In mid-1977, the availability of funding from the National Science Foundation for planning a mechanism to incorporate scientific and technological information into the legislative process in Virginia became known. Acting on this knowledge, a proposal was submitted and a project funded in the Division of Legislative Services to examine Virginia's need for transferring information broadly classed as "Science and Technology" (S & T) into the legislative process. Further, if the need were established; a means of accomplishment was to be planned.

In order to carry out the proposed project, two capacities were established and filled. First of all, a Legislative Scientific Advisor was added to the Division of Legislative Services' staff. Second, a Legislative Scientific and Technological Advisory Committee was created by passage of House Joint Resolution No. 7 (See Appendix IV). The principal task of this committee was to oversee the planning project and recommend a course of implementation. The committee's action with respect to the report is indicated on the signature page.