Each session, the General Assembly is called to pass upon numerous requests to provide legislation for the regulation of occupational groups. In recent times, among the diverse groups seeking regulation have been well drillers, watch repairmen, nurserymen and geologists. Following the initial enactment of legislation providing for regulation, additional legislation is required in subsequent years to revamp this legislation to accommodate changing conditions. Thus, Committees on General Laws of the House of Delegates and Senate are called on ceaselessly not only to pass upon such minor update items as fees and educational requirements on behalf of existing regulatory boards and commissions, but also to consider legislation adding additional boards and commissions beyond the existing nine (9) independent and the twenty (20) regulatory bodies, the latter of which are served by the Department of Professional and Occupational Registration. In the case of polygraph operators the Department of Professional and Occupational Registration administers the affairs of the professions without the aid of a board. This circumstance does not mitigate the need for constant legislative amendment of applicable laws.

The volume of requests for new boards, and the need for supplemental legislation dealing with existing boards, impose a heavy burden on the legislative process, consuming enormous amounts of time and eroding energies available to deal with other legislation.

As a consequence of the awareness of the foregoing, during the 1972 Session of the General Assembly House Joint Resolution No. 41 was approved directing the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to study the laws regulating professions and occupations and their administration.