Virginia Biotechnology Association

Together, We're Working Wonders in Virginia

Welcome to VaBio.org

Public Policy

The Virginia Biotechnology Association (VaBIO) focuses on public policy issues facing the biosciences at the state and federal level. Members work to educate policy makers about the industry and the significant impact it has on Virginia.

2008 Virginia General Assembly Information: Each year, the Virginia Biotechnology Association tracks bills and resolutions introduced in the state legislature. Here is a link to legislation of interest in the 2008 Session:http://www.richmondsunlight.com/photosynthesis/3t1bh/

About the Virginia General Assembly: The Virginia General Assembly dates from the establishment of the House of Burgesses at Jamestown in 1619. It is heralded by Virginians as the “oldest continuous law-making body in the New World.” The 1776 Virginia Constitution confirmed our bicameral legislature, which consists of the House of Delegates and Senate of Virginia. The present state Constitution, adopted in 1970, provides that the House of Delegates shall consist of 90 to 100 members and the Senate shall consist of 33 to 40 members. All members of the General Assembly are elected by qualified voters within their respective House and Senate districts. The terms of office are two years for members of the House and four years for members of the Senate. Members may not hold any other public office during their term of office. The General Assembly’s chief responsibilities are to represent citizens in the formulation of public policy, enact laws of the Commonwealth, approve the budget, levy taxes, elect judges and confirm appointments by the Governor.

Click here to find out who represents you in the state legislature: http://conview.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/main?openform

In addition to VaBIO’s active Government Affairs Committee, board members, staff and numerous members of the Association are currently serving or have served on gubernatorial commissions and legislative advisory committees focused on biosciences and economic development.

Bioscience leaders from across the Commonwealth work to educate officials at the local, state and national levels. Who will look out for our interests unless we, the industry, speak with one voice?

To participate, please contact VaBIO.