During the 1975 Session of the General Assembly, several bills relating to the disclosure of financial interests by and conflicts of interest of public officials were introduced. Recognizing the importance of citizen confidence in public officials and the need for a close examination of existing law on these subjects, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill No. 893 directing a study of financial disclosure and conflict of interest statutes.

Serving on the Committee as representatives of the Senate General Laws Committee were Adelard L. Brault, Fairfax; Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr., Fairfax; and, Stanley C. Walker, Norfolk. The House General Laws Committee selected L. Ray Ashworth, Wakefield, A. Victor Thomas, Roanoke, and Kenneth B. Rollins, Leesburg, to serve on the Committee. Hunter B. Andrews, Hampton, Frederick T. Gray; Chesterfield, and, Coleman B. Yeatts, Chatham, served on the Committee for the Senate Courts of Justice Committee. The House Courts of Justice Committee appointed George E. Allen, Jr., Richmond, Clinton Miller, Woodstock, and, Richard W. Elliott, Rustburg, to represent that Committee on this study.

Adelard L. Brault was elected Chairman of the study and George E. Allen, Jr. was elected Vice Chairman. Staff assistance was provided by Laurens Sartoris, Attorney, and Constance D. Sprouse, Research Associate, of the Division of Legislative Services. Gordon A. Wilkins, Jr., Attorney-at-Law and former Senate General Laws Committee counsel also provided assistance to the Committee.