Stressing the importance of mechanics' lien laws (see Chapter 1 of Title 42, Code of Virginia) to the economy of Virginia and the fact that such laws have not been studied since 1979, House Joint Resolution No. 418 (1991), patroned by Delegate Glenn R. Croshaw, directed this study subcommittee to determine any necessary revision and amendment of all such laws (Appendix A).

Of primary concern was the question of whether subcontractors, suppliers and materialmen should continue to receive lien priority under Virginia's mechanics' lien laws to the extent their labor or materials add to the value of a building or structure. Therefore, in addition to legislators, citizen members representing general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and materialmen, title insurance companies and construction lenders were appointed to the subcommittee.