Jr., served as Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the Committee.

The Committee discussed the problem of varying per diem payments at several meetings and conducted a public hearing in Richmond to which all concerned were invited to express opinions and render recommendations concerning the subject matter; it had the benefit of an extensive compilation of statistical data prepared in response to a questionnaire to all State boards, committees and commissions; and it reviewed the various statutes pertaining to the subject matter. We express our appreciation to the several agencies which assisted in the study and especially to Honorable John W. Garber, Director, Division of Personnel, with whom the Committee had several consultations. We especially thank the members of the Committee for the contribution of their time and knowledge toward the study of this complex subject.

The Committee concluded its study and submitted a report containing its findings to the Council. The Council has reviewed the report of the Committee and has reached the conclusions and makes the recommendation hereinafter set forth.